Pre-1997, pub roasts were a dime a dozen in Hong Kong thanks to the city’s British influence. Now, though, the classic Sunday Roast is not as easy to find – in fact, it’s next to impossible to even find a good British-style pub these days. So, we did a little sleuthing to hunt down what remains of this British institution and found the best Sunday Roasts in Hong Kong.
Lobster Bar & Grill
Recently arrived from Gough on Gough’s, chef Cary Docherty has slowly been adding his deft culinary touches to the menu of this iconic restaurant at the Island Shangri-La, and as of May, that includes a lavish Sunday Roast offering. Kick things off with decadent appetizers – the restaurant’s classic lobster bisque is, of course, available – then move onto your meats (or Celeriac Steak, if that’s your thing) that comes with (of course) Yorkshire puddings, gravy, and veggies. It’s only right to pair your meal with the bar’s signature Bloody Mary (served free-flow and tableside). If you can still fit it in, there’s dessert on offer, too, from an oh-so-British Sticky Toffee Pudding or cheese platter.
Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Ct Rd, Central, 2820-8560, http://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/dining/restaurants/lobster-bar-grill/
Mandarin Bar + Grill
Ready to spend the whole afternoon lingering over what might just be the most extravagant Sunday Roast in town? This Michelin-starred restaurant dishes up a five-course epic that takes the humble pub stable and elevates it into a full-on experience. Start with snacks (scallops, beef tartare, and oysters) while you decide what style of Onsen egg you want (we can highly recommend the Eggs Benedict) and your choice of appetizer (lobster bisque, or salad, for example).
For the main event, several meat options are available, as is a veggie dish, but you may as well go the whole hog by opting for the tableside prime rib service, served with gravy, Yorkshire pudding, and a selection of sides. The final touch is an epic dessert service – currently being served afternoon tea-style to the table. For the ultimate touch, add on a free-flow package fronted by Ruinart Champagne.
$688 (+$358/$598 for two-hour free-flow package)
1/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd Central, Central, 2825-4004, http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/victoria-harbour/fine-dining/restaurants/european-cuisine/mandarin-grill-and-bar
Shoreditch
Kennedy Town’s fast becoming Hong Kong’s foodie central, so it’s only fair that this joint – appropriately named for a slightly grungy, very hipster part of London – serves up a classic Sunday Roast experience. The best part? You can get a roast all though the weekend – there’s lamb or chicken on Saturdays and beef or chicken on Sundays. Of course, all of this is served with the traditional trimmings of potatoes, carrots, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy; it’s also bookended by a choice of soup or salad to kick things off or a solid dessert.
$198-268
18 Catchick St, Kennedy Town, 2242-3777, http://shoreditch.hk
Mr Wolf
Offering a modern take on the Sunday Roast in an easily accessible location in Central, Mr Wolf’s Sunday offering is great yet simple and hearty. That’s an aged beef roast rib, crackling pork loin from Wick’s Manor, or million herbs half-roasted chicken. On the side? Roasted veggies, truffled cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire pudding, and – in a nice slightly local touch – bone marrow gravy.
$288 (+$250 for two-hour free-flow package)
5/F Crawford House, 70 Queen’s Road, Central, 2526-0838, http://mrwolf.hk
The Globe
If you truly want the full British Sunday Roast experience, there’s no other place to be than this pub which almost replicates the English pub experience in the heart of SoHo. The Sunday carvery features Ashdale beef – and occasionally, a pork variety. Of course, it’s served with all the trimmings, and you can add a starter and/or dessert. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a selection of The Globe’s beers to complete the pub visit. Go early, though – there’s only a limited supply of roasts available, so once they run out, you’re done.
2 courses $290 / 3 courses $310
Garley Building, 45-53A Graham St, Central, 2543-1941, http://www.theglobe.com.hk
Statement
This British outpost from Aqua Restaurant Group – appropriately located in the British colonial era buildings of Tai Kwun – serves a modern Britannia Brunch that elevates the Sunday Roast. This definitely ain’t your corner pub. Begin your feast with a choice of appetizers – think oysters, lobster thermidor, and goose liver paté – then move on to the real deal. For the ultimate experience, order the tableside British beef or the guinea fowl with – you guessed it – Yorkshire pudding and all the rest. be sure to complete the experience with dessert and the free-flow package.
$628
Police Headquarters Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central, 2848-3000, http://www.statement.com.hk
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