The Pawn

In the heart of the busy Wan Chai district clustered with new restaurants, chains and a wide array of shops, a building with a cream-yellow exterior, lighting shaft, French windows, and colonial balustrades stood out with its old architectural style. Dating back to 1888, the Pawn was once a series of four-storey interconnected “tong lau”, or tenement buildings which were typical shophouse buildings in pre-war Hong Kong when the ground floor would be occupied by (sometimes family-owned) shops and the upper floors were for residential use. As suggested by its name, a pawnshop called Woo Cheong was the earliest owner of the building closest to Tai Wong Street East.

At some point, the other buildings were occupied by fashion retail, a beauty parlor, and the Yu Family’s association. After restoration, the historic building was revitalized with a restaurant and bar concept. It offers al fresco dining across two floors, with Botanicals Bar on the first floor and Kitchen on the second. Visitors can savor western dishes on the breezy balcony or sip cocktails while taking in the sunset.