What’s On Hong Kong: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Feb. 8-15, 2023

Ahh, another week is upon us and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the 852! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Hong Kong’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.   

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Hong Kong to see what’s best in store for the week ahead.

1. What’s in a Hashtag?

The 2023 edition of the TEDxHKU annual conference investigates the overarching concept of the ‘#Hashtag,’ inviting six Hong Kong-based speakers from diverse backgrounds to introduce new ideas on their field of expertise to eager learners. Covering a range of topics from data assetization (Vivian Li), to mental health (Stephanie Ng), to creativity and imagination (Luca Lo Sicco), and more, open your mind and drop in on the dialogue by buying tickets here.

When: 6:30PM – 9:30PM, Feb. 11

Where: Yuet Ming Auditorium, CYMCC, HKU University Drive, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

How much: HK$185

2. Gods and Monxxters

Unafraid to dive into the dark, Benson Koo’s works are a visceral look into the cracked mirror held against the festering world we all inhabit. Venturing into inks, acrylics, and oil stick drawings on archival paper and rice paper, his new series of works featured in this solo show, ‘Monxxters,’ add a Barca mystique to his repertoire that have been influenced by his exploits in Spain last year.

Swing along for opening night on Feb. 9, which is set to star a DJ playing live tracks inspired by the pieces, going with projected animation installations based off Benson’s work.

When: Feb. 9 – 20

(Opening night) 5PM until Late, Feb. 9

Where: Young Soy Gallery, G/F, 3 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Free

3. Made by Monocle

Transporting London’s quaint Monocle Café to EAST Hong Kong, this designer pop-up is a modern lifestyle marvel designed to appeal to those with a taste for the finer things in life and quality designer lifestyle goods. The recognisable monochrome striped frame hosts curated items such as chic Made in UK leather accessories, Comme Des Garçons fragrances, Porter travel bags, as well as exclusive ‘Monochan’ mascot-themed memorabilia all made in Japan.

Fuel and soothe with some luscious treats from the accompanying Monocle Café experience, with freshly baked desserts such as London-style Scones ($55), or Cinnamon Buns ($45), made better with a sip of Domain's signature coffees or a naughty Twisted Negroni ($95).

When: Now until Feb. 15

Where: Domain, 1/F, EAST Hong Kong, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary

4. Swop to the Top

Chinese New Year may have ended, but the spirit of spring cleaning lingers on. If you find that your closet is still being plagued by piles upon piles of pieces you don’t even pay a second-long glance to anymore, freshen up your outfit rotation at this pre-loved apparel swap.

Donate one clothing item in return for a loved second-hand piece and breathe new life into items. Click here to get the full low-down on picking the right items to contribute, as well as to purchase your admission to the event.

When: 12PM – 6PM, Feb. 12

Where: Terrible Baby Terrace, Level 24/F, 380 Nathan Road, Eaton HK, Jordan, Kowloon

How much: Starting from HK$70

5. Fibs and Footnotes

The city’s very own branch of international improv comedy troupe To Be Continued… will be giving dubious accounts of iconic moments from history. Thanks to some improv action and turning to Wikipedia as the source, factual accuracy is not guaranteed – but a good laugh definitely is.

Doors open at 7PM, with the show kicking off at 8PM and Happy Hour mingling until 9PM. Grab your tickets to this hilarity now by clicking here.

When: 7PM – 11PM, Feb. 11

Where: Social Room, 3/F, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$175 (Walk-ins HK$250)

6. The Midnight Secrets

Step into a multidimensional experience by Mortlach, especially designed to merge art, the digital, and the human senses. At the K11 Musea Gold Ball, explorers can admire the “Layer upon Layer” virtual installation by K11 Art Foundation artist, Jiayu Liu, depicting the iconic Mortlach 2.81 distillation process.

As their palates are whetted, visitors can get a taste of the rich and bold whisky for themselves. An hors d'oeuvres pairing sets (HK$268 per person) will be on offer to go with a Mortlach cocktail inspired by the titular theme of midnight. Indulge in the bold Mortlach 12-Year-Old (HK$108 per glass) for a phenomenal drink to savour, or the darker caramel-toned Mortlach 16-Year-Old (HK$148). Register for entry here.

When: Feb. 10 – Mar. 14

Where: GoldBall, 2/F, K11 MUSEA 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon

How much: Starting from HK$108

7. We Go Together Like Bianco & Rosso

Putting the V in Valentine’s Day with vermouth, Bianco & Rosso are turning the dial up on the romance with an exclusive cocktail making class for you and your partner. Get in the mood for love by shaking up some vibes and tipples, with the stunning options of strawberry and yuzu-tinged For Your Valentine and classically elegant dry Vermouth Cocchi based For The Gentlemen.

Accompanying this one-of-a-kind date is a stellar dinner starring decadent dishes like Japanese Rock Oyster with Oscietra Caviar, Red Crab Risotto, 200g Black Angus Beef Sirloin, a rosy Valentine's Macaron, and more. For those saving their heartfelt celebrations for the real V-day, the limited dinner menu will also be available on Feb. 12 and 14, at the price of HK$788 per person.

When: Feb. 11

Where: Bianco & Rosso: House of Vermouth, 29 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$988 (including dinner)

8. Lo-Ve en Rose

Flex your creative muscles to impress your Valentine’s with CulinArt 1862’sWestern Kaiseki Set Menu, made super extra with a delightful pre-meal activity that leaves you with an edible gift, a chocolate rose. Spun from your own hands and with help from your partner, this delicious treat puts a spin on the typical red rose.

Chef Stanley Wong has prepped this Valentine's Day dinner ($2,588 per couple) to deliver on an intercontinental journey of tasty delicacies, with highlights like Quail Crepinette, Diver Scallop Carpaccio, and Grilled Wagyu Striploin. Click here and book your table now for festivities.

When: Feb. 14

Where: Culinart 1862, 1/F, Chinachem Leighton Plaza, 29 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

How much: HK$2588 (Lunch session, HK$1688)

9. Wake Me Up Before You Margo

Couples who love gastronomy can spend this V-day revelling in the beautiful pink interiors of Margo while savouring their unique new school haute-Americana fare. House Chef Antonio Barbieri has crafted the perfect dinner to get your bellies satisfied and googly eyed with admiration at your special someone. Indulge in this seven-course experience, tucking into dishes like Marinated Foie, Capellini, Aged Squab, and more for HK$1800 per head.

Reserve your night of romance now by clicking here.

When: Feb. 14

Where: Margo, Shop 6, G/F, The Galleria, 9 Queens Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$1800

10. Don't Let Me By All By Macelle

We don’t mess with the classics and there’s no V-day dinner formula like a luscious steak served with flowing wine all night. Butchery trattoria Macelle are hosting a one-night-only couple’s feast that bookends their signature 1kg Australian Angus Fiorentina with sumptuous deliciousness like Braised Wagyu Beef Short Ribs, Beef Dripping Chips, Yellow Fin Tuna Tartar, and more. Book a seating now by getting in touch with the team here.

When: Feb. 14

Where: Macelle, LG Sharma Soho, 9-11 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$1588 (for two)