What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on June 22-28, 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. World Refugee Day 2023 by CACR at PMQ
Join the Christian Action Centre for Refugees in celebrating World Refugee Day, a momentous movement for awareness that showcases the courage and determination of refugees worldwide. The refugee community’s stories are nothing short of inspiring, shining a light on their plight and resilience.
The event features a range of product booths filled with gorgeous handmade items, interactive information points, and performances powered by the talents and cultural practices of refugees in Hong Kong. The event includes a human library that allows us to come face-to-face with real experiences, henna, African Djembe drumming tryouts, a mini leather wallet making workshop, and more!
Entrance fees can be paid at the venue on the day, and additional cultural experiences can be purchased separately at HK$20 each. Guests can purchase a full cultural experience package, which includes all of the above, for HK$200. For more information on the rest of the wonderful activities and opportunities to learn about refugees in Hong Kong and beyond, click here.
When: June 25
Where: PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Sign up here, Starting from HK$20
2. Happy Wednesday: Disco Night at Happy Valley Racecourse
Get ready to groove and relive the disco era at the Happy Valley Racecourse! This lap of the Happy Wednesday Music Festival presents a nostalgic night dedicated to the unforgettable sounds of the 1970s. Get ready for an electrifying event that will transport you back to the heyday of disco and make in the Earth, Wind, & Fire way and “groove tonight!”
What’s more, OnPoint, Hong Kong's beloved live music band, will take the stage and deliver thrilling performances of disco, funk, and soul classics. Get ready to dance the night away and showcase your best John Travolta moves to this rousing Disco Inferno in the heart of Happy Valley.
When: June 28
Where: Happy Valley Racecourse, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
How much: HK$10 per person (excluding food & drink)
3. Sweeney Todd by Face Productions at HK Arts Centre in Wan Chai
For fans of the gruesome and quirkily horrific, local stage school Face Productions is putting on a show of the campy classic “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.” This story is a horror-drama musical that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The play follows a barber who seeks revenge on the corrupt judge who destroyed his life through bloody means. When his plan for revenge falls through, he vows to plough through his bloodlust by killing as many people as possible. In this dark tale, his accomplice, Mrs. Lovett, bakes the bodies into meat pies and sells them to the public.
With an iconic score by composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, the music is operatic, beautiful, and terrifyingly funny despite its macabre context. Please note that the show is suitable for attendees aged 14 and above.
When: June 22, 24, 25
Where: McAulay Studio, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Buy tickets, Starting from HK$480
4. Now or Never Art Exhibition & Pop-up by Earthero in Sheung Wan
Curating an experience that brings attention to the issue of sustainability in fashion, Earthero studio has set up a pop-up shop and mini exhibition blending their unique curation of earth-conscious apparel with kitschy installations and displays made from recycled materials.
On display at Nan Fung Place, “Now or Never” features a collection of upcycled clothes with embroidery, cutesy illustrations by 2timesperday on graphic printed tees, reworked denim hats that bring a street-style edge to your summer sun protection, and other fun designs. You can also shop the collection direct through their online store by clicking here.
When: Now until June 22
Where: Shop 3-4, 1/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry
5. Clothing Care & Basic Sewing 101 by VIPOP at Artezano
Learn to sew like a pro. Hosted by eco-conscious maison VIPOP, join a workshop led by Fashion Clinic co-founder Kay Wong and YLYSTUDIO co-founder Matt Hui. Aiming to give you the knowhow and skills for extending the lifespan of your closet residents, the introductory class will also help to open the doors up to new outfits from the existing items you already own.
Get your hands on your garms to learn the right way to thread needles; sew a basic running stitch, back stitch, and blanket stitch; sew buttons properly; and fix loose hems. Don't forget to bring along preloved garments with buttons and hems to try out these skills on.
When: June 24
Where: ARTEZANO, 52-54 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Buy ticket here, HK$380
6. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Immersive Pop-up at The Landmark
Bringing whisky fanatics the most indulgent of experiences, join Johnnie Walker Blue Label in exploring a world of rare craft flavours at Landmark. Using only one in every ten thousand casks, Johnnie Walker Blue Label delivers its taste through a play of the senses as part of this multimedia pop-up.
Beginning in the Immersive Chamber, guests can get swept up in a 360-degree box with LED screens, mirrored flooring, ultra-realistic motion content, and sounds that tell the story of the label. What follows is an exclusive tasting room with a roundtable tasting area with two glasses of Blue Label, Bold and Complex. The Bold glass enhances the fiery spice and chocolatey nose, while the Complex glass brings out the aromas that blend darkness and sweetness. The ultimate destination is a displayed selection of two remarkably rare collector bottles of Johnnie Walker, alongside a complimentary engraving service as a memorable keepsake.
The journey continues with a limited “Savour the Depth of Blue” pairing experience at MO Bar. Royal Caviar Club have also joined in and partnered with the whisky label to offer a specialty gift box (HK$3,600) that includes a 75cl bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, 100g Imperial Ossetra Caviar, and a three-piece Riedel and Johnnie Walker Whisky Degustation Gift Set.
When: Now until June 29
Where: (Pop-up) Shop 220-221, 2/F, Landmark Atrium, LANDMARK, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
(Pairing menu) MO Bar, G/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Book here, Free
7. New York-style Cocktail Bar The Green Door Opens in Central
Hong Kong draws many parallels to the other “city that never sleeps” across the pond. Bringing that New York speakeasy charm to an unlikely location amongst Wellington Street’s wet market, The Green Door is a brand-new gem serving up cocktails amidst 36 cozy seats.
Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, The Green Door transports guests into a whimsical wonderland to sip on some inviting mixes. Take the MARIE (HK$170) that’s a play on the classic Bloody Mary. Its combination of Monkey 47 gin, tomato consommé, and dill tincture creates a bold and complex flavour profile. Prefer something tropical? Try the JULIA (HK$140) which mixes Batanga tequila, Amaro Lucano, Laird's Applejack 80, and passionfruit for a taste of paradise. And if that's not enough to entice you, the Green Door also offers an evening menu of continental delights and American bar snacks to get you filled up and satisfied.
When: Now open
Where: LG/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Prices vary
8. Cool Off with Summer Specials at Chilli Fagara in Central
It may feel counterintuitive to beat the heat with spice, but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried these cold Sichuanese summer delicacies from Chilli Fagara. A classic, the Shredded Cold Chicken with Spicy Peanut (HK$148) is a must-try. For vegetarians, the dish can be made with shredded wood ear mushrooms in place of poultry. Those who prefer a bit of depth can go for the Shredded Duck Cold Noodles (HK$168) that burns hot as it is icy, which is a great match for the mellowed yet garlicky Chilled Eggplant (HK$138).
Pairing together with the all-new menu of cocktails, sip away the heat with The Sweet Empress (HK$148) that brings together the classic combo of lime and honey, whilst adventurous drinkers can sink into a Sichuan Spicy Mango Margarita (HK$148). Yet another playful twist on a Mexican classic, The Sichuanada (HK$148) blends beer, tomato juice, and lime with Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, and soy sauce, rimmed with salt and chilli powder. Sounds like the bomb!
When: Now available
Where: Chilli Fagara, 7 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Book a table here, Prices vary
9. SOMM x Censu x Sake Central Six-hands Dinner at Landmark
Sake is an absolute treat for the summertime thanks to its lightness and easy-to-drink palate. Teaming up with Sake Central, and Censu’s Chef Shun Sato for some Japanese culinary flair, Richard Ekkebus-led SOMM is putting together a six-hands, six-course degustation dinner and sake pairing this summer. The roster features five different sakes, expertly selected by Elliot Faber himself.
Begin your evening with the delightful foie gras creme brulée with sea buckthorn, kinome, and brioche paired with Kamogata Junmai Daiginjo Muroka Nama Genshu from Okayama. Next, indulge in the Boston lobster confit with SOMM's pick of sake plus oyster with yuzu sanbaizu and beef tartare. Lastly, have a beautiful ending with the Wagyu Zabuton steak with smoked nori soy and mushrooms that's paired with Censu's pick of Tamagawa “Stork” Junmai Yamahai from Kyoto. It’s a tour de force of deliciousness through a tour around some of Japan’s greatest sake labels.
When: June 27-28
Where: SOMM, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Book here, HK$1,488 per person
10. Mediterranean Dorada Menu at Asaya Kitchen in Rosewood Hong Kong
Led by Italian native chef Fabio Nompleggio, the weekend lunch menu at Asaya Kitchen features the in-season Dorada fish as its star ingredient. The restaurant sources the fish from a sustainable fishery in Spain and ensures its freshness by delivering it within 48 to 72 hours. The Dorada fish, also known as Gilt Headed Bream, is a medium-small fish with silver skin and white flesh that imparts a rich, meaty flavour when grilled, baked, or braised. No stranger to Mediterranean cuisine thanks to his background, the five-course Dorada Lunch Menu that Fabio has designed boasts of unique dishes that make the best out of this marine gem.
The lunch also includes a glass of Bodegas Mengoba, Godello Viejo Bierzo 2019. Highlights include marinated Dorada Tartare wrapped in a filo brick bone, served with a colourful veggie medley, the Dorada Consommé made with a base of the fish’s roasted bones and fresh bonito flakes, and the delectable Dorada Roll served on a bed of purple cabbage purée and baby onions. A rejuvenating way to cap off a week, the menu is available only on weekends.
When: Now until end of August
Where: Asaya Kitchen, 6/F, Rosewood Hong Kong Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
How much: Book here, HK$688 per person
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