Celebrity Life

And… we’re back to summer of 2020, when months of lockdown was the norm. Having maintained a solid effort to keep low and trackable cases, Hong Kong was able to return to a normal life for most of 2021. But early 2022 seemed to have other plans for us with new social distancing rules being recently implemented.

Following the latest announcement by the Hong Kong government, the city will once again be under strict social distancing rules starting 7 January (today), for at least two weeks. The news broke many plans and motivated resolutions, with restrictions on large events, gyms and international travel. 

Despite the reimposition of strict social distancing rules, if you still want to enjoy your January, read on to learn exactly the do’s and don’ts in Hong Kong, as well as what's open, and who had to close.

Hong Kong's Social Distancing Rules: Here's What You Need to Know

Masks

In all public places — public transports, malls, supermarkets, office buildings, and parks — wearing a mask remains mandatory.

However, for hiking, running or exercising at an outdoor park, masks are not required.

Group gatherings

The maximum number of people in a group gathering is now set at four. 

The maximum penalty for an individual participating in unaccepted gathering is $5,000, an increase from the previous amount of $2,000.

Additionally, as announced by the government, “any person who participated in a prohibited group gathering; organises a prohibited group gathering; owns, controls or operates the place of the gathering; and knowingly allows the gathering” is fined a maximum of $25,000.

Dining 

New dining restrictions taking effect on 7 January require restaurants to close from 6pm to 5am for dine-in services, meaning only take-aways for dinner. However, go ahead and still catch up with friends for lunch, tea, early dinner, all of that, just as long as it’s before 6pm. (See an updated list of restaurants that have adjusted their hours here.) Category C and Category D businesses are allowed to seat tables of 4 and 6 respectively, but still need to close dine-in after 6pm.

Additionally, new dining regulations go into effect 24 February 2022 that require customers must have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination to be able to dine-in at restaurants. Scanning the LeaveHomeSafe app remains mandatory, along with temperature checking upon entry.

Bars and clubs

All bars, pubs, nightclubs, karaokes, mahjong and tin kau parlours and party rooms will be closed from 7 January until further notice. 

Daily activities 

Unfortunately, all public and private gyms, pools and sports facilities will be closed from 7 January for two weeks until further notice.

Per the government announcement, these regulations will be reviewed on 14 January.

Entertainment

Entertainment facilities including theme parks, museums, gaming arcades, bowling alleys, live entertainment venues and ice skate rinks will be closed from 7 January until further notice.

Travel 

Only HKID holders are permitted to enter Hong Kong, and all arrivals have to undergo mandatory quarantine in designated hotels for 21 days. Announced on 5 January, flights to Hong Kong from the following countries; the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, France, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan are banned for two weeks. This applies to both direct and transit flights from 8 January until 21 January 2022. 

Schools

The government has ruled that schools can remain open.

Work

Per the government announcement, offices and workplaces are allowed to remain open, but business are encouraged to have their employees work from home if possible.

Outdoor activities 

Although gyms may be shut, Hong Kong boasts the most beautiful hiking trails and camping sites. Outdoor activities are welcome to enjoy, but keep in mind to not go in more than a group of four.

Staycations 

If you've booked a relaxing staycation, don’t cancel it just yet! Hotels will remain open while imposing strict hygiene procedures. The maximum number of guests permitted in one hotel room is 4, and up to 8 for a suite room. 

Weddings 

Weddings are still allowed to continue, but on a much much smaller scale — perfect if you’re not planning a massive celebration, anyway. Wedding gatherings are limited to 20 people, and no food or drinks are allowed to be served at ceremonies. In the case the celebration is at restaurant or catering premises, regulations of six people per table must be followed. 

For updated information on inbound travel click here

The post Hong Kong’s New Social Distancing Regulations: All the Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It's ba-ack. No more dinner dine-ins after 6pm starting today.

Hong Kong's restaurant scene is resilient and well-versed in the art of quick adapting when it comes to precarious dining rules and restrictions. Some restaurants have shifted their opening hours entirely: lunch is now breakfast, and dinner, lunch. Not dunch, no, please, don't start that. Let's just call it as it is: early dinner or late lunch. Others, meanwhile, have swiftly switched to become stop-and-go takeaways only.

But there's no need to call it quits on fun meals out with friends. Just do it in the afternoon. And in groups of 2, or 4, or 6. If you can figure all that B/C/D stuff out. Start drinking at 11am — it's 5pm somewhere and right here, right now could really use with a little booze. This list will be your guide through the next two weeks, should questions like "Where should — can — I eat" arise. And do keep those local neighbourhood spots in mind — they'll appreciate every order they can get, especially now.

22 Ships

Dine-in at 22 Ships will be available from 12 to 6pm every Tuesday to Sunday. But if you take your order to go (takeaway and delivery from 4:30 to 8:30pm) and pick it up yourself, the Spanish-style tapas bar will offer a 10% discount (code: PICKUP10) on any orders. Otherwise, complimentary delivery is eligible for any order over HK$800.

22 Ships, G/F, 22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Amber

At chef Richard Ekkebus's Amber, lunch menus are expanded to three, four or six courses served from 12 to 3:30pm with the addition of Amber Discovery, a four-course tasting menu of signatures from the two-Michelin star destination. The menu also comes with a complimentary glass of bubbly starting from 2:30pm. On weekends, both the four-course Amber Unlimited lunch menu and six-course Full Amber Experience will be available from 12 to 3:30pm.

Amber, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2132 0066

Bacchus

Bars may be closed for now, but Bacchus is our little secret to surviving. They also do a fantastic selection of wines that'll surely be a worthy alternative to your usual Happy Hour spot. The restaurant has also curated two set menus that showcase its Asian-influenced French cuisine in either a three-course Discovery menu or a six-course Chef Tasting menu. Otherwise, à la carte is always an easy choice. Bacchus will be open daily, ending to Sundays, from 11:30am to 6pm.

Bacchus, 9/F, Barlock Centre, 3 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 5465 9016

Bâtard

For tucked-away modern French bistro Bâtard, seating times have been sectioned into two sessions that will run every day of the week from Monday to Sunday: Daily lunch service from 11:30am to 1:30pm and daily early dinner service from 2 to 6pm. Both time-slots will serve either a set menu or à la carte options.

Bâtard, G/F, 165-166 Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

Bibi & Baba

There won't be set lunches at Bibi & Baba for now, but you can still get a taste of the fragrant curry crab and Hainanese chicken during these two weeks as the restaurant opens from Tuesday to Sunday at 12 to 6pm for dine-ins. Takeaway is available in two sessions: 11am to 12:30pm and 5pm to 8:30pm. À la carte only.

Bibi & Baba, 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2555 0628

Black Sheep Restaurants

Black Sheep's full portfolio will be available for easy home enjoyment via the Group's dedicated delivery service, GO, while service hours have been adjusted to either an 11am or 12pm opening that runs until 6pm. Specific timings are as follows:

• Ho Lee Fook: Dine-in from 12 to 6pm; takeaway and delivery from 6 to 9:30pm on Tuesdays to Sundays.

Check back for updates.

Castellana

That delicious Castellana carbonara you have been daydreaming about will have to wait. Just till lunchtime, though, fortunately, since the Piedmontese restaurant will be still open for Monday to Saturday, but from 12 to 3pm only.

Castellana, 10/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

CHACHAWAN

CHACHAWAN makes things just a little easier for those who love a bit of their regional Isaan-style serves. Opening hours are set from 12 to 6pm, every Monday to Sunday (Takeaway: 12 to 10pm). Even better yet, they will be hosting a very happy Happy Hour from 12 to 5:15pm — finish off that email and head on over.

CHACHAWAN, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Cultivate

For the first time, Cultivate will be serving lunch service. Chef Leonard Cheung has put together a lunch tasting menu (HK$1,288) available from Wednesday to Sunday in four different seatings: 11:45am, 1pm, 2pm (fit for 3 to 4 guests) and 2:15pm.

Cultivate, Shop A, G/F, 27-29 Elgin Street, Central, +852 5303 1230

Censu

Chef Shun Sato will be serving Censu's refined, izakaya-style serves (don't miss the potato salad, trust me!) from 12 to 5pm daily. Takeaway will be available until 9pm.

Censu, G/F, 29-30 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong

Chino

Beloved Kennedy Town spot, Chino, will be just accepting takeaway and delivery orders from Monday through Friday. Loyal patrons will have to switch their weekday visit for the weekend, where the modern Mexican-Japanese hangout will open for dine-in service on Saturday and Sunday, from 12 to 6pm only.

Chino, G/F, 1B - 1C New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

Duddells

Fortunately for those who rave endlessly about the brunch at Duddells, it's still on every Saturday and Sunday from the very lazy hours of 12 to 3pm. Also, Happy Hour resumes every Monday to Sunday from 3 to 6pm.

As for dining in, Duddells' Main Dining Room will be open Monday to Sunday from 12 to 6pm, as will be the 4/F Salon. Dim sum-accompanying gallery walks are still on the cards, if you're ever stuck at home wondering for a list of things to do this month.

Duddells, Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong

Écriture

During these moments, we try our very best to find solace wherever we can. Something like a two Michelin meal which at least give us something to look forward to. Also, yes to a proper meal not out of a takeaway box — Écriture will now be doing two rounds of lunch service: 12 to 3pm and 3 to 6pm, respectively.

Écriture, 26/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

La Rambla

La Rambla's modern Catalan cuisine is still on the menu as the harbouview restaurant makes a shift to all-day dining, serving their signature paella pans from 11:30am to 6pm. Have it for breakfast!

La Rambla, Shop 3071 - 73, L3, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2661 1161

Locanda Dell' Angelo

Happy Valley's Locanda dell' Angelo's homey Italian serves can now be enjoyed either as a very early lunch (beginning at 11am to 3pm) in either three- or four-course lunch every Monday to Friday, or an early dinner from 3pm to 6pm from Monday to Sunday. Choice is all yours.

Take away is available from 11am-7pm on foodpanda, with an additional 15% discount for self-pick up orders.

Locanda Dell' Angelo, G/F, 12 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 3709 2788

Margo

You will still be able to stop by intimate brasserie Margo for a spot of chef Mario Paecke's modern European serves; their doors are open every Monday to Saturday from 11:30am to 6pm for dine in. There's also takeaway and delivery at the restaurant from 6 to 10pm if you miss the last seating, otherwise select menu serves are also available on Leading Nation's own concierge program, Alfred's. Which feels like a better option, in my opinion, since we're all (the lucky ones, anyway) back to working in bed and lounging in our pyjamas at home.

Margo, Shop 6, G/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2130 7731

Pirata Group

All of Pirata Group's venues  — meaning Pici, Pirata, Chaiwala, The Optimist, Pizza Project, TMK, Honjo, The Sixteenth — will adjust their opening hours from 11-6pm, with the exception of Stanley-based Pane e Latte, which will open from 8am to 6pm. The Group will also be relaunching its "Drunch" menu series (it's Dinner + Lunch for anyone who hasn't caught on), available from 3:30 to 6pm.

Roganic

Sure, you can stop by Simon Rogan's brand new The Baker and The Bottleman down at Lee Tung Avenue for a taster of the signature soda bread — but it won't really be the same. Luckily, the relaxed dining room will still serve it signature British-inspired farm-to-table plates from 12 to 2:30pm on Tuesday to Friday, and 12 to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Roganic, UG08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2817 8383

SOMM

Fortunately the signature weekday breakfast remains unchanged (7:30 to 10:30am). But those headed over for the venue's signature bistro-style French fare will have to time their visit to between 12 to 4:30pm for a SOMM meal. Or a SOMM Early Dinner, featuring an impressive menu selection of starters, mains and desserts, which will be served from 2:30 to 4:30pm.

As for the weekends, breakfast remains unchanged from 8 to 11am. Brunch will shift from 11am to 4pm; SOMM Early Dinner from 4 to 5:30pm; and drinks are set to run all day from 11am to 5:30pm.

SOMM, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2132 0033

Tate Dining Room

Look, the way to surviving these 14 days? Find a good distraction. A pretty distraction. Something like chef Vicky Lau's delicate aesthetic and beautifully arranged plates at Tate Dining Room. Lunch (or dinner, depending on you) will be served from 12 to 4pm and is sure to be a sight for sore (and fed-up) eyes.

Tate Dining Room, G/F, 201 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2555 2172

Yardbird

Turns out Yardbird's Michelin-starred skewers are worthy lunchtime options, too. We'll be here all afternoon working our way down the delicious menu. The buzzy Sheung Wan venue will shift its dine-in opening hours to 12 to 6pm, with takeout available until 9pm.

Yardbird, Shop A & B, G/F, Winsome House, 154-158 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, +852 2547 9273

Yung Kee

Yes, we hear you: very unfortunate timing considering Chinese New Year is just a couple weeks away. For family reunions, or anyone who's pining for a taste of Cantonese classics, Yung Kee will be open daily from 11am to 6pm serving delicious à la carte favourites along with two takeaway menus perfectly deigned for large, quietly celebrating groups.

Yung Kee, 32-40 Wellington Street, Central, +852 2522 1624 

Header image courtesy of Bacchus

The post Sorry, No Dine-ins Past 6pm! But These Restaurants Have Adjusted Opening Hours for Late Lunches and Early Dinners appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.