The stone building at 121 Peak Road is a rare example of early 20th century 'arts and crafts' architecture in Hong Kong.
The Peak Lookout on Hong Kong’s Victoria Peak has now reopened following extensive renovations.
The much-loved heritage spot closed early last year having operated as a dining space for almost a century. After its lease came up for renewal in April 2022, the Grade II listed building remained under management by Hong Kong’s Epicurean dining group, who have been operating the restaurant since 2001.
With ocean views that on a clear day stretch out over the Lamma Channel and as far as Cheung Chau and the outlying islands, a large leafy terrace and picture windows inside the historic building, it’s a perennially popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Catch the new-look Peak Tram up and combine lunch with a walk around the flat and shady Morning Trail loop for an easy day-out, especially if you’ve got visiting relatives to entertain.
The restaurant building has oodles of historic charm. The site on which The Peak Lookout now stands was first used as far back in the 1880s as a rest place for engineers constructing the Peak Tram line. In 1901, the site was levelled and a permanent structure put up to create a rest place for sedan chair carriers. During the Second World War, the building was used as a police station by the Japanese.
It began life as a dining space in the 1940s when it was transformed into an open-air café after the war. But by the early 1970s the Peak had become so popular with tourists it was proposed the building should be demolished to make way for a car park. This led to a public outcry and the plan was shelved. In 1981 the building was given Grade II Historic Building status by Hong Kong’s Antiquities and Monuments Office.
It continued to run as a café until 2001 when the rental contract on the building expired and it was taken over by Epicurean group. At this point its name was changed from The Peak Café to The Peak Lookout.
Easy eats are the order of the day at The Peak Lookout.
Epicurean is a well-established Hong Kong-based dining group. Further restaurants in its busy portfolio include Austrian-influenced Schnitzel & Schnapps on Hollywood Road, Spanish tapas joints Pica Pica in Sheung Wan and Bar Bar on Wan Chai’s Ship Street, and Iza Isakaya in Tsim Sha Tsui. As far as The Peak Lookout goes, easy international eats have always been the order of the day. Previously, an extensive menu covered everything from Western burgers, pastas and salads to seafood, Indian curries and Southeast Asian favourites.
The new-look menu embraces an equally broad spectrum of dishes. Signature plates include The Peak Lookout Burger, Hainanese chicken, seafood platters and a Tandoori menu. Wash it all down with cocktails, mocktails, draft beers and wines sold by the glass and half-bottle.
The Peak Lookout is by no means among Hong Kong’s gastronomic best, but for kicking back with friends on a blue-sky day while soaking up the ocean views, it's hard to beat.
The Peak Lookout, 121 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong.
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