Neighbourhood Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do In Stanley

August 06, 2021

Cover Explore Southside's prized coastal town this weekend (Photo: @haruharu.shibainu/ Instagram)

Looking for a weekend getaway? Stanley, also known as "Chek Chue" in Cantonese, is the perfect seaside escape in Hong Kong

Stanley, Southside’s prized coastal town is home to one of the city’s most picturesque promenades and lively street markets. Located just thirty minutes away from Central, this seaside village has long been Hong Kongers’ favourite weekend spot to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

From historic sites, crystal-clear beaches, trendy restaurants and entertainment, here’s Tatler’s guide to Stanley for your next weekend getaway.

What to Eat And Drink

Pane e Latte

Delicious Italian pastries, all-day brunch items and ice cream galore at Pirata Group’s newest project, Pane e Latte, which means “bread and milk” in Italian. Located by the waterfront on Stanley Promenade, Pane e Latte opened in July 2021, offering an all-day menu that includes fresh Italian doughnuts, pizza, focaccia sandwiches, pasta, cocktails, and more.

Inside, shades of romantic pastel pink and blue fill the room, with comfortable sofa booth seats and window-side tables welcoming you in. The restaurant is currently available for walk-in only and draws a large crowd on the weekends. Grab one of their famous Italian doughnuts to go if you’re in a hurry, or, if you’ve got time to wait for a table, order the steak and eggs for an indulgent breakfast.

Pane e Latte, G/F, U-c Court, 25 Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 2337 7221; paneelatte.hk

Mamie Yvonne

Mamie Yvonne, Stanley’s neighbourhood French crepe and pizza joint serves authentic sweet and savoury crepes, pizzas and drinks. For something out of the ordinary, try the sweet and savoury crepes such as the bacon, prune compote and sheep milk-based Roquefort cheese; or try the classic sweet crepes such as the La Tatin—made with apple, salted butter caramel, toasted almond, vanilla ice cream and Chantilly cream. If pizza is what you’re after, order the five cheese calzone or a good ol’ Margherita. All pizzas are topped with 75 per cent mozzarella and 25 per cent Emmental cheese for the perfect cheesy bite.

Mamie Yvonne, Shop A & B, G/F, Princeton Court, 118 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 9430 3008; instagram.com/mamieyvonnehk

Bubbles & Wines

Cheese and wine lovers will love Bubbles & Wines, a rustic wine and cheese bar that oozes cosiness and warmth. With welcoming outdoor and indoor seatings available, bask in Hong Kong’s warm summer air while sipping on a glass of red to wind down after a long day. Be sure to check out the bar’s cheese chariot, which shows off their cheese selections of the day.

Bubbles & Wines, Shop B1, G/F, 26 Stanley Mainstreet, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 5721 6161; bubblesandwineshospitality.com

Henry’s

Formerly named Lucy’s after its original owner, Henry’s is now owned by new owners Henry and Ines Kwan. This upscale restaurant has been opened since 1994, serving western dishes as well as international favourites including Thai green curry with rice and mango salsa, lamb fillets, salmon fishcakes and spinach souffle with feta cheese and roasted tomato sauce.

Henry’s, G/F, 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 2813 9055; facebook.com/Henrys-Restaurant-Hong-Kong

Kome Kushi

Another new addition to Stanley, Kome Kushi is a modern Japanese izakaya spot that serves sushi, Japanese pizzas, skewers, shaved ice desserts and more. Try the unagi souffle rice, which comes with thick cuts of unagi, and a unique souffle rice.

Kome Kushi, Shop G05 & G06, G/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 3165 1887

Stan Cafe

Located on the top of Stanley Plaza, Stan Cafe is a mix between a bistro, cafe and restaurant selling French cheese, wine, vegetables and groceries, as well as offering delicious sit-down offerings.

Try the Bouchot mussels meuniere with fries, Perigourdine salad with dried duck meat. For dessert, check out the daily offerings such as the macarons or napoleon cake.

Stan Cafe, Shop 505, 5/F, Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley, Hong Kong, +852 2324 9008

What To Do

Stanley Main Beach

For a sunny beach day out, head to Stanley Main Beach, located just a quick seven-minute walk from Stanley Market. The beach has everything from a fast-food kiosk, changing rooms, shower facilities as well as a beach volleyball court for all your beach day needs. If you’re looking for more of an adventure, Hong Kong Aqua Bound Centre at the beach rents out paddleboards, kayaks, wakeboards and windsurf boards.

Stanley Main Beach, Stanley Beach Road, Stanley, Hong Kong

Stanley Market

Filled with little shops selling unique knick-knacks, art and bargain clothes, Stanley Market is the place to be if you’re looking for hidden gems and souvenirs. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, the market has plenty of eye-catching items that’ll keep you entertained as you stroll through the shops.

Stanley Market, Stanley, Hong Kong

Murray House

After you’re done with the market, walk all the way down Stanley promenade to reach Murray House, the 60-year-old colonial building that was dismantled and relocated from Central in 1982. Previously located where the current Bank of China Tower stands, Murray House is now revitalised into a shopping and dining destination.

Home to a three-storey H&M shop, as well as several seaside restaurants such as King Ludwig Beerhall and Ocean Rock Seafood & Tapas, you’ll be able to enjoy sparkling water views while you dine in at these eateries. On the weekends, Murray House often hosts weekend markets such as a Bailey’s coffee weekend market back in June.

Murray House, Stanley, Hong Kong

Stanley Plaza

Get your shopping, lunch and coffee sorted at Stanley Plaza, the neighbourhood’s only proper shopping mall. On the ground floor, you’ll find restaurants and cafes such as Beef and Liberty, Classified, a bubble tea shop, an outdoor seating piazza and a children’s playground.

As you make your way up, discover Stanley’s first zero-waste store, Move A Little; a family-friendly slime shop, Slime It; as well as a Goods of Desire outlet where you’ll find quintessentially Hong Kong products and home goods.

Stanley Plaza, Stanley, Hong Kong; linkhk.com