The venue formerly known as Hebe 101 had a facelift and relaunched earlier this year with a new name and fresh look, to much anticipation from the locals. A neighbourhood favourite, Padstow overlooks Hebe Haven Yacht Club, and it’s a popular spot to gather after a day out on the water or a hike. It’s also walking distance from our place, so it’s effectively our “local”, and it has a nice Cornish pub feel to it, with a bar downstairs and more formal dining on the first floor. The rooftop is a great place to spend an afternoon in the sun, or to watch the sun go down with a drink in hand.
Our boys were very concerned that it wouldn’t be the same when it reopened. Fortunately, despite some menu changes and a flash new interior, Padstow has managed to retain all the charm of the original venue, with some classy new touches. More importantly the kids’ menu still features such favourites as fish and chips (HK$98), a beef burger ($88), and mac and cheese ($58) – with ice cream ($28) for dessert of course. Our youngest being a fish-and-chips connoisseur prefers the fresh fish goujons ($78) from the “grown-up” menu, while his brother will happily tackle an adult-sized prime burger ($158). The chips are delicious in my opinion, but youngsters who don’t like their chips with skin on may be disappointed.
Depending on which day of the week you visit, there are daily specials – including breakfast on the weekends. Also on the weekend, roasts are served the way your mother made them, with all the trimmings. Steaks are available every night, but they’re half-price on Mondays. An eight-ounce Black Black Angus fillet (on a Monday!) Angus fillet will normally set you back $338, but with tomatoes and onion rings on the side, as well as a delicious array of additional extra sides, you’ll not leave hungry! The grilled salmon with root veg ($188) is a nice light option, and they do make a decent pie ($118).
Vegetarian options are limited; the spinach and goat’s cheese pithivier ($148) is nice and light, but more of a lunch option than a filling dinner. The salad and pasta options are also limited. The heirloom tomato, beet and goat’s cheese salad is anything but substantial and, at $88, a little over-priced. A very nice selection of wine, beer and cocktails make up for any shortcomings, and the location and ambience really can’t be beaten.
Padstow
112 Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung | 2335 5515 | padstow.hk
This article first appeared in the Jun/Jul edition of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue!
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