Classic Steakhouse Garden Restaurant Sued for HK$2.075 Million Over Unpaid Rent at Kowloon Branch
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Hing Lap Limited has taken Garden Restaurant Limited to the High Court over alleged unpaid rent at the iconic establishment's Kwun Ning Road branch in Kwun Tong. The lawsuit seeks HK$2.075 million in overdue rent, service fees, and interest. The classic Hong Kong steakhouse, established in 1963, allegedly defaulted on payments starting November 2025, despite a subsequent rent reduction agreement that failed to resolve the dispute.
Key Points
- Plaintiff Hing Lap Limited is the owner of all floors at Cheng Kwong Building, 7-9 Kwun Ning Road, Kwun Tong, having filed the case at the High Court (HCA1420/2026) against Garden Restaurant Limited
- The original three-year lease was signed on June 10, 2025, effective from August 2025, with a monthly rent of HK$190,000 plus approximately HK$10,000 in service fees and quarterly rates
- Garden Restaurant allegedly stopped paying rent and all associated fees from November 2025, accumulating arrears exceeding HK$1.13 million by April 2026 despite two demand letters from the landlord
- A supplementary agreement signed in June 2026 reduced the monthly rent to HK$98,000 starting December 2025, contingent on repayment of HK$392,000 by June 18 and HK$559,000 by September 18, which the restaurant failed to meet
- The court claim totals HK$1.888 million in outstanding rent calculated at the original rate of HK$190,000 per month, plus approximately HK$187,000 in interest
- Garden Restaurant, which operated multiple branches in Mong Kok at its peak, saw its Sai Yeung Choi Street branch close on May 30, 2026, leaving only five locations across Hong Kong
Why It Matters
This case highlights the severe financial pressures facing established Hong Kong dining establishments amid the challenging operating environment. The potential closure of the Kwun Tong branch would reduce Garden Restaurant's remaining network to four locations, marking another setback for one of the city's most recognisable Western-style steakhouses that has served generations of local families since the 1960s .
This case highlights the severe financial pressures facing established Hong Kong dining establishments amid the challenging operating environment. The potential closure of the Kwun Tong branch would reduce Garden Restaurant's remaining network to four locations, marking another setback for one of the city's most recognisable Western-style steakhouses that has served generations of local families since the 1960s .