Century-old Wan Chai Landmark Faces Another Restaurant Turnover
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Wan Chai's century-old Woo Cheong Pawn Shop has returned to the spotlight after netizens reported that the remaining restaurants inside the historic landmark had closed, reigniting debate over the future use of the revitalized building. The Grade 2 heritage site at 60-66 Johnston Road, built around 1888 and comprising four adjoining pre-war tenement buildings, has witnessed repeated restaurant turnovers since its preservation and adaptive reuse by the Urban Renewal Authority .
Key Points
- Woo Cheong Pawn Shop is located at 60-66 Johnston Road in Wan Chai, with parts of the Grade 2 historic building dating back to around 1888
- The premises comprise four adjoining pre-war tenement buildings with a continuous verandah facade, preserved as part of the URA's Johnston Road redevelopment project
- British gastropub The Pawn closed in 2021, while its successor Woo Cheong Tea House ceased operations in October 2023 after around two years
- The Sophia Loren restaurant brand, co-founded by Oscar-winning Italian actress Sophia Loren and entrepreneur Luciano Cimmino, took over in 2024 as the brand's first overseas location
- The Hong Kong venue originally included a ground-floor pizzeria, upscale Italian restaurant Casa Sophia Loren, The Stage music bar and rooftop lounge
- Casa Sophia Loren announced its closure on February 15 citing rising costs and operating challenges, though the operator said the pizzeria and The Stage would continue
- Facebook users have now posted photos showing all three floors appear to have ceased operations simultaneously, sparking online debate
Why It Matters
The repeated tenant turnover at this landmark heritage site raises questions about the commercial viability of adaptive reuse projects in Hong Kong, while also highlighting the broader challenges facing the food and beverage sector amid an uncertain economic environment .
The repeated tenant turnover at this landmark heritage site raises questions about the commercial viability of adaptive reuse projects in Hong Kong, while also highlighting the broader challenges facing the food and beverage sector amid an uncertain economic environment .