Guided Visit to Hullett House (China)
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Guided Visit to Hullett House (China)
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Category: Asia Pacific - China - Gourmet restaurants
- Gourmet restaurants
This is a press release selected by our editorial committee and published online for free on 2010-11-12
Concept:
A ‘must do’ for Hong Kong visitors – providing a unique experience of Old Hong Kong.
Hullett House is a magnificent colonial building dating back nearly 130 years to 1881. Originally occupied by the Hong Kong Marine Police, the House has been carefully renovated by local craftsmen to provide a unique insight to Hong Kong’s rich heritage and colourful past. Hullett House today is an intimate design-led hotel and five fine restaurants. Guests will enjoy a unique experience at Hullett House through dining (breakfast,
lunch or afternoon tea) followed by a 30- minute exclusive guided visit of the House. Select either a Chinese menu at the House’s prized Hong Kong Cantonese restaurant Loong Toh Yuen or a Western menu at the Stables Grill. Alternatively, breakfast or afternoon tea at The Parlour.
Guided Visit Description:
The exclusive 30-minute visit is led by a trained ambassador. Amongst the highlights of the guided visit are:
Starting at the front of the magnificent colonial building, guests will see the elegant colonnade and veranda typical of buildings of this age.
At the front of the House is The Parlour with its three distinctive rooms, where east and west meet with a colourful explosion. In the West Room, the historic Royal Pavilion is depicted - a stunning example of early 19th century architecture located in Brighton England, reflecting King George IV of England’s passion for all things Chinese.
The walls of the East Room are decorated with beautiful hand-painted canvases depicting Victoria Harbour at the turn of the 19th century, when sea-going vessels plied their trade, much as they do today.
In the middle room is the striking Dragon Bar where 18 dramatic dragons clutch elaborate Chinese “shadow” lanterns, swooping and diving against a dramatic pink sunset sky. The 18 dragons comprise 9
eastern and 9 western.
The visit moves on to the three original prison cells used by the Marine Police to incarcerate drunken seamen and other ruffians. The three prison cells represented different classes. 1st class had its own built in private toilet while 2nd and 3rd had to use a communal toilet. Visitors also see the Mariners’ Rest, originally a drinking place for visiting seamen and working policemen, and the old photographs and memorabilia from the Marine Police.
The 50 Pigeons Courtyard is a magnificent colonnaded interior courtyard.
Here 50 carrier pigeons once lived and their homes can still be seen today. Before the invention of radio, they would transport messages from the Marine Police to ships at the harbour.
Loong Toh Yuen embodies elements of old Hong Kong teahouse culture and King George IV Chinoiserie in its inspired décor. The wood panels on the walls individually hand-crafted replicate the library of King George IV in the Royal Pavilion in Brighton.
The Stables was built for the horses of the carriages for officials who attended various functions held at the courtyard. The tall wood panel doors have been preserved. The wood on the ground floor walls was rescued from an old shipwreck and offers a unique feel to the interior. The first flushing toilet in Hong Kong created in 1884 can also be found here.
Outside is a large date palm tree one of several species found in the garden that is not native to Hong Kong.
Guided Visit Duration:
Approximately 30 minutes
Daily Tour Times:
Monday - Sunday
10.30am -11.00am (optional)
2.30pm – 3.00pm
3.30pm – 4.00pm
Meal Times at Selection of Restaurants:
7.30am – 10.30am (Breakfast at The Parlour)
1.00pm – 2.30pm (Lunch at Loong Toh Yuen or Stables Grill)
4.00pm –5.30pm (Afternoon Tea at The Parlour)
Price Per Head:
The Parlour – American Breakfast HK$208 per person/Afternoon tea for 2 at
HK$398
Stables Grill – 2 Course Lunch up to HK$188
Loong Toh Yuen – Dim Sum Lunch from HK$198 (Monday-Friday)
*All prices are subject to a 10% service charge
Terms conditions: 3 days advance booking required
Cancellation Policy: 48 hours notice
Participating Restaurants:
The Parlour
Stables Grill
Loong Toh Yuen
The Parlour
The Parlour is a glamorous and grand Chinoiserie lounge. The perfect place to entertain visitors or simply to indulge oneself. From early morning breakfast, leisurely luncheons, delectable afternoon teas, through to sunset champagne and late night exotic cocktails, The Parlour is the place to see and to be seen.
Stables Grill:
Nestled inside the former old horse stables of Hullett House, with views over the House’s white-stucco colonnades and sweeping lawns, Stables Grill is the perfect place to relax & unwind and soak up the ambience of old Hong Kong. Enjoy casual dining on tapas, pizza and grilled favourites expertly presented by Chef Philippe Orrico.
Loong Toh Yuen:
Loong Toh Yuen is Hullett House’s prized Cantonese dining restaurant. Embodying elements of old Hong Kong teahouse culture and King George IV Chinoiserie in its inspired décor, Loong Toh Yuen revives long-lost Hong Kong dishes and offers a comprehensive selection of classic dim sum.
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