The End of an Era: Hong Kong’s Metropol Restaurant to Close After 35 Years
Hong Kong’s Metropol Restaurant, a beloved establishment known for its traditional dim sum served on trolleys, is set to close its doors in September after 35 years of operation. This marks the end of a significant chapter in the city’s culinary history.
A staff member from Metropol confirmed to HKFP that the restaurant’s final day will be September 27. The Chinese restaurant, which opened in 1990, is located in the United Centre building in Admiralty. According to its website, the venue can host banquets for 100 tables and has a seating capacity of over 1,200 people.
The closure comes as a surprise to many regulars, who have long cherished the restaurant’s unique dining experience. Local broadcaster TVB reported that the property would be put up for sale, though no official statement has been released by the management.
Metropol is part of Heichinrou, a catering group named after its first restaurant, which was established in Yokohama, Japan, in 1884. In 2022, Hong Kong media reported that the company had closed its 138-year-old restaurant in Yokohama due to slow business during the pandemic.
Heichinrou issued a notice in May stating that it had ceased all business activities in catering, shopping malls, and e-commerce in Japan and filed for bankruptcy with the Tokyo court. The notice read, “We deeply apologise for the unexpected situation, which we could not inform you about in advance. Although our business will cease on May 20, 2025, we hope that Heichinrou, which has been loved by many since its beginning in Yokohama Chinatown, will remain a fond memory in your hearts.”
Another Metropol location in Ma On Shan also shut down, though the exact date remains unclear. Currently, the company operates two other Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong—one in Diamond Hill and another in Kwun Tong.
A Broader Trend of Business Closures
The closure of Metropol is part of a larger trend of business shutdowns in Hong Kong’s catering industry. Recent months have seen several well-known establishments close their doors, signaling a challenging period for the sector.
In late June, the bakery chain Taipan Bread & Cakes, famous for its snowy mooncakes, closed all its stores after 41 years of operation. The closure reportedly came with unpaid salaries and rent.
In early June, the Hong Kong-based catering group King Parrot informed its staff of its closure without settling severance pay. This move left many employees in financial distress.
In May, the chain restaurant Ocean Empire announced the closure of all its branches, ending its 33-year legacy. These closures highlight the difficulties faced by businesses in the current economic climate.
Impact on Customers and Employees
For many customers, the closure of Metropol represents the loss of a cherished dining experience. The traditional dim sum service on trolleys is a rare sight in modern Hong Kong, making the restaurant a nostalgic destination for locals and tourists alike.
Employees of the restaurant are also affected by the closure. While details about their future remain uncertain, the lack of communication from the management has raised concerns among workers.
As the city continues to navigate these challenges, the closure of Metropol serves as a reminder of the changing landscape of Hong Kong’s food scene. It underscores the need for adaptability and resilience in the face of economic shifts and evolving consumer preferences.
The story of Metropol is not just about a restaurant closing—it’s about the memories, traditions, and community that have been built over decades. As the final day approaches, many hope that the spirit of the restaurant will live on in the hearts of those who once enjoyed its offerings.
