{
  "id": 5299081,
  "title": "As hordes head to Shenzhen, Hong Kong bars, restaurants sign up for more floor space",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/as-hordes-head-to-shenzhen-hong-kong-bars-restaurants-sign-up-for",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-03T10:00:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3366205/hordes-head-shenzhen-hong-kong-bars-restaurants-sign-more-floor-space"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Hong Kong's F&B sector saw a record number of leases for new floor space in the second quarter of 2021, with 155,000 sq ft registered, CBRE reported. This is more than double the amount signed in the first quarter. Analysts attribute the increase to a selective and narrow-based retail recovery, which is pushing brands and retailers to innovate and offer unique experiences to attract customers. Lawrence Wan, executive director at CBRE, noted that F&B operators are enhancing their offerings by incorporating live performances, native staff, traditional games, and vintage furniture to create immersive experiences. JLL reported that innovative restaurants in Hong Kong include Le Petit Chef, The Magic Table, and Dans le Noir? at Le Meridien Hong Kong, which uses immersive technology and serves meals in complete darkness. The Magistracy Dining Room and The Grand Buffet, with its revolving feature, also utilize unique settings as part of the dining experience. Michelle Chiu, director of retail at JLL, observed that competition has intensified within Hong Kong and from Shenzhen, leading operators to invest in experiential dining concepts like projection-mapped shows and sensory-led experiences. However, she warned that these concepts may attract customers initially, but consistently good food, service, and value are crucial for long-term success.",
  "summary": "Hong Kong's food and beverage operators are expanding, with 155,000 square feet of new floor space leased in the second quarter, a record high according to CBRE. This brings the total to 230,000 square feet for the first half of the year.\n\nVeteran Hong Kong actor Lau Siu Ming has died at the age of 94. According to Channel News Asia, he was known for his work in dance and the performing arts, and had been critically ill in recent years.\n\nIn other news, Five Guys has introduced a Kids Meal in Hong Kong, starting from $80, which includes a mini burger or hot dog, fries, and a drink. The meal is designed for children aged 12 and under.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hong Kong F&B sector saw record 155,000 sq ft lease registrations in Q2 2021.",
    "F&B operators enhance offerings with live performances, native staff, and vintage furniture.",
    "Immersive dining concepts like projection-mapped shows and sensory-led experiences gain traction."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "#SHOWBIZ: Veteran Hong Kong actor Lau Siu Ming dies at 94",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/showbiz-veteran-hong-kong-actor-lau-siu-ming-dies-at-94",
        "published": "2026-09-03T08:15:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post - Hong Kong",
        "title": "As hordes head to Shenzhen, Hong Kong bars, restaurants sign up for more floor space",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/as-hordes-head-to-shenzhen-hong-kong-bars-restaurants-sign-up-for-5304488",
        "published": "2026-09-03T10:00:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ESPNcricinfo",
        "title": "Hong Kong opt to bowl against unchanged India",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/03/hong-kong-opt-to-bowl-against-unchanged-india",
        "published": "2026-09-03T14:51:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}