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Occupying the former pawn shop in the iconic Wan Chai district, The Pawn is a heritage space that combines an old-meets-new aesthetic with hints of its 1888 history in its architecture. Spanning over two floors, The Pawn Kitchen is the Classified group’s dining area, while the bar beneath serves sumptuous cocktails in an al-fresco setting. We drop by the beautifully-designed space to try the Weekend Brunch, paired with bottomless Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial champagne—a little bubbly sparkles up any Saturday, after all.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Heritage space
The sleek modern space takes hints of its historical décor, merged with contemporary updates for a cosy, welcoming ambiance. Rendered in an open-plan, artwork-clad layout, The Pawn Kitchen is gracefully lit with natural light from its floor-to-ceiling windows for a chilled atmosphere that attracts the likes of friends, families and business meetings looking for an urban escape.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
The Brunch
There are three options for brunch seekers—The Sober Brunch (HK$498 for adults; HK$248 for children under 12), The Boozy Brunch (HK$598) or The Absolutely Fabulous Brunch (HK$988). The main difference between The Boozy Brunch and The Absolutely Fabulous Brunch is the champagne brand upgrade. We opted for The Boozy Brunch, an enticing and well-priced selection of free-flow Moët & Chandon Rosé Imperial, Bloody Mary, selected red and white wine, bottled beers, ciders, soft drinks, bottled water, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, artisanal teas and coffees. It’s probably one of the most varied free-flow beverage options I’ve encountered so far in brunches.
We started with the six sharing plates, which included greek yoghurt with homemade granola, ricotta with fresh figs and balsamic, served with a side of bread and fresh, creamy avocado.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Other appetisers included the healthy combination of mixed green salad and mixed vegetables (grilled asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower). Although the dishes felt wholesome and clean, they, unfortunately, lacked in flavour due to their blandness and missing sauce and seasoning.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
The Ceviche, on the other hand, was a highlight, a delicate sea bass with prawns and leche de tigre to bring out the flavour more. Light and refreshing, this dish was a standout for us compared to the other appetisers.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Mains
We were delightfully surprised by the main dishes, served in hefty portions of well-cooked meats without compromising flavour. The English Roast is a dish that hits close to home, unfortunately, a rarity in Hong Kong unless you visit the local pubs. At The Pawn Kitchen, the British dish ticks all the boxes of the classic roast, serving tender USDA beef, scrumptious Yorkshire pudding, roasted potatoes and green beans.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
The British Charter puff pastry pie wasn’t on the brunch menu but we tried it out of love for British food. Filled with braised chicken and oyster mushrooms, the pie was topped with a crunchy layer of crust for texture depth in the dish.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
Dessert comprised an unlimited selection of sweet treats, which included churros, cheesecake and an updated buo lo bao.
Image courtesy of Mr Ping | Cha Siu Papers Times
The brunch at The Pawn Kitchen is very well worth its price. Drinks included freshly-made smoothies and of course, the bottomless champagne which were a winner in our books. If you’re craving British comfort food with a healthy spin, head here for brunch on a weekend venture.
The Pawn Kitchen, 2/F, 62 Johnston Road Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2866 3444, thepawn.com.hk