Mandarin Oriental: The Champagne Morning After

"On the morning after, socialites were knocking back champagne to the keening sounds of a Chinese orchestra." The Mandarin Oriental was the center of colonial society - and the first place to toast a new era.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Enter the Lobby History · Free

   Walk into the Mandarin Oriental lobby at 5 Connaught Road Central. Opened in 1963, this was the social center of colonial Hong Kong. On July 1, 1997, one observer noted "British grandees who had helped seal Hong Kong's fate headed for their limos to the airport." The lobby is open to non-guests.

   Backup: If the lobby is crowded, take the elevator to the 25th floor M bar for the same colonial atmosphere with harbor views.

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2. 2 Champagne at the Captain's Bar Wine · Price: very high

   Order champagne at the Captain's Bar (ground floor, open from 11am). This wood-paneled bar was where taipans, bankers, and diplomats gathered for decades. "Socialites were knocking back champagne to the keening sounds of a Chinese orchestra" the morning after handover. A glass of champagne starts around HK$200.

   Backup: The Chinnery Bar (same floor) is a quieter alternative with similar colonial atmosphere.

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3. 3 Toast the Transition Wine · Free · Optional

   Raise your glass. The British are gone; the champagne remains. Hong Kong imports more champagne per capita than almost anywhere in Asia. In 2023, Hong Kong consumed over 1.5 million bottles. Some traditions survive any empire.

   Backup: If prices are too high, buy a bottle at nearby Watson's Wine and drink at the waterfront.

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