Word: Richard Smith

Welcome to the new format of DS’s food review, we’ve re-jigged the whole thing to give you a more succinct review with star ratings and views on all aspects of the dining experience. Please note that a simple café can receive a 5 star rating as much as a Michelin star restaurant – it’s all about serving up what is expected (and even beyond!).

To kick-start our new-look food review why not head to Hong Kong’s premier gay beach, Middle Bay and take a look at Bauhinia Beach Club at Middle Bay for a little al fresco dining…

WHERE

Situated on Hong Kong Island not far from Repulse Bay. You can get there by taxi all the way or from Repulse Bay. You can take a short 15 minute walk from Repulse Bay also. When you see 51 South Bay Road on your left then stop and take the slope or steps down to the beach on the opposite side of the road.

STYLE ****

It’s a beach bar and pretty much ticks the boxes when it comes to delivering comfortable lounge seating. The colour scheme and design perfectly match the scenery and gladly do not detract from the beautiful view of the sea and headlands. The totty-watching bar seats over looking the beach are of course worthy of mention…

AMBIENCE ****

Being outside, hearing the sound of waves, the beach and lush greenery – are you really on the same piece of land that holds the hedonistic life of Hong Kong, Central? Chilled, relaxed with an element of fun – great to host parties and for special relxed DJ events.”

CUISINE ***

Don’t expect nouvelle cuisine… this is an al fresco venue with great casual food. You can order dips, snacks, noodles, salads, wraps, burgers, mains and if you want an early start…breakfast. The salads are fresh and crisp, the burgers hearty and the mains are superbly simple like Blackened Salmon with Fruit Chutney and Lamb Loin with Greek Salad.

BOOZE ***

For a little beach bar the drinks selection is great. Soft drinks, mocktails, cocktails, bottled beers, a nice wine selection and bubbles. The cocktails are great – only one complaint is that, especially if the place is busy, the cocktails take some time…but they are worth the wait (if in a group or feeling naughty – order a jug!).

SERVICE ***

When visiting any casual beach bar you come to expect a level of service…casual. And casual it is – but this is fitting for the style of bar – you don’t want to be harassed in the day sunning yourself whilst reading OK magazine do you!

PRICE 34stars

Snacks: $30-$70

Appetisers/Salads: $55-$85

Mains: $65-$135

Dessert: No desserts on the menu but you can dive in to the chest freezer for ice-lollies and ice-creams!

Breakfast: $65-$90

BEST DISH

The Burgers win hands down!

BEST TIPPLE

We were torn between the Mango Martini and Mojito – so we had another round and agreed they both won…again!