Tsim Sha Tsui’s former Marine Police Headquarters, previously known as Hullett House, has undergone a revamp to emerge as the new House 1881. With a boutique hotel and five new dining concepts situated in the heritage building, the colonial architecture and lush gardens of the premises offer a bit of a breather from the liveliness of the surrounding neighborhood.
Inside the venue, a steak house, a Cantonese fine dining restaurant, a cafe, and two bars find their new digs. Serving dim sum made with locally-sourced ingredients, Fortune Villa exudes that old world elegance in its traditional-meets-modern decor. Its signatures include baked abalone puff with diced chicken, but you can also go for the fishing village-themed menu of dishes featuring handmade condiments and dried items from local businesses such as bean curd from Liu Ma Kee.
Over at Stable Steak House, a space initially set aside for horse stables on the property, premium cuts of beef and seafood get the spotlight, with steaks imported from across the globe and accompanied by more than 40 different salt varieties. Pair your order with bowls of beef consommé or lobster bisque for more of those rich flavors.
To sip on an after-dinner drink, the upstairs Stable Bar is where the largest gin collection in Kowloon resides, with 102 bottles from around the world. Otherwise, those who prefer a round of cocktails can try the smoked negroni or the Teaspresso, the bar’s rendition of the classic espresso martini.
If you’d rather keep things casual, Cafe Parlour in the main building looks out on the courtyard with nibbles like cakes, pastries, and afternoon tea bites. Meanwhile, The Sergeant’s Bar, formerly a favorite haunt for police officers and visiting sailors, will load you up on bar snacks and cocktails.
FIND IT:
House 1881 is at 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
