Marks & Spencer closes flagship HK food store after decade of service

Marks & Spencer will shutter its Langham Place food specialty store on August 24 after nearly 10 years of operation, marking the end of an era for what was once the brand's largest Asian food outlet.

The closure has sparked nostalgia among local shoppers, with many flocking to take advantage of a seven-day, store-wide 20 percent discount sale.

The 3,600-square-foot store made history as the first M&S location in Asia to introduce the innovative 'Hot Food to Go' concept, offering freshly prepared items like pork rolls and toasted sandwiches alongside its popular ready-to-eat meals.

The store's signature products, including its viral lobster soup, regularly generated social media buzz among Hong Kong foodies.

Netizens have expressed sadness over the impending closure, with many recalling the store as their preferred after-work destination.

"It was my cozy retreat for evening meals after long days in Mong Kok," one customer commented online. Others speculated whether the store's relatively remote location in the mall contributed to its demise.

The closure comes amid challenging times for Hong Kong's retail and catering sectors, which have seen numerous high-profile shutdowns in recent years.

While M&S maintains other Hong Kong locations, the Langham Place store's unique dining area and hot food offerings made it particularly beloved among local customers.

(Anson Luk)