Bars rejoice as Drink Around Town returns

Some 50,000 Wine and Dine Festival e-coupons will be given away free so people can enjoy signature cocktails or other drinks from more than 200 bars and restaurants as the monthlong event starts on Tuesday.

The Tourism Board aims to support the catering industry with HK$10 million through the annual festival that ends on November 30.

The "Drink Around Town" coupons can be redeemed for a free treat from the "Creative Cocktails Citywide" for new special cocktails in 210 restaurants and bars, with many of the drinks incorporating local ingredients or flavors.

People can also use them in "Wine on the Waterfront," where they can enjoy some drinks and meals at about 160 restaurants with a Victoria Harbour view.

Locals and visitors can grab the first 25,000 e-coupons through the Discover Hong Kong platform - a bureau website - from 10am on November 3 and the rest on November 17.

Half of the coupons are worth HK$100 each and the other half HK$150 each.

After logging on to the Discover Hong Kong platform, registered users can choose one of the two available coupons and save it to the e-wallet. The saved coupon can be used directly at one of the restaurants and bars taking part.

Only one unused coupon can be saved in the wallet. After it is used, people can get a new coupon.

The board said it has reserved a small number of coupons as gifts to those taking part in the Hong Kong Sevens and the Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit next week. Those coupons are separate from the 50,000 meant for the public.

Most of the bars and restaurants under the "Creative Cocktails Citywide" program will also offer gourmet snacks alongside new cocktails, most of them priced at HK$100.

People can enjoy exclusive set menus for only HK$150 each at 160 restaurants with harbour views in Tseung Kwan O, Kwun Tong, Tsim Sha Tsui, Stanley, Kennedy Town, Island East, Central and Wan Chai.

The Wine and Dine Festival used to be held at Central Harbour Front before it fanned out to restaurants and bars across Hong Kong due to the pandemic last year. The same format will be continued this year.

HKTB executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat said: "This year, the board will continue to celebrate the festival all over the city. Using Hong Kong's quintessential flavors and mesmerizing harbor views as inspiration, we have invited many well-known restaurants and bars to come up with innovative gourmet experiences, including the thematic Creative Cocktails Citywide and Wine on the Waterfront programs.

"In addition to delighting locals and visitors with unique experiences, we will be showcasing the city's gastronomic treasures to the world with a view to encouraging travelers to plan their long-awaited Hong Kong trip to enjoy the tastes they have been missing."

But unlike last year when the event was held in a hybrid format, there will be no online program and tasting pass as the board hopes people can spend money in restaurants and bars directly.

The board has also collaborated with more than 300 restaurants for the "Dine Around Town" promotion with discounted meals from breakfast to dinner and with special dining - from omakase with traditional Chinese cuisines to green tasting experiences.

Ryan So Hong-pak, general manager of Dining City Hong Kong, believes the festival can bring at least 10,000 new online bookings to restaurants.

Chin Chun-wing, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar and Club Association, hopes to see a 20 to 30 percent increase in business for bars.

sophie.hui@singtaonewscorp.com