Hong Kong’s Metropol Restaurant to close in September as HKUST buys the space
Dim sum restaurant will fold after 35 years in business, with expert saying such eateries have struggled to adapt to market changes
A restaurant known for serving dim sum from traditional trolleys will close at the end of September after the venue was acquired by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) for HK$354.4 million (US$45 million).
In a reply to the Post, HKUST confirmed on Tuesday that it recently reached an agreement to purchase a property at United Centre in Admiralty for teaching purposes. Records showed the location was the fourth floor, which had been occupied by Metropol Restaurant for more than three decades.
“The university’s School of Business and Management has always been setting up teaching facilities in business centres in the urban areas to facilitate classes and interaction for its students and staff,” a university spokesman said.
He added the university would use such spaces for other activities to support its long-term development and foster student growth.
Records show that Hong Kong Ping Jeng Lau, which operated the Metropol Restaurant and other eateries, had owned the property since 1989.
A restaurant employee told the Post that the establishment would remain open until September 27, but had not offered any reason for the closure.