Hong Kong’s Metropol dim sum restaurant closes after 35 years
For years, they served dim sum to thousands
Eleanor Shek Lai-chun, deputy shop manager and sales manager
I came here through a former colleague’s introduction. I started out as an assistant manager and was later promoted.
A typical day for me involves writing menus and communicating with customers, answering their inquiries, handling bookings and arranging details for banquets.
Over the years, there have been many memorable moments, but one really stands out. A family of regulars who moved overseas came back to dine with us. During the meal, one of them suddenly collapsed. I called 999 immediately, but it was during the protests and traffic around Admiralty was heavily disrupted. The ambulance couldn’t reach the United Centre (where the restaurant was located). I was extremely anxious and started calling building management and other departments for urgent help. Eventually, the ambulance got through and managed to take the guest to hospital just in time. The doctor said the situation had been critical. If they’d arrived any later, it could have been fatal. The guest and their family were very grateful.
I’ll miss the customers and the human connection. After all these years, many of them have become friends. We still check in on each other from time to time, even outside work.
I’ve watched the area change. Over the years, both Pacific Place and Queensway Plaza have changed. Where there used to be mostly high-end brands, now there are more mainstream options.
The busiest times? Definitely Christmas, Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, peak banquet seasons, when we’d be packed with bookings from companies and government departments.
This restaurant has always felt special to me. It’s a large space and we’ve always had a steady flow of customers. Once it closes, I plan to rest.