Ted's Lookout

The Star Street area of Wan Chai has been the subject of a bit of a revitalization over the past few years, and far away from the all-night boozers and girly bars of the Lockhart Road/Luard Road area of the district is a very different beast altogether. Small, locally-owned bars and restaurants operate around here, with none of the rowdiness traditionally associated with Hong Kong’s de facto red light district. Ted’s is one such establishment, located at the end of a cul-de-sac off Star Street and easily recognized by its low-wattage signage as you approach. It, in keeping with a recent trend in Hong Kong, makes the most of its outdoor space and tries to blur the line between inside and out. It has a polished concrete-and-leather interior, which is pleasant in its own hipster way. It has a small but reputable beer list with some good craft offerings from around the world, and its cocktails are usually clever variations on well-worn themes. Its open bar-cum-kitchen is the centerpiece of the space, and its higher-end spirits prominently displayed. Food is simple and usually pretty good, with a couple of exceptions (including a good, solid 8 out of 10 burger) are made for sharing. Seating is a little limited as it is a small place but as it fills up customers simply spill out onto the street, taking up residence at a couple of large barrels which are fit for purpose, or gathering around a row of vintage cinema seats that make up part of a charming frontage.