‘We considered closing’: owners of Hong Kong’s British diner turned European bistro Mr Wolf on their journey and new direction
- Tom and Chai Hall were silent partners in British restaurant Mr Wolf but took up the mantle when Castelo Concepts founder Wayne Parfitt died
- Through a decor refresh and updated menu, the couple have hit their stride, learning as they go – and even thinking about expanding elsewhere in Asia
You might say that Tom and Chai Hall are accidental restaurateurs.
The couple were only meant to be silent partners when the British-style diner Mr Wolf opened five years ago, but circumstances forced them to step up, take over and manage a working kitchen themselves.
In 2017, businessman Tom was looking for a new office, while his wife Chai wanted to start a gym and dance studio. In Central on Hong Kong Island, they found more than what they needed in Crawford House’s spacious fifth floor, which included a large terrace.
Thinking he could share the space, Tom brought in his friend Wayne Parfitt of Castelo Concepts, which ran restaurants such as Jaspas, Oolaa and Piccolo.
“I said to him, ‘Do you think this place might make a good restaurant?’” Hall says. “This used to be three units, none using the balcony. It’s quite rare to have such a nice big space in Central.
“Since I just wanted the back area for an office and gym, I let Wayne – who was great at these things – work out what to do with the terrace and the front area.
