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Hong Kong economy
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Cheers to Hong Kong Sevens: bars in Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong hope waves of fans will erase memories of November’s damp squib

  • Nightlife hotspots looking for rugby weekend to mark their comeback after years in doldrums because of Covid-19
  • Bar owners and operators organise extra stock and staff to cope with higher demand

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Wan Chai bars are pinning their hopes of a comeback on Hong Kong Sevens fans. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Connor Mycroft
Bar owners and operators in nightlife hotspots are optimistic that this weekend’s Hong Kong Sevens will light a spark that returns the once rowdy district to its former glory, following more than three years of a downturn because of the Covid-19 pandemic and 2019 social unrest.

Bars and pubs in Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong in Central were bustling with fans laughing and singing on Friday night, with the crowds overflowing onto the pavement.

“I think it’s amazing,” said Liam O’Mahony, a 27-year-old from Ireland who was with friends in Lan Kwai Fong.

Fans headed to Wan Chai after the day’s matches ended. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Fans headed to Wan Chai after the day’s matches ended. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

It was O’Mahony’s first time visiting the city, which he described as “vibrant” and living up to the hype.

In Wan Chai, long-time resident Dave Ross, 56, said the area was “buzzing with energy” from all the international tourists and others enjoying the night.

“It’s not quite as busy as it was before the pandemic, but it’s found the right direction,” he said.

Rugby fans traditionally head to Wan Chai and Lan Kwai Fong for a night out after watching the day’s matches at the Hong Kong Stadium in Causeway Bay. Bar and pub operators said they expected brisk business.

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