Lin Heung Lau Tea House will close and relocate its Central branch this April

Call it PTSD, but our stomachs swoop a little whenever we see a text-heavy image from our favourite brands on social media – which usually implies some sort of scandal and apology, or a closure announcement. Historic tea house Lin Heung Lau almost sent us spiralling recently when they posted a similar notice on Instagram, announcing that their Central branch will not be around for much longer. Thankfully, in the same breath, the brand also reassured Hong Kong foodies that they will be reopening elsewhere.

Lin Heung Lau has been a staple in our city for over 100 years, though they have been plagued with a handful of financing and closure scares during their long history. It shuttered during the summer of 2022 after struggling during the pandemic, but eventually reopened in April 2024. The traditional tea house on the corner of Wellington Street and Aberdeen Street is widely known for being one of the last remaining eateries in Hong Kong that still serve dim sum out of old-school trolleys.

This time, there will be no close save, as their premises are slated for redevelopment by this April. “We are honoured to have become a landmark in Central and a part of your daily lives. This remains our greatest pride,” Lin Heung Lau said in its statement. Keeping things positive, they also declared they will continue the dim sum culinary tradition of ‘one teapot two dishes’ with Hong Kong diners and persist in their century-old bond with the city.

Lin Heung Lau Tea House’s new location will be in Tung Ning Building, 249-251 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, near the Wing On department store. The move will happen sometime in April, so if you’d like to say goodbye to this Hong Kong icon’s original home, it’s best to plan that yum cha sesh soon!

Meanwhile, Lin Heung Lau also has a relatively new branch in Tsim Sha Tsui that’s open round-the-clock in case you ever feel the need for late-night snacking.

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