The islands of Hong Kong spread far and wide not only in geological location but in culture, language, activity and food, however Discover Bay, which lies on the west coast of Lantau Island just a 30 minute ferry ride from Central, exudes a rather Disneyland feel. Picnic benches filled with young parents chatting as their young children spar with one another barefoot in the bright open plaza. The opening of the North Plaza within the past few years has allowed even more recreational areas as well as food and drink venues have opened up and enticed even more city dwellers to move just a little further from the office.
Liz, 45, working on Discovery Bay for 25 years
Hong Kong would not get to work on time, would not get its children to school on time, would not get its dogs walked on time, or be fed, clothed or cared for without its domestic helpers. Hong Kong simply would not function without them. This particularly extraordinary example of Hong Kong’s lady spends her day off every week leading the Hong Kong Trampers hiking group over the hills of Hong Kong, exploring off-piste to find new and interesting trails. Her love of the mountains has taken her up to Everest base camp – twice – and onwards attempted to reach Island Peak in Nepal at 6198 metres. Her next big adventure is to conquer Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak.
Coyote | @coyoteHK
Shop G08A Block A DB Plaza | http://www.coyote.com.hk/ | Mon-Fri 12pm – 11:30pm; Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 11am – 11:30pm
Saturday afternoon and you fancy some good chat, snacks and a mean margherita? This is the place to be. Make sure to try the chilli nachos.
Ko Tomyums
Shop 105B, 1/F, D/Deck | Mon-Sat 12pm – 11pm
Whether you can handle your spice or not, the friendly staff at this upper floor restaurant will be able to help you choose your favourite Thai dishes. Don’t forget, sharing is caring.
Alex, 33, and Seb, 1, both born in HK
The fast-paced lifestyle of Hong Kong is definitely a thrill for a while, but after getting married and having a child and a dog, life on the island can be a little overwhelming. Alex and her family moved to DB in January from their flat in busy SoHo to enjoy an easier, more peaceful life surrounded by hills, open spaces and most importantly, stroller accessibility. Working from home gives Alex the freedom to head to the North Plaza both she and Seb get to enjoy both their adult lanes and crawling pool respectively.
Café bord de Mer & Lounge
88 Siena Avenue | http://www.aubergediscoverybay.com/ | Daily 6:30am – 10:30pm
Being social when you have a baby is very important. So is heading to the Auberge hotel for a relaxed afternoon tea with your girlfriends. This child friendly location has a large astroturf terrace for the kids to play on while you enjoy the chilled atmosphere.
22 North
G08B, G/F, D/Deck | http://www.22north.com.hk/ | Tues-Fri & Sun 3pm – 11pm; Saturday & Public Holiday 12pm – 11pm
The large outdoor area is perfect for enjoying the sunset and the cool island breeze with a refreshing glass of apple spritz. Depending on the mood, the fresh Ceviche or Fully Loaded Pub Fries with sour cream and bacon bits are surely the way to go.
Paul, 54, lived on Discovery Bay for 25 years
Contrasting to his hometown of Swansea, Wales, Paul and his wife moved over to Hong Kong where he was setting up manufacturing with China. After only a month in Pokfulam, the couple came to DB where they had two children who were brought up on the island. The family spends their weekends sailing, boating, hiking, swimming, wakeboarding in the day and enjoying the relaxed lifestyle and friendly community of Discovery Bay in the evenings.
Hemingway’s by the Bay
G09 Discovery Bay Rd | Mon-Sat & Public Holidays 2pm – 1am; Sun 12pm – 2am
Start your evening off in the pleasant and sociable atmosphere of this beachside dining. Choose from the extensive wine list while you listen to the live bands.
McSorley’s
G11A-1 Discovery Bay Rd | http://www.mcsorleys.com.hk/ | Mon-Fri 3pm – 12am; Sat-Sun & Public Holidays 11am – 1am
A good sports bar is a must in any area. Drink good beer and make plenty of friends while watching the top sporting events on the large flat screen TVs.
Born in London and whisked away to Hong Kong at 2 years old, I have grown up surrounded by fast paced cultures and international events. They have shaped my attitude to the world from a young age: the world is small and I want to explore it all.