The Globe
Before closing late last year, The Globe was one of Hong Kong’s best-loved locals. Sitting beneath the Mid-Levels escalator, the intimate, amiable pub carved out a loyal following over its 14 years in the Hollywood Road location, with a simple yet successful formula: a welcoming vibe, decent pub grub and the finest beer selection available anywhere in the territory. It was one of the few places in Central that felt like a proper local, headed up by the good old-fashioned publican and beer-encyclopedia Toby Cooper. So when a significant rent hike forced The Globe to move from its long-standing home, even with the promise of a new version just around the corner, regulars and occasional Globe-indulgers alike were right to wonder: could the new Globe possibly be a worthy replacement for its predecessor?
Quite excitingly, The Globe Mk II surpasses the original, going bigger, brighter and way more edible. Cooper and Co have not just attempted to recreate the atmosphere of the previous haunt, but have used the opportunity to modernise their concept while remaining true to its traditions. The result is a superb, homey gastropub.
The narrow Graham Street entrance hides what awaits inside: an expansive space at least five times the size of its old counterpart. A sizeable bar sits central with stools extending around the perimeter of the rectangular island, making chancing a seat at the bar and getting a drink – one of the greatest difficulties of the oft-cramped former space – way easier.
Beyond the bar are myriad seating options. Or at least three. Along the wall sit a series of partitioned pub booths that use the old den’s floorboards as tables; casual single seating is scattered around the rear wall; and numerous sleek communal tables take up the majority of the establishment’s seated area, giving it a positively contemporary gastropub atmosphere.
But the highlight of the new Globe is in the lounging – an elevated ‘living room’ space filled with books, games, a huge plasma for film and sports (we also hear Eastenders and classic football games by request are becoming regular weekend ‘treats’), three uber-loll-inducing couches and – for that touch of nostalgia – the old world map that hung proudly on the walls of the bar’s precursor. It’s an area that underlines what the Globe is all about: hanging out with mates in an unpretentious setting.
And then there’s the consuming. The Globe’s impressive beer selection has always been one of its great pulls. And while it doesn’t stock all varieties it once boasted right now, it still represents one of the broadest ale selections around. Old favourites Budvar, Leffe Blonde and Brune, and Typhoon 8, Hong Kong’s own real ale produced in Mui Wo, are some of the nine beers taking up residency on tap, in addition to the dozens upon dozens of beers by the bottle. The assortment is again particularly focused on Belgian and English drops.
The Globe has also gone a little more food focused. And while we’re a little more concerned with booze in this part of the mag, it’s hard not to appreciate the fine tweaks to pub grub, like the Pulled Lamb Shank with poached eggs and Sausage and Polenta cake ($92) or the Crumbed Ling with Mushy peas and sweet gherkin tartar ($88).
For true Globe traditionalists, the Graham Street move may take some getting used to. But ultimately, it’s a sizeable upgrade to a warm English pub that was already a great watering hole. The new Globe? It’s simply the best pub around these parts.
Mark Tjhung
Basement, Garley Bldg, 45-53 Graham St, Central, 2543 1941; www.theglobe.com.hk. Email toby@theglobe.com.hk for TV and classic football game requests.
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I truly enjoyed the vibe of the old Globe...but the new Globe blew my mind...awesome to see such a fresh and warm place. walking into the charm of Mr. Coopers, new Globe surpassed the original and makes for a welcoming and wanting new place to enjoy friends and food....i'm from the States, I will be back!!!!! for sure!
every visit to Hong Kong was not complete without at least one trip to the Globe to see Toby and the rest of the regulars. I cannot wait to see the new venue
every visit to Hong Kong was not complete without at least one trip to the Globe to see Toby and the rest of the regulars. I cannot wait to see the new venue
The old Globe was already one of the best authentic English pubs in town, but now the new one is even better! Taking things to a higher level still. For all those who are thinking of openning a so-called British pub in Hong Kong, check this place out and do exactly what Cooper and Co have done! This is the genuine article!
Interesting review but dead wrong. The original globe was famous for: - a great beer selection with staff who new what they were talking about - friendly prompt service at a reasonable cost - In a small intimate central location Sadly the new Globe fails on all of these points. When I visited: - the beer selection was limited - it was impossible to get the staffs attention (& when I did they were unfriendly) - its new location has lost it's intimate feel & prices have gone up Save your money & visit one of it's many Noho competitors that still have good beer & service at a reasonable price - the beer selectio.
I have just returned after my second visit to the Globe. I am a CAMRA member and have been moping around with a face like a smacked bottom until I wandered in. Real ale served from a hand-pump and at the proper temperature! In Hong Kong! I was sure I would never taste anything again apart from the cold fizz of lager on my travels! A very malty tasty pint of typhoon 8 followed by a pint of anniversary to wash down a very pleasant lunch. The staff all seemed very pleasant and friendly to me and I would recomend the globe to anyone, especially if you like beer!
The New Globe seems fine on the surface but be warned. I have been four times and every time had issues with the bill. They seem to over charge their customers, ie if you have a tab more drinks will appear on your bill than you ordered or they short change you. Best is, if you do go pay for drinks with exact change and never run a tab here. You have been warned!
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