Bar review: The Picture House, Sai Kung – Steamers’ successor is a gastropub with friendly service
There’s something for everyone in this Sai Kung pub, with classic and signature cocktails, seven draught beers, a balanced wine list and no service charge
The vibe: The “est. 1958” in The Picture House’s logo refers to the building, not the bar, which opened only a couple of months ago in the premises formerly occupied by the second incarnation of Steamers. In 1958 it was a cinema, hence the name.
The layout is similar to that of its predecessor, and there is also a fair amount of continuity in staff and clientele, but the place is now a good deal smarter, with a gastropub atmosphere and menu. The forecourt sitting out area is particularly popular. Service is friendly, and there’s no service charge, but happy hour prices apply to only some of the drinks.
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The drinks: there should be something on the drinks list to cater to most tastes. Beer drinkers have a choice of seven draught beers and 16 bottled beers and ciders. The wine list is short, but well balanced and as reasonably priced as you can expect in Sai Kung these days.
I went for a G&T made with the Botanist gin from Islay in Scotland and opted for lemon grass, which kept trying to stab me in the eye.
The Ginger Rogers Julep made with bourbon, orange juice, fresh mint and ginger syrup had the bourbon well to the fore, which is desirable in a julep, but so is better bourbon. I would have been willing to pay for an upgrade from basic Jim Beam, and should have asked.
Options for those avoiding alcohol, for whatever reason, include a Sai Kung Sunrise – what you would expect sans tequila – and a selection of smoothies, coffees and Dilmah teas.
The verdict: a definite upgrade for strategically located Sai Kung premises which have housed a bar or restaurant of one kind or another for more than a decade.
The Picture House, 66 Yi Chun Street, Sai Kung, tel: 2792 6991
Open: 11am-midnight
Happy hour: Monday to Friday 3pm-7.30pm
While you’re in the area: