WEEKENDER: Afternoon tea giveaway, Australia Day BBQ, Sheung Wan street party and more

 With Chinese New Year coming up, the whole of Hong Kong is buzzing with festivity! Just like the city, this weekend’s activities are painted with diversity, from street art fashion and Asian art with cocktails, to a hiking tour and a CNY pop-up… there’s sure to be something for everyone in our Weekender!

Throw another shrimp on the barbie!
For all you Aussies out there, happy Australia Day this Sunday! Whether you’re from Down Under or not, a celebratory barbecue definitely would not go amiss – and The Bellbrook has cooked up an amazing Great Aussie Barbeque menu for the day. Get your fill with five mouthwatering courses, from kangaroo pie to BBQ goodies like spare ribs, T-bone and prawns, all served with Aussie mango salsa and their secret barbeque sauce… then end things on a sweet note with a few traditional homemade lamingtons to boot! They’ll also have some fun entertainment, specials on buckets of beer, trivia games and prizes… time to have our Sunday roast, Aussie style (and don’t forget to check out our full review of The Bellbrook here)!

When: 26 January, 11am-11pm
Where: The BellBrook, 2/F, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $488 per person, call 2530 1600 or email [email protected] for reservations

The art of afternoon tea
If you’re into art, here’s a good exhibition to check out this weekend! No Country: Contemporary Art for South & Southeast Asia, co-organised by The Guggenheim New York and The Asia Society Hong Kong, features paintings, sculptures, photographs, videos and mixed media projects by talented artists from throughout South and Southeast Asia. This inaugural touring exhibition by the Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative has travelled all the way from the NYC to HK! If you’re a fan of food art as well as the cultural stuff, then make sure you have room for AMMO’s special tie-in afternoon tea set with sweet pastries, light bites and scones (plus two glasses of wine and a pair of exhibition tickets included!). Feeling thirsty? Then sample one of the 12 special cocktails created especially for the exhibition and inspired by the artwork, including the Amazing Hong Kong and Manila Spicy Mango. Sounds like your afternoon is all set!

SASSY GIVEAWAY: We have one afternoon tea for two to give away to a lucky reader, plus five pairs of exhibition tickets for the runners-up. To put your name in the running, drop your details in the form here

When: Until 16 February, 11am-5pm (Tues-Sun), 11am-8pm (last Thursday of the month), closed on Mondays and public holidays
Where: Asia Society Hong Kong Center & AMMO, 9 Justice Drive, Admiralty, Hong Kong
How much: Exhibition admission $30; afternoon tea for two including two glasses of sparkling wine and a pair of exhibition tickets $468 (plus 10% service charge)

Street chic
The streets of Hong Kong are often covered in all kinds of art, from your usual graffiti to political statements – but have you considered how street art translates into the world of fashion? Well, come and check out this collection of unique bags by Cindy G (a Californian designer) and JM Robert (a cool French artist)! Certified handmade and in small quantities, these bags are a perfect mix of art and fashion, featuring bold and abstract graffiti patterns on versatile tote bags. Join Street Art Fever in a private viewing and shopping session, with complimentary champagne, tea and coffee served. Street art has never been so chic!

When: 25 January, 2-6pm
Where: 1/F, 6E Bowen Road, Mid Levels, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry, and 10% discount for guests who RSVP to [email protected]

Natural beauty
With all the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s easy to forget that our busy Hong Kong has another side – one that promises gorgeous views of nature and ample amounts of fresh air. If you’re up for a trip to visit Mother Nature, do it with the help of a private tour guide! Check out the old Hakka villages on an easy countryside hike, with a route taking you through the idyllic Hok Tau Reservoir, the tranquil wetlands of Sha Lo Tung, and some historical buildings and Hakka houses. Rest up and snack on some sweet dou-fu-fa or tofu pudding, before making a visit to the Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve. Sounds like a perfect Saturday trip to us!

When: 25 January, 9:30am
Where: Starting at Fanling MTR station; the tour ends at Fung Yuen (with minibus or taxi available to Tai Wo MTR station)
How much: $180 per person (and as a special introductory offer, you can bring along a friend for free!); pre-booking here essential

Weekend affair
If you’re looking for somewhere to check out fashion goodies, beauty products and some scrumptious food to boot, then head to the three-day CNY pop-up store at Little Square HK! Don’t miss the street party on Saturday with 15squarestreet, complete with Mexican delights from Little Burro… And if you love cooking up a storm, make a weekend of it and join Secret Ingredient on Sunday for a fun cooking demo and brunch sesh! Of course, keep your eyes on chic pieces from A Boy Named Sue and ZOOBEETLE, accessories by NALLIK, skincare by Purearth and beautiful flowers from Ellermann to complete the festivities. 5% of all sales will be donated towards the MSY Charitable Foundation to help aid Typhoon Haiyan relief in Cebu, so you’re in for a good cause!

When: 24 January, doors open at 12pm; 25 January, street party at 4-9pm; 26 January, cooking demo at 1pm
Where: Little Square, 21 Square Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How much: Free!

After a busy party season, it’s time to get pampered! We have just the deal for you with up to 57% off a huge selection of massages at the newly opened Ayurveda Day Spa –  you’ll be relaxed and revitalised before you can say let’s do it all over again at CNY!

The Ayurveda Day Spa is a brand spanking new spa conveniently located in Soho… yep, a tranquil oasis in the middle of Hong Kong! With this deal you can choose from a range of massage options, all for only $300 each! From Swedish to Deep Tissue, to the signature Ayurvedic massage – there’s something for everyone. So don’t miss out on this fab discount for this brand new spa! Click here to buy now!

Got an event you’d like us to feature in The Weekender, or have a top tip for us? Email us the details at [email protected].