Bars gearing up for bumper Hong Kong Sevens weekend

Bars and restaurants are gearing up for a bumper three days during the Hong Kong Sevens rugby tournament, brushing off concerns that rising airfares because of the Middle East war might put off visitors, with some operators expecting a surge of up to 40 per cent compared with a regular weekend.Business magnate and Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman told the South China Morning Post that the loyal following of the flagship tournament, which runs from Friday to Sunday at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium, transcended travel cost spikes.“Even though the airfare is a little bit more, a fan is a fan. They’ll find a way, it’s different than just going on a holiday or that kind of thing. For some people, no matter what it costs, ‘I can’t miss the Sevens.’ It’s a tradition,” Zeman said on Thursday.He also said he was not concerned about visitors being budget-conscious, likening it to the Formula One races in Singapore, where people spent “fortunes” and did whatever it took to be there because there “is a lot of business done”.The famed rugby tournament, which traditionally draws tens of thousands of overseas visitors annually, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Organisers said fewer than 1,000 three-day tickets were left, with more than 45,000 spectators expected to attend every day.Jacky Kwok, manager of Italian restaurant and bar Baci in Lan Kwai Fong, said he expected business to increase by at least 40 per cent over usual weekends. Baci had been hired for a private event on Friday night and was hosting a Sevens after-party on Saturday, he said.“We’ve stocked up 10 times as much beer as on normal weekends, with about 40 to 50 kegs to last the three heavy beer consumption days,” Kwok said, adding that 70 per cent of the tickets for the after-party had already been sold.Nearby at Tango Argentinian Steakhouse, manager Ryan Padua said bookings for the weekend had doubled. The restaurant is targeting group diners with sharing steaks priced at HK$988 and has increased its wine stock by 50 per cent.Singapore-based architect John Pauline flew into Hong Kong for the second year in a row for the tournament. He said that his flight tickets were not affected by the surging fuel surcharges as they were booked before the war started.The 58-year-old lived in Hong Kong for 14 years before moving away four years ago, and is in town with his wife, two teenage children and a friend of theirs. He planned to spend about S$10,000 to S$15,000 for the trip.Visitor Adam Cheetham (right) and friend James Lynch in Lan Kwai Fong, Photo: Edmond SoAdam Cheetham, a 35-year-old food and beverage professional from Australia, was looking to spend about A$300 a day on food and drink. His flights were also not affected by the fuel surcharges as they were booked before the war started.Further ReadingIn bars on Wan Chai’s Lockhart Road, the atmosphere was starting to pick up on Thursday evening.But Raj Gurung, director of Bar 109, noted that the build-up appeared “less promising compared with last year”, pointing to the 40 to 50 per cent increase in airfares and the ongoing Middle East conflict as deterrents for some.Business is brisk at The White Stag in Wan Chai. Photo: Edmond SoHe said that while the area typically became busier four to five days before the event, the surge had been slower this year.“While there is some concern about losing fans to the bars in Kai Tak, I believe the Wan Chai vibe remains a significant draw. Many of our regulars appreciate the unique atmosphere we offer here,” the director said.Down the road at the White Stag pub, manager David Fung was not concerned about the competition from Kai Tak. He said early business was already outperforming last year.“Maybe the new guys stay there. It’s OK,” Fung said, pointing to a strong return of “old faces” and regular customers.“If the people still want to watch the sports, they’ll still come,” he said.