J Senses: A taste of history and modernity

J Senses is a new form to present a living heritage to capture both the spirit of Wan Chai’s ever-changing cityscape and modern living

Photo: J Senses

There are many districts in Hong Kong that make them iconic in the city’s history. From Kowloon with its infamous Kowloon City Walled Park to the outer fishermen’s villages on the edges of rural New Territories. But perhaps none is as steeped in Hong Kong’s history as the district of Wan Chai. It is a vibrant commercial hub dating back to the late 1800s, and some of the architecture that survived the passage of time are a marvel to behold till this day.

Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.”

Johnston Road is one of Wan Chai’s busiest veins and boasts buildings of which not many are preserved. One that weathered the ages was a verandah facade building which was purchased by the Yu Clan in 1966. Hence the inscription of the Chinese name, The Hong Kong Yu Clansmen Association, on the top verandah facade. Located at 64 Johnston Road, it started as a verandah facade with new building parts added from 1888 onwards. The building was formed on land reclaimed before 1887.

Photo: J Senses

Next door is a marvellous four bays of balcony-type tenement that houses shops and F&B establishments these days. One of the earliest occupants of the building was known as the Woo Cheong Pawn Shop, a well-known local pawnshop trader for over a century. It is now known to be located at 66 Johnston Road, originally owned by the Lo Family.

Photo: J Senses

Cradled between the colonial building and Ship Street, the 64 Johnston Road building was built in the late 1930s. The house was originally a timber construct that fell into disrepair during World War Two. After the war, the family rebuilt it with concrete slab on masonry. In a bid to preserve local and historical Wan Chai characters.

Graciously preserving the main architectural features of both neighbouring buildings in a blend of historic and contemporary styles. This building eventually became a unique dining and lifestyle complex called: J Senses. Combining J Senses’ terrace-style building that features a green terrazzo, the old colonial building brings a pre-war 4-storey shophouse and French windows to the mix. The buildings were identified by Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) as Grade II Historical Building since 2009.

Quadruple offers for #Legend fans:

Four x HK$250 eCoupon (upon HK$500 spending in selected restaurants)
Surprising offer for #Legend fans. Until 31st May, you can fill in an eForm and J Senses will send four HK$250 eCoupon via Whatsapp (within 7 working days) for your usage from April to June 2022. The eCoupons can be used in Bibi and Baba, 22 Ships, Woo Cheong Tea House and Crust Italian of J Senses.

Please refer to the eCoupons’ terms and conditions. Limited Stock on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration link here
Enquiry – Whatsapp no.: 5162 5390 

A unique dining and lifestyle complex

22 Ships

22 Ships is a “no reservations, no service charge” tapas bar which offers rustic yet refined Spanish fare in a buzzy, relaxed setting. 

Address: G/F, 22 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Reservation Tel no.: 2555 0722

Crust Italian

Crust Italian is the definitive new destination for those seeking the warmth, tastes and ingredients of Naples and the Amalfi Coast’s legendary food culture.

Address: G/F, 66 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Reservation Tel no.: 2191 0278

Ruam

Ruam is a vibrant-casual thai garden bar and eatery set above hong kong’s bustling ship street. The welcoming venue serves up thai market favourites and innovative cocktails via a spirited bar, lush expansive terrace and intimate indoor dining area.

Address: 1/F, 18 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Reservation Tel no.: 3160 8535

Woo Cheong Tea House

Woo Cheong Tea House is split between two levels. The first floor serves premium teas, signature tea-infused cocktails, and exquisite dim sum items that are prepared fresh to order. Meanwhile, guests can enjoy meticulously crafted traditional Cantonese cuisine in an elegant and chic setting on the second floor that promises guests an unforgettable dining experience.

Address: 1-2/F, 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Reservation Tel no.: 2866 3444

Tenzushi

Tenzushi is known for its modern interpretation of Japanese fine dining with delightful innovations and twists to top-grade ingredients and signature dishes for providing our guests a true omakase experience in a private and intimate setting.

Address: 2/F, 18 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Reservation Tel no. (Whatsapp): 5533 9263

Bibi and Baba

Defined by colours, spices, and the marriage of flavours, Bibi and Baba presents dishes that are inspired by a blend of Singaporean and Malaysian culinary classics.

Address: G/F, 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Reservation Tel no.: 2555 0628

Other restaurants

Five Guys

The first Five Guys branch in Asia.

LHC Coffee

Photo: J Senses

LHC Coffee offers a speciality coffee experience.

Zoe Cake

Photo: J Senses

Zoe Cake bringing us simple pleasures in life all in a cake.

Explore and visit our website here
Address: 60A-66 Johnston Road and 1-18 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Facebook: J Senses | Instagram: jsenseshkg | WeChat: J Senses 香港

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In this Story: #dining