DINING

WM Hotel Restaurant Reviewed

Peter Wood dons his Hedda Hopper disguise to check out brunch at the new WM Hotel.

Earlier in August, the opening of the rather swanky WH Hotel caused a ripple of excitement in the Sai Kung community.

I snuck down there for Saturday brunch with three friends to check out that F&B ocean view exposure. First impressions were good.

The hotel snakes organically along the Sai Kung shoreline – a shining example of how contemporary design can blend into our landscape. I had chatted earlier in the month to designer Henry Chau of Aedas. He said; “The overall building form is actually driven by the scenic view of the Sai Kung seaview.” The three interconnected V-shaped hotel blocks also greatly increase the number of sea-facing hotel rooms. Apparently they are mostly booked out until January. So, well done Henry.

The WM certainly looks great. The lobby allows one to breathe in the nearby sea air. The rooftop infinity pool surely must be the best in Hong Kong as it hugs the building. Windows pop with seamless views of the sea and the Sai Kung hills. You can see why it’s already a hit with city folk.

Sadly, the only restaurant open was situated in the basement with a bland view of an empty rotunda. The beige décor, beige menu and beige roast lamb was also uninspiring. Perhaps it will be better after they get their liquor license. An art installation of wine bottles (for what other purpose did it pose?) teased us throughout our alcohol free meal.

The service was haphazard. But perhaps that is just because the team is new. Our 2 vegetarians had to explain that prosciutto and shrimp were not vegetarian. Overall the ambience is very hotel breakfast and doesn’t deliver on the funky promise of the building.

What the WM needs is an executive chef to make the restaurant a “go to” venue. Contemporary all day dim sum, such as Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons, or Dim Sum Library in Pacific Place spring to mind.

Dining News

Singaling gets its liquor licence back

Sing, Sai Kung’s most popular restaurateur*, said he got his liquor licence back Tuesday (31/8). Singaling, which he runs with partner Wai-ling, is now fully back in business. This is good news for imbibers in town because Singaling offers the best drinks deal Monday through Thursday – two for the price of one. Sing says “Come on down”. The liquor licence was lost temporarily because of a bureaucratic mix up. *Readers of Sai Kung Magazine voted Sing the town’s most popular restaurateur several times. It’s because Sing makes an effort to remember everyone’s name and treats all of us as friends and you know he’s genuine. Po Tung Rd, Sai Kung. singalings.com

Sustainable Microgreens

Tiny acres is a joint venture between 2 Sai Kung families growing Microgreens sustainably. The initial idea behind the business was hatched during the Covid lockdown to teach our children where food came from, and what was required to grow vegetables. With space at a premium in Hong Kong we had to think small, and came across Microgreens. As the name suggests they are small, but boy do they pack a bunch! Microgreens are packed with up to 40 times more nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants than their mature plant, not that we tell our kids. Our crops are grown in a climate controlled environment, free of pesticides and chemicals. They are a fun and exciting way to spruce up salads, sandwiches and soups, or you can even add them to smoothies.

Kids classes near you

We round up the best classes for kids in Sai Kung

CLASSES

Mindful Wing Chun

Help your child channel their inner Ip Man with Mindful Wing Chun for kids. Wing Chun is a style of Kung Fu that is not only fun, but helps kids build respect, self-confidence, and focus. Studies have shown it also improves grades! They have classes in the Sai Kung Playground 20 | SAIKUNG.COM

every Saturday. Ages 3+. More info:

cynthia@cynthiamuthyala.com WhatsApp: 6117 9080

Jesse Chow Taekwondo & Hapkido

Let your child learn TKD from a master. Kukkiwon accredited and 6th Dan black belt, Jesse Chow has over 20 years experience as an instructor. One-on-one lessons are available or join lessons in Sai Kung Town Centre every Sunday 3pm to 6pm. Enquiry 9467-7787,

jesse@supra.com.hk

Mango Swimming Club

Ready to take the plunge? Mango regularly hold swimming, triathlon and cycling courses to help get kids and teens in shape, while also making

friends and becoming part of a team. They offer group and private swimming lessons for kids aged four and above, and to swimmers of all ability levels. For teenagers, weekly training sessions work on technique, with a splash of healthy competition too.

fotop.net/mango

Flipping Kids

Combining gymnastics and parkour, Flipping Kids offers dynamic, fun and physical classes for children aged three and above (for gymnastics, the youngest are 18 months). Available seven days a week, programmes offer a pathway from beginner all the way up to advanced; whether on beam, floor, bar, vault or simply traversing the world around them, your kids will soon be flipping out for gymnastics in Sai Kung. flippingkids.com

Sai Kung Bulldogs Football Club

The Bulldogs are just as tenacious and devoted as their four-legged namesake. The club’s philosophy is all about helping develop happy, healthy and confident players in a safe, welcoming and multicultural environment. Members learn discipline, teamwork and tolerance, while also getting fit and competing together as a group. Training is on Saturdays (10-17-year olds) and Sundays (2-4 & 5-9-year olds), kicking off this Autumn at the Sai Kung Wai Man Road Playground.

saikungbulldogs.com

EdStart Sports & Coaching

The beginners gymnastics programme from EdStart is an ideal way for children to start their love of the sport. Coaches start by building body strength and flexibility before moving on to more advanced skills. With a wide selection of other after school sports clubs available, as well as a new range of health and fitness programmes, EdStart will get your kids and teens moving in no time.

admin@edstarthk.com

Wellness Performance Clinic

Former boxing and jiu-jitsu champion Andrew Wong Kee has assembled a team of fighters, sports stars and health experts for the CNS (Central Nervous System) gymnasium and Wellness Performance Clinic in Sai Kung. Available on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school, the Teen Boxing class is specially designed for 12-17-year olds and is a great way to burn energy, release stress and develop self-confidence.

cnsperformance.clinic@gmail.com

WORKSHOPS

Inner Rainbow Mindfulness

Held on Mondays and Tuesdays, workshops at the Mindfulness & Wellbeing Club focus on developing inner peace for young people in Sai Kung. Open to kids and teens, sessions help build self-confidence, self-awareness and stress management techniques through a combination of breathing exercises, meditation, movement, discussion, drawing, acting, learning and play. The goal is to have fun and learn to live a fuller, happier life with mindfulness.

info@innerrainbowmindfulness.com

Bricks 4 Kidz

Bricks 4 Kidz after school classes deliver high-quality, educational play using LEGO. Kids assemble a new model each week, based around themes such as space travel, sports, amusement parks and animals. They can also get a better understanding of technical design, by learning about gears, torque and friction. For the little engineers in your family, this class offers the building blocks of a bright future.

bricks4kidz.com.hk/saikung/

Sunshine House

Located in Clearwater Bay, the Sunshine House International Pre-school is running a series of extracurricular activities for kids aged 12 months – six years old. This schedule SAI KUNG | 21

includes everything from phonics, language and literacy, to music, storytelling and drama. For toddlers with energy to burn, there’s a Saturday playgroup or football with the Vikings; there’s even a cooking class for little ones with a creative streak. sunshinehouse.hk

ACADEMIC

Sai Kung Tutors

Available for home visits or at their learning centre above Honeymoon Dessert, classes from Sai Kung Tutors cover everything from maths and music, to Cantonese, robotics and drums. Primary, secondary and IB/HSC/ALevel students can develop their knowledge, confidence and passion for their subject, with tutors who are supportive and positive in their approach. saikungtutors.com

Mr. Wong the Maths Tutor

Do you have primary or secondary school students at home preparing for their SAT, ACT or school entrance exams? Maybe you’d like to brush up on your own maths skills to crunch the numbers at work? Mr. Wong is a maths

tutor with 15 years of experience and a long list of satisfied customers. Familiar with a range of curricula, his classes help make complicated ideas and subjects seem more simple.

mrwong2002@hotmail.com

PERFORMANCE ART

Southern School of Dance

Covering everything from ballet and tap to hiphop, funk and contemporary, Southern School of Dance is a fantastic place for kids and teens to develop their skills, gain qualifications or simply let loose and explore their love of dance. Classes are available in person or via Zoom and follow the Royal Academy of Dance syllabi, so students can enter RAD and ISTD exams.

southernschoolofdance.com.hk

Move Studio

The Island Glee Club from the Move Studio helps teens find their voice and be inspired. Led by highly experienced professional instructors, classes work on singing and movement, infused

with a range of skills that are fundamental to performance arts. With mini, junior, intermediate and senior groups now open, The Island Glee Club has something for everyone.

movestudiohk.com

Faust International Youth Theatre

Available from Monday to Friday and Saturdays from now until December, drama workshops with Faust are a wonderful way to expand children’s confidence and fire their imagination. Kids from three to 18 years of age are welcome, and will explore drama in its wider social and cultural context in a friendly group environment.

info@FaustWorld.com

Kids Playhouse

Located in Papillons Square, the Stage Right Drama Class at Kids Playhouse Tseung Kwan O is a fun and educational after school activity for kids with a taste for the theatrical. With classes held on Tuesdays and Saturdays through October and November, the school teaches theatre fundamentals, nurturing the confidence of extroverts while also empowering the introverted to become more self-assured. kidsplayhouse.com.hk

CREATIVE

Anastassia’s Art House

Sai Kung’s multi-award-winning Russian art academy has just announced the opening of its Autumn term, and invites all young art lovers to explore the world of fine arts. With facilities in Sai Kung and Clearwater Bay, classes are centred on creative play, teaching basic painting and media techniques, along with drawing and sketching, sculpture, portraiture, human anatomy and movement studies.

arthouse-hk.com

Arty Tomato

Miss Fiona, the founder of Arty Tomato, believes that every child is an artist. Classes teach kids to appreciate their creativity, while also nurturing their individuality and developing a range of

creative skills through in-depth projects. The classroom is usually filled with fun and laughter, as learners push their imagination to the limit. Discounts are available if you invite a friend along.

facebook.com/missartytomato/

Indigo Music Studio

Can’t choose what instrument to focus on? This class provides an introduction to four instruments, so kids can see what sparks their interests. Choose from piano, violin, flute, saxophone, vocals, guitar, bass, ukulele and drums. Founded in 2018, Indigo’s team of instructors are Sai Kung locals with bags of experience. They will have your little ones hitting the high notes in no time.

facebook.com/indigomusiclessonsaikung

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LITTLIES

Little Movers

Running from September to December, Little Movers classes in Clearwater Bay are a superb way to let your little ones burn off some excess energy this Autumn. With a mix of dance and yoga, sessions incorporate social skills such as sharing, patience, teamwork and encouragement for others. All kids aged from two to six are welcome, with classes available at 4pm and 5pm.

info@moveforlife.dance

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre

The Clearwater Bay Equestrian Centre in Lobster Bay caters to all riding interests and levels; casual riders, racers, jumpers and children of all ages are welcome. From lead-rein to advanced coaching, camps and stable management lessons teach students the basics of equestrian care, while also encouraging them to develop a bond with horses, be more responsible and explore the great outdoors. ceec.hk/riding

Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course

The Junior Development Programme focuses on building the fundamentals first: Grip, Aim, Set-Up and Posture (GASP) in a fun and relaxing environment. With four progressive stages and a maximum of five students per session, junior classes offer professional and certified guidance in every aspect of the game, giving kids the tools they need to spark a lifelong love of the sport.

kscgolf.org.hk

Jingle Jangle Music & Movement Class

Babies and toddlers in Sai Kung are in for a treat, with music and movement classes that support all areas of child development. Education songs help the little ones learn about body parts, animals, colours and directions, while fun and interactive activities help them develop their motor skills, literacy and social interaction. With colour, kindness and a carnival atmosphere, Jingle Jangle provides learning with a smile.

jingle-jangle@outlook.com