The Pawn, an institution in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai neighbourhood, has reopened after several months of extensive renovations. The former shabby-chic, pub-like establishment has been given a design-savvy makeover, with the leafy Botanicals bar, a members-club-like after hours corner complete with leather couches and dark wood panels, and the airy, open-plan Kitchen, the main dining room, now perfectly suited for corporate lunches or after work drinks. From the kitchen, Michelin-starred British chef Tom Aikens serves ingredient-driven dishes that fuse comfort food with high-end technique. Highlights include housemade ricotta with olive oil, herbs, and aged balsamic; brined pork belly with ‘botanical’ glaze, fermented grains, and miso; and confit salmon with pomelo and grapefruit vanilla dressing. The Botanical is on its way to being one of the city’s most coveted cocktail divans, with a blissfully intimate feel and a spacious yet serne terrace. www.thepawn.com.hk