Delaney's

Basement, 71-77 Peking Rd, TST
Visited 2nd October 2008

An old friend was back visiting Hong Kong and the catch-up was organised at Delaney’s. Styled as a traditional Irish pub with a big bar, darts board and plenty of tables for drinking, it’s an oasis of civility in Peking Rd; one of Hong Kong’s busiest locations. Thursday night must have been party night, as two-for-one cocktails and music requests were being touted by a DJ who was doing a great job of living out fantasies of radio fame. Like all good Hong Kong pubs Delaney's also a branch in Wan Chai.

Even the menu at Delaney’s has an Irish twang with the lovely named "champ and coddle", next to fish ‘n’ chips, burgers, steaks and Irish inspired dishes such as pies and stews. I was in the mood for a burger so I ordered one and even took up the optional extras of cheese and bacon. The burger patty was big; a rolling fat thing nicely flavoured with herbs and served in a tall bun with plenty of cheese and bacon. It was accompanied by an impressive gherkin baton, a simple salad and crisp chips. My friend's shepherd's pie came straight from the oven with warm bread and, strangely, a cherry on top. The mash topped pie was pretty average; the minced lamb filling was overwhelmed by tomato and tasted like cheap spaghetti sauce. To drink I got into the spirit of things and sunk a few pints, while the girls were fans of the draft cider.

Delaney’s is a decent enough pub; the staff are efficient and thankfully preference is given to background music rather than huge TVs spewing out sport (something that happens way too much in Hong Kong). The food wasn't cheap at $108 for the pie and $102 for my burger and I was a little resentful at having to pay an extra $15 each for cheese and bacon – surely cheese should be standard on any burger? Though not overly cheap Delaney’s is certainly comparatively priced for Hong Kong pubs and the fact there’s no stupid service charge makes the bill a bit easier to swallow. If you’re missing the Irish theme pubs of home; whether it’s Melbourne, Vancouver or Glasgow then Delaney’s could be the place for you.

Visit restaurant website.