With how old and historic Georgetown is, you are bound to run into something interesting just right around the corner. This is certainly the case if you’re ever walking down Chulia Road. Located on this street is one of Penang’s oldest bars, the Hong Kong Bar.
Hong Kong Bar, among Penang’s oldest
It certainly looks the part, occupying a pre-war shophouse and the words “Hong Kong Bar” carved onto the columns outside. Peer in and you can see that this is an old-school bar with old furniture and maybe one or two customers.
Run by an auntie
Image Credit: Ian Len on Google Review
Manning the long wooden bar is an old auntie who might just invite you to sit down and crack open a cold beer. Her name is Jenny Tan, and she is the current owner of this precious bar, which has been around since the 1920s.
This bar has been run by her family since the 1950s. In fact, she and her late brother, Peter, grew up in the living quarters upstairs. She still lives there and is unlikely to change that anytime soon.
An unofficial museum
What makes the Hong Kong Bar special is not just its age but also what you can find inside. Everywhere you look inside, you will find all sorts of plaques, souvenirs and photographs. You might think this is a museum, and in a way, it is!
An Aussie pilgrimage site
Image Credit: Legion Charlie on Google Review (Left), Phoebe May on Google Review (Right)
You see, Hong Kong Bar is a pilgrimage site for former and current members of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is for this reason that many visitors to the bar are Aussies, who often contribute even more souvenirs to decorate the bar.
But why is this place drawing Aussies like ants to sugar? Does the bar have a hidden supply of Vegemite? As amusing as that would be, the bar’s popularity with Aussie tourists is tied to its and Penang’s history.
Back in the day, the Butterworth air base was actually controlled by the RAAF. This also meant that thousands of Aussie pilots and mechanics lived in Penang. This continued until 1988, when the air base was handed over to the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Before the handover, the Hong Kong Bar was a popular watering hole with RAAF servicemen visiting Penang Island. Rounds after rounds of drinks were ordered here, with the Tans treating their customers almost like “family”.
Since then, RAAF servicemen and their family members often drop by the bar to relive old memories. Whenever they do, they often bring souvenirs as tokens of appreciation to the Hong Kong Bar.
Fire in 2004
Image Credit: David Jackson on Google Review (Left), PJai on Google Review (Right)
Unfortunately, quite a few artefacts have been lost to history. In 2004, a fire broke out in the bar, destroying many precious souvenirs and plaques. Thankfully, some were saved, and Aussie visitors continue bringing gifts to repopulate the bar’s collection.
If you happen to visit, you are welcome to photograph the bar’s collection of mementoes. In fact, do ask Auntie Jenny if you can browse through her photo albums. Many young Aussies browse through these, hoping to find photographs of their fathers and grandfathers.
A bar’s a bar
Image Credit: Chen Xiaolong on Google Review (Left), Len Johns on Google Review (Right)
Before we forget, the Hong Kong Bar is still a bar. This place doesn’t have any fancy cocktails or wine, but you can still enjoy a good beer, stout or ale, just like how its Aussie patrons used to in yesteryear.
Worth your time?
Image Credit: Len Johns on Google Review (Left), Salah Albassam on Google Review (Right)
Nowadays, business is much slower than in its heyday. It is not surprising, given the number of modern establishments springing up across town. Still, though, one hopes that the Hong Kong Bar will live on as a place of both history and memories, under Auntie Jenny’s supervision.
Hong Kong Bar
Address: 10200, 371, Lbh Chulia, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Opening Hours: 3 pm – 12 am daily
Contact: 04-2619796
Halal Status: Serves alcohol
Feature Image Credit: KE Ooi on Malay Mail Online (Left), Paddy O’Connell on Google Review (Right)
