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The National & Hennessy Dining Room: Central’s New Irish Pub With Perfect Guiness Pours
From The Founders Of The Diplomat And Sugar King, A Proper Irish Pub With A 119-Second Guinness Pour
Updated: November 10, 2026
The Boar opened on Elgin Street a few months ago, and now Hong Kong is seeing a resurgence of proper pubs. We are here for it! The latest is The National, which soft-opens from 9 November 2026 and brings classic Irish pub culture to the heart of Central. It comes from husband-and-wife duo John Nugent and Angel Chiu, co-founders of Soho cocktail favourite Sugar King. Nugent also founded The Diplomat, whose burger was named No. 4 in the world and the best in Asia on The World’s 101 Best Burger Places 2026 list. So expect the food here to hold its own next to the pints. The venue on Wyndham Street has two concepts: a lively public house with expertly poured Guinness and hearty pub favourites, and, hidden behind it, the more intimate Hennessy Dining Room (opening from 20 November) for classic roasts, steaks and seafood.
Irish-born Kieran Brash of Brash Atelier designed the roughly 2,000 sq ft space. It draws on traditional Irish neighbourhood pubs, with warm wood, plenty of character and a welcoming social feel. It also nods to Hong Kong’s historic Irish links, including the original National Tavern on Queen’s Road Central, whose liquor licence dates back to 1866.
Insider Tips
- Go for the Guinness. Kegs rest for at least 24 hours before tapping, the tulip glasses are imported from Ireland, and every pint gets the traditional two-part, 119-second pour. The team is aiming for one of the best pints in Hong Kong.
- Doors open at 5 pm (Monday–Saturday). That makes it ideal for an after-work pint before the evening crowd builds.
- The food is made for sharing. It’s unpretentious comfort food that goes well with a drink: Fish & Chips, Pub Toastie, Spice Bag Fried Chicken, Large Roast Beef Sandwich.
- Book The Snug for date night or a small group. This private seating area holds up to 6–7 guests and is based on the enclosed compartments of 19th-century Irish pubs, once used for discreet chats away from the main bar.
- Make a night of it. Start with a pint here, move on to dinner at Hennessy Dining Room, then finish with a nightcap in Soho.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
The National brings real Irish pub warmth, carefully poured Guinness and properly comforting food to Central. It's a welcome addition to Hong Kong's growing pub revival. There's a 119-second pour, a hidden Snug and a carvery dining room tucked behind the bar, and the founders behind Sugar King and The Diplomat clearly sweat the details. It opens at 5 pm and the menu is made for sharing, so it works just as well for a quick after-work pint as it does for a long night out.
Who It's Perfect For:
It's for Guinness lovers chasing one of the best pints in town, and for after-work crowds who want hearty pub grub with their drinks. Groups of friends can claim The Snug for the night, and couples can start with a pint in the pub before moving on to dinner at Hennessy Dining Room. It also suits anyone who's been enjoying Hong Kong's pub comeback and wants a lively, welcoming Irish spot in Central.
Where To Find It:
- The National & Hennessy Dining Room
- G/F, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
- +852 3468 2082
- www.slaintehongkong.com
Additional Info:
Opening hours:
- The National: 5 pm–12 am, Monday–Saturday (soft open from 9 November 2026).
- Hennessy Dining Room: 6 pm–10 pm, Monday–Saturday (from 20 November 2026).
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