Fallen victim – Hong Kong’s iconic floating restaurant towed

Yet another icon has fallen victim to the Covid pandemic, with Hong Kong’s famed floating restaurant decommissioned today

The landmark ship has served the region since its establishment in 1976, and has played host to a number of high-profile diners including Queen Elizabeth and Tom Cruise.

It was towed from Hong Kong’s harbourfront on Tuesday, after months of being out of operation due to Covid-19.

The parent company of ‘Jumbo Floating Restaurant’ was unable to find a new owner and no longer had the funds to maintain it.

Designed to resemble a Chinese imperial palace, the floating diner sat on Aberdeen Harbour and was known for its Cantonese cuisine and seafood dishes.

Over 30 million people flooded through its doors since it opened back in the 70s.

Parent company Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises says it has unfortunately become a financial burden to shareholders, with huge sums of money spent on inspection and maintenance of the vessel every year.

As tugboats tow the restaurant away, it’s not yet clear where it will go next.