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When my grandma brought over a box of matchbooks from her travels last month, I found one from a Hong Kong restaurant called the Golden Crown.
I’d never heard of it.
With a Nathan Road address in Tsim Sha Tsui, it must have closed by the time I got to Hong Kong in the 90s. My grandma didn’t remember anything about the restaurant. The matchbox cover didn’t shed any light either; it was pretty nondescript.
But then my friend Vanessa sent me this photo of the Golden Crown.
What a beauty! I love the hanging lanterns and wonder how they ever survived the typhoons and severe rain storms that swept into the territory every year. The window detailing is beautiful, too.
It’s said that Bruce Lee hung out at the Golden Crown and even used it in one of his movies.
the swindon’s in mirador mans was a very upmarket stationery shop and was still there in 1980. there was also a branch in what was then called the ocean terminal with a mix of stationery and books
Thanks!! I always enjoyed going to the Swindon on Lock Road in TST.
A sign for Swindon Books… which building was this?
It looks like Swindon was where Mirador Mansions is standing now. The Golden Crown’s address (as listed on the matchbox I have) is 66-70 Nathan Road.
These old buildings have real character about them unlike the cold shopping centres that are fast replacing them. Just imagine the stories they have witnessed through the ages. =D
Thanks so much, Helen! Yes, I totally agree. It’s so sad these old charmers are gone. Even the store on the ground floor is gone, probably replaced by a chain gold shop. All in the name of progress. Sigh.