Ned Kelly's Last Stand - iconic Australian Pub in Hong Kong
Hong Kong's Oldest Pub Still Swinging After 53 Years
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Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub | Totally Iconic | Hong Kong
Jamie’s Foreword
In the ever-changing landscape of Hong Kong's nightlife, where trendy bars come and go with the seasons, a few places manage to stand the test of time and become true institutions. Ned Kelly's Last Stand in Tsim Sha Tsui is one such legendary spot - Hong Kong's oldest pub, with a rich history tied to live jazz, Aussie vibes, and countless memorable nights. Having explored the city's hidden corners for decades, I have always appreciated spots that offer authenticity over flash, and this pub delivers in spades. Whether you are a local seeking a reliable evening escape or a visitor wanting a taste of old Hong Kong, Ned Kelly's deserves a prominent place on any itinerary. This report pulls together its full story, practical details, and some personal reflections, including a more precise clarification on its exact location and walking directions for anyone navigating the TST street grid.
I estimate I have been to Ned Kelly’s over 50 times in the past 16 years with my guests and they uniformly loved it, I should point out that I am one of those rare people that do not drink alcohol, ever,, and I have no problem going to this place as it is quite unique (my wife drinks, my boys drink)
What do I like, well generally I go there in the afternoon when it is quiet, the place is rustic and has a certain charm but I find the food it serves to be awesome, pub grub with a real Aussie twist and with a cold glass of coke!
I should point out that I am not a fan of live music of any sort but I have heard that the place really hops at night time.
Look at it another way, not all my guests want to eat Chinese Food or have a coffee shop meal, so whats not to love about an Aussie pub in Hong Kong! and the prices are very reasonable.
History and Overview of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub
For context - our family arrived in Hong Kong on January 2nd 1972 so I share a bond with this pub
Ned Kelly's Last Stand opened its doors on 18 December 1972, making it over 53 years old as of 2026. Named after the famous Australian bushranger and outlaw Ned Kelly, whose final confrontation at Glenrowan in 1880 has become part of folklore, the pub was conceived as a fun, unpretentious watering hole with a strong emphasis on live music. It quickly established itself as a hub for Dixieland jazz, swing, and blues in a city that was rapidly modernising.
Rustic is an understatement and it has a character not far removed from a wild west saloon
The interior has retained much of its original character - think grungy Aussie outback feel with faded decor that tells its own story of decades of smoky nights (back when smoking was still allowed indoors). It is not polished or Instagram-ready, but that is precisely its charm: a genuine pub atmosphere where the focus is on the music, the drinks, the food and the company rather than fancy fittings. Over the years, it has survived economic shifts, the handover in 1997, the challenges of COVID closures, and the rise and fall of countless competitors in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Today, it stands as Hong Kong's oldest bar and a beloved institution that has hosted thousands of nights of live entertainment.
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Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub | $5 Bank Note | Hong Kong
Original Owners and Current Status of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub
The original owner is Tom Parker, who opened the pub with two friends in late 1972. Parker, who had a background in entertainment as part of a comic duo, poured his passion for music and pubs into this venture. Remarkably, Tom Parker remains the sole owner to this day, well into his 80s, and continues to be actively involved, I have seen him propping up the bar many times!
The pub is still in its original location at G/F, 11A Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon - a rare feat in a city known for constant redevelopment and rising rents. Management is handled excellently by Mike Brown, a trumpeter himself, ensuring the place runs smoothly while preserving its soul.
This continuity is one of the pub's greatest strengths. Some long-time customers from the early days still drop in, adding to the sense of living history. The first drink was famously purchased with an old HK$5 banknote, which Tom Parker has kept as a memento.
The image above is HK$5 bank note which I have kept since I was a kid, it was printed in 1970!
Location Clarification and Street Layout for of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub
Ashley Road sits a short distance west of the main Nathan Road spine in Tsim Sha Tsui. It is three blocks away from Nathan Road, and from Nathan Road you need to cross Lock Road and then Hankow Road before reaching Ashley Road. Ashley Road runs roughly parallel to sections near Kowloon Park Drive and Peking Road in this grid. The area around Peking Road can feel quite confusing at first, especially for visitors and tourists, because of the multiple street crossings, one-way roads, and the way the blocks intersect, which can slow things down a bit, particularly during busy evening hours. This tucked-away position gives the pub a slightly quieter pocket compared to the neon intensity of Nathan Road itself, while still keeping it right in the heart of TST.
How to Get There from TST MTR (Subway)
Ned Kelly's Last Stand is conveniently situated in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, just a short walk from the MTR. From TST Station (or East Tsim Sha Tsui), take Exit L5, which brings you out directly onto Peking Road and Ashley Road is directly opposite, stroll for around 1 - 2 minutes depending on the traffic lights and crossings. You will need to account for the street crossings and one-way systems in this busy zone. Once on Ashley Road, the pub is on the ground floor at number 11A - you will spot it easily with its distinctive signage and lively vibe often spilling out. The walk is flat overall, and the pub is close to other TST landmarks, making it perfect for combining with an evening stroll along the harbour or a meal nearby.
Opening Hours and Practical Details The pub operates seven days a week:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday and Saturday: 11:30 AM - 2:30 AM
Live music runs most nights, typically starting around 9:30 PM. Food service is available, focusing on hearty Australian and pub classics like fish and chips, shepherd's pie, cottage pie, and steaks. Drinks are reasonably priced for the area, with happy hour deals often running until 9 PM on beers and select options. Cocktails might run around HK$75 (about US$9.60), while beers are more affordable. No cover charge for the music, which is a big plus. Cash is king in many traditional spots like this, though cards are accepted.
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Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub | Iconic | Hong Kong
Live Jazz and Entertainment at Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub
Ned Kelly's features live jazz on a near-nightly basis - a hallmark since opening. The resident band, Colin Atchison and the China Coast Jazzmen, delivers energetic sets of Dixieland, swing, ragtime, and blues classics from around 9:30 PM to 1 AM (Tuesday to Saturday), with relief bands on Sunday and Monday, and slightly shorter sets on Sundays. The musicians are seasoned performers who interact with the crowd, adding humour and spontaneity - think skits with props like teapots as instruments. It is proper old-school showmanship that keeps things fresh even after decades. Past guests have included big names like Rosemary Clooney and Sergio Mendes in earlier years.
The atmosphere is raucous yet welcoming, with a mix of locals, expats, and tourists singing along. It is not background music; it is the main event so conversations can be a bit tricky
Good Stories and Anecdotes about of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub
The place is full of tales. One standout is Tom Parker's retention of that first HK$5 note from opening day. The pub's survival through Hong Kong's transformations - from British colonial times through to today - is itself a story of resilience. Musicians and patrons have shared memories of jamming sessions, darts games in the old days, and nights that stretched into the early hours. It has been a constant in an area that once had a vibrant bar scene now largely diminished. Visitors often remark on the unpretentious fun, with the band keeping energy high regardless of the crowd size. There are stories of long-time regulars returning after years abroad and feeling right at home.
For me personally, because I always go in the early afternoon I love the fact it is not too busy, the service is great, the food is great and for me, what could be better!
Jamie’s Considered Opinion about of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand Pub
Ned Kelly's Last Stand is a rare gem in modern Hong Kong - a testament to passion over profit and authenticity over trends. In an era where many venues chase fleeting Instagram appeal, this pub offers something enduring: real live music, solid pub fare, and a sense of history you can feel in the walls. It may not be the fanciest spot, but that is its strength. For anyone interested in the city's nightlife heritage, it is essential. The combination of longevity, consistent entertainment, and welcoming vibe makes it stand out. I would recommend going mid-week for a slightly quieter experience or weekends for full energy. It perfectly captures the spirit of old Hong Kong that is increasingly hard to find. The slightly tucked-away feel on Ashley Road only adds to its character and yes, I share a history, we both made Hong Kong our home in 1972
For context - As of the end of 2025, there were 8,929 premises in Hong Kong licensed to sell or supply liquor for consumption on the premises. This figure comes directly from the Liquor Licensing Board and covers everything from dedicated pubs and bars to restaurants with bar areas, hotel lounges, clubs, and other venues that serve drinks on-site.
The number fluctuates over time due to openings, closures, and economic pressures - for example, around 120 bars closed in the first half of 2025 alone amid high rents and shifting tourist patterns. Not all of these are traditional "pubs" like Ned Kelly's; many are restaurants or mixed-use spots, so the pure dedicated bar | pub count is likely a few thousand at most, concentrated in areas like TST, Lan Kwai Fong, Wan Chai, and Causeway Bay.
Suggestions
Pair a visit with a harbour walk beforehand for a full TST evening.
Try the fish and chips or a pie with a cold pint in the early afternoon!
Chat with the band or staff - they often have great stories from the decades.
Go with a group for maximum fun, as the sing-alongs are infectious.
Visit on a milestone anniversary if timing aligns, as celebrations can be special
So there you go
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I do not do Food Tours in Hong Kong but I know people that do!
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The information above can be shown to restaurant managers in Hong Kong if you are intolerant to gluten and nuts,
I do not do food tours as mentioned above, I have very specific reasons and part of it is that I do not speak Cantonese or write Chinese, I am from Yorkshire in England and I lack the language gene and it is not through lack of trying and yes a lot of restaurants do not have English menu’s or staff who speak conversational English.
.. and yet I have eaten at close to 1,400 restaurants in Hong Kong since January 2nd 1972, my wife was born in Hong Kong and we have been together over 40 years and her first language is Cantonese and a lot of her family are Chinese or half Chinese so I have never had much of an issue!
This does not translate to doing food tours though, yes, I could do them, no problem there but they would never ever be as good as the food tours done by my friends (see the 3 links above) most of their awesome guides are locally born Hong Kong Chinese and obviously food culture is part of their DNA, it is impossible for me to compete with that!
So please feel free to contact them for food tours
I do not do Hiking Tours in Hong Kong but I know someone that does!
I do not do Hiking Tours, never have and never will even though I used to go Hiking a lot when I was a lot younger, The Hong Kong Government is promoting hiking tours so I urge you to contact my friend Sabrina at Hong Kong Trails and Tours, she is a long time Hong Kong resident and and a very experienced hiker with close to 700 Hikes in 15+ years under her belt, please click on the link below
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