Where the old shoe shine trade is kept alive
- Between Queen’s Road Central and Des Voeux Rd Central
The one thing you won’t find on Theatre Lane is a theatre.
Get your shoes shined
The most remarkable thing about this narrow pedestrian-only street in the heart of Central is the cluster of shoeshiners that ply their trade along it. Several years ago, the government tried to clear them away, but the public outcry was so intense, officials relented and issued special new permits that allow the shoeshiners to continue their work.
One-stop market
Just off Theatre Lane is another small alleyway where traditional tradespeople offer services like shoe repairs, namecard printing and key cutting.
What about the theatre?
The one thing you won’t find on Theatre Lane is a theatre. The street gets its name from the Queen’s Theatre, which stood at the corner of Theatre Lane and Queen’s Road from 1924 to 2007, when it was replaced by a luxurious new shopping and office complex.
Hidden art hotspot
The historic Pedder Building, built in 1924, is home to many international art galleries including the Pearl Lam Gallery, Gagosian Gallery and Ben Brown Fine Arts.