戲院里擦鞋檔

These shoe shiners are both an institution and dying breed in Hong Kong. There used to be four, but one recently passed away and no relative is taking over (licenses can only be passed to relatives). So now there are three.
For HKD40, one can get a good shoe shine. They work hard, and often in hot temperatures. Very efficient and good value for money. Try avoid lunch time, as there are often a long queue.

Although Unilocal does not have a business category of «SHOE SHINE,» this shoe shine location can only be listed under shoe repair. I don’t think they do any shoe repair, but they do a kick ass job at shoe shining… walk your leather bound feet over there to give your soles a face lift!
I am dictating this review from my husband, who has now gone to this spot for a shoe shine repeatedly. Look for the umbrellas located on Theatre Lane, for they do not have a stand alone structure. Their services are conducted on the street.
My husband specfically reccommends a woman named Ying. Ying is always located at the umbrella directly in front of the store Laurel. She is in her late 40’s (but Chinese woman could be 70 and look like they are 40… am I right!) and she speaks no English (my husband speaks Chinese, thus how he was able to give me all this info on her).
Ying is extremely detailed and has great skills. She has been doing this here at this location for 11 years. She has the friendliest smile (another way to identifiy her I suppose). She is kind and does excellent work. My husband has been having his shoe shined professionally most of his adult life, so for him to request I write this review over this street side shoe side stand because he is so impressed, indicates she must be the exceptional.
She charges $ 40HKD a shine and it takes about 10 minutes. She is physcially there Monday through Friday, from 9AM to around 7PM. She said her busiest times are between 11AM-​1PM during the lunch hour, so try to avoid those times if possible for there will be a wait.

I’m actually quite glad someone had added this entry because I think these people at Theatre Lane deserves a big pat on the back for what they do. The shoe shiners here have been a fixture of Central for many a year and in the past this was a photo spot for showing the contrast the Central elite and the locals.
Most of these men (a lady has joined the ranks in recent years) are elderly gents and I suppose they must have been working here for some time– you can see from how they can transform your well trodden boots into box fresh trotters. The more interesting case here is that they have no magic potion– you can see what they use and much of it is down to patience and skills. I have been using their services from the days when they charged 20 HKD and even at 40 HKD I still think its a bargain for what is pure toil.
The posture you have to hold whilst your shoes are being done is rather embarrassing to me– I don’t want to look cocky but if you really don’t hold onto your back you will actually fall over.
I don’t use them much now and its not to do with the fact that they are no good– I simply can’t find the heart in me to ask someone, in broad daylight to do my shoes like that — and I don’t mean to disrespect anyone who does. You are providing them with a livelihood and a certain amount of pride as well. If you happen to be in town with a pair of leather shoes– I would certainly recommend you try it out and do tip them for their work, please.