The former British colony has been in a recession for at least three quarters. The fallout from the coronavirus, which has killed two people in Hong Kong and infected more than 90, comes after months of the often violent student protests that have further battered the city’s economy.

I filled the fire pit with kindling and it was a little startling when flames came licking through the dome-shaped spark guard. The warmth from the fire is lovely but it’s not so easy to distribute heat if you’re sitting around a patio table, especially as it’s only about knee-high.

The base is made from sintered stone, which fools you into believing this might be granite or marble. But, in fact, it’s weather-proof, scratch-proof and stain-proof — and, as a result, increasingly popular for kitchen worktops as an alternative to granite. Although the heater weighs a whopping 11st, it’s set on four rollers with a sturdy brake, so it can easily be moved around.

TTN’s closure marks the end of a troubled existence. The club moved location several times due to problems getting a licence as a live music venue and was also beset by staff visa problems, leading to police raids at one point.

From eco-friendly ‘green fuel’ burners to super-portable table-top warmers, a £2,500 space-age model and another that plays music and sets mood lighting, here are the best patio heaters to make al fresco entertaining so cosy you’d almost think you were in the Caribbean . . .

Available in 13 colours, there’s no doubting the simple lines of this heater give it an understated beauty, perfect for larger parties and impressing your guests. Though it does look a little like a museum memorial light.

For teeny city terraces or even balconies, this table-top, electric-powered heater is surprisingly chic and really packs a punch. The contemporary design looks a bit like a lampshade, but it’s idiot-proof. Just plug it in and pull the cord when you need to warm up — it gives out 1.5kW of heat.

A simple Google serach for “CNC software” returns several companies that sell CNC software. I don’t know enough about the software to suggest one over the others. I also found a website – website – that lists many different CNC websites by category and includes sites that both host free and sell CNC software.

It produces far lower levels of carbon than traditional fuels, plus there are no fumes or smoke, so you can enjoy a campfire atmosphere without coughing and spluttering. The heater itself consists of tubular stainless steel ‘sticks’ all secured around a 2.5-litre burner. You might need money to burn to pay for it but, hey, can you really put a price on saving the planet?

HONG KONG, Feb 28 (Reuters) – Hundreds of Hong Kongers sporting face masks pulsated under strobe lights at a reknowned indie club for the last time on Thursday as cancellations by performers due to the coronavirus have forced the venue to close. The music house known as Hidden Agenda:This Town Needs (TTN) opened its doors in 2009 and quickly attracted a loyal crowd of young Hong Kongers to one of few independent venues for live indie music in the city.

Chimeneas were once a middle-class staple — freestanding terracotta hearths with a bulbous body topped with a thick chimney. They originate from Mexico and you can feel the influence here, thanks to the heater’s earthy yellow Mayan and Aztec designs.

There’s also a jazzy, 16-colour LED light which is remote- controlled, meaning you can set it to gentle mood lighting or even strobes and multi-coloured flashes — depending on the nature of your outdoor gathering. The heater gives off 1.5kW heat, which makes things perfectly toasty. Frankly, it’s a bit, er, ugly. But the party vibes probably make up for it.

More recently the club in an industrial area on the Kowloon peninsula drew supporters of anti-government protests that have rocked the city. They would often chant common protest slogans between song breaks at TTN.

At Thursday’s farewell event, over 600 people were temperature checked Peak XV trims fund size and fees as Indian market overheats forced to sanitise their hands before being permitted entry to the club. All were wearing some form of face protection as were the band members who rocked on stage.

Now, TNN is among thousands of businesses including tourism and retail firms that are struggling to survive as locals stay at home and away from public areas. A partial closure of Hong Kong’s border with mainland China to prevent the spread of the virus has also reduced visitors to a trickle.

But I’m a bit wary as it doesn’t have a protective cover, so when the flames lick up towards the sky, you have to make sure the sparks don’t leap onto your furniture (or guests). It’s also a bit difficult to move around when lit. It’s a bit too much of a gimmick.

There’s something magical about a real wood fire — which may be why fire pits have become such a huge trend. This large metal bowl in a cheery shade of Jaffa orange is certainly a budget option, and B&Q also sells wood and kindling, so there’s no need to channel your inner lumberjack.