Featured Stories
Relax & Unwind at Hong Kong's Most Iconic Lounges
10 Jul 2020
Take an afternoon off— relax gazing over iconic scenic views, indulge in handcrafted cocktails and tasty treats as you unwind at one of these top bars and lounges.
Life in Hong Kong can certainly be a dizzying mix of skyscrapers, endless shopping and zooming mini buses—however, it's time to slow down the pace and find delectable reasons to hit the pause button. If you’re feeling burnt out from the hustle and bustle of the day, recognize that it’s time for a breather. From chilled out afternoons savoring dainty pastries to heightened evenings infused with hand-crafted cocktails, be prepared to let your hair down and catch your breath at one of these four iconic establishments.
Begin by retreating with leisurely afternoon tea at The Lounge, conveniently located in Pacific Place—an integrated commercial, entertainment and luxury shopping hub. Sit back in a stylish, cozy ambiance and admire the panoramic harbor and city views through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The new afternoon tea set, introduced in March 2020, comprises a series of tantalizing treats combining the refreshing flavors of traditional English and Cantonese savories and desserts. Start with gourmet bites such as abalone tart, mango lobster salad with caviar or Ibérico ham with fresh figs. Round up the afternoon with sweet treats featuring black truffle custard with cassis crème, pineapple mango compote or hazelnut praline mousse—not forgetting the freshly baked scones with jam and Devonshire clotted cream. To take it up a notch, JW Tea Ambassadors will also be present to introduce you to the art of consuming tea in style. Complete your stylish afternoon with a glass of Moёt & Chandon champagne for the ultimate treat.
As the sun sets, venture to Hong Kong’s latest go-to destination. Discreetly tucked away next to The Drawing Room, The St. Regis Bar provides an intimate haven with a cozy atmosphere to sip 14 unique cocktails inspired by New York’s subway and Hong Kong’s tram lines. Both opened in 1904, the same year as the original St. Regis New York, blending a tale of two cities into the story behind each cocktail. The notable Canto Mary is a locally inspired interpretation of the brand’s signature Bloody Mary. This Asian equivalent celebrates the essence of Cantonese culture using local ingredients such as dried tangerine peel, Kowloon soy sauce and Chinese five-spice—with the boldness of Scotch Whisky adding an extra edge.
In true St. Regis tradition, each evening is kicked off with a sabrage hour, seeing the trained barmen using a custom made saber to slice open a bottle of champagne. Finally, don’t forget to marvel at its signature mural, a feature of every St. Regis bar, paying tribute to Hong Kong’s rich history, its people and its natural landscape. From the height of it’s ceilings to the presence of art; the careful balance and harmony in the spatial design can certainly help soothe tensions especially after a hectic day’s worth of events.
Heighten your cocktail hour at another inviting haven. While higher doesn’t always mean better, there sure is something magical about breathtaking city views that disappear into the horizon. Perched on the 118th floor of the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, sits Ozone—the world’s highest rooftop bar. Captivating vistas accompany vibrant DJ beats as you are presented with a special five elements cocktail menu. Created by Bar Manager, Oscar Mena, the cocktails are named after the five most essential elements of life—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth—each resembling the essence, color or even flavor of its represented element. Water, for example, is decorated with pearl-like yogurt bubbles in an oyster shell, reminding you visually of the ocean with its eye-catching blue hue, but also by its savory hint of umami bitters.
Pair your cocktails with the bar platter showcasing Ozone’s signature mini Wagyu beef burger— served alongside French fries and sambal popcorn chicken it’s perfect for sharing with friends. For aspiring mixologists or those looking for new date night ideas, try a hands-on 2-hour mixology class with Oscar himself, where you can learn different techniques and create three classic cocktails with a twist. For those who prefer an earlier start, consider visiting on Sunday for Ozone’s legendary Dom Pérignon brunch where you get to enjoy free-flow champagne and feast on a bountiful Brazilian buffet spread. Needless to say, this will certainly end any week on a high (literally!) note.
Round off the day with your inner circle by reveling in panoramic night views at The Oyster & Wine Bar of the Sheraton Hotel. This is another noteworthy spot for those who share a universal love for fresh seafood and sophisticated settings. Take front row seats to a stunning unobstructed view of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline—a sight that is becoming increasingly rare for a rapidly evolving city. Chef de Cuisine, Oscar Chow, imparts his extensive experience as “Oyster Guru” and ensures the daily variety of oysters are imported from the choicest waters of the season, all enjoyed from the comfort of your table. A sommelier is on hand to make the best wine and oyster pairing recommendations according to the detailed tasting notes, allowing you to fully appreciate the marriage of oyster and wine flavors. Proud winner of numerous awards for its wine selection, Oyster & Wine Bar takes wine seriously and has a rich history of working closely with vineyards and winemakers for wine dinner events.
Oysters and wine are not the only stars of the show. Taste award-winning classic dishes such as Chef Oscar’s signature Souffle and Lobster Bisque, or go all out and ditch your diet feasting at the Sunday oyster and champagne brunch—unlimited servings of jet-fresh oysters and seafood, juicy steaks, an extensive spread of mouth-watering appetizers, hot dishes and desserts, all washed down with free-flow Perrier-Jouët champagne.
