Happy new year and welcome to Localiiz 3.0!
2020 is here and we’re stepping into the new decade with fresh taste buds. This month, we are on the lookout for invigorating bars and drinks that are as healthy as we plan to be. Check out some of the most exciting new bars and cocktail menus to be found in Hong Kong this January.
Presented with an opportunity to sit down and create his dream bar, award-winning mixologist John Nugent envisioned an inviting place to share his passion for classic, reimagined cocktails, and their history. This gradually paved the way for the 18-seat speakeasy that is the Diplomat, a high-energy space to entertain parties, but also elusive enough for small get-togethers and the cocktail enthusiast who wants to discover something new. Head over to H Code and step into the reimagined cosy gastropub, with sleek brown leather banquettes, motif ceiling tiles, and custom brass finishes.
The Diplomat, LG/F High Block, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central | (+852) 2619 0302
Another new edition to H Code, Blush has been serving customers for several months now, but only recently held its grand opening to announce their arrival on the drinks scene. Inspired by the shyness and awkwardness of young love, Blush incorporates the feeling of a new romance in its pink walls and Instagrammable spots. Their signature drinks are also served pink, perfect when posed underneath the neon signages for your next Instagram story!
Blush, 3/F, The Steps, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central | (+852) 3619 3845
The newest restaurant from ZS Hospitality, Miss Lee promotes a plant-based philosophy in their cuisine. Inspired by flavours found in Chinese cooking, the menus place vegetables at the forefront of every dish. Their drinks menu include the Miss Smoothie menu, Miss Juicy menu for fruity juice combinations, and the Miss Hottie menu for hot drinks to warm up for the colder months to come. We can’t wait to try the 24 Carrot Gold ($78) with carrot juice, apple juice, almond milk, and pumpkin spice!
Miss Lee, G/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central | (+852) 2881 1811
Winter is coming and Causeway Bay’s destination for “British food done right”, The Leah, is proud to announce the opening of Leah Café, a new all-day dining concept at Lee Garden Two. Next to their signature pies with Asian-inspired flavours, there are also old fashions, elder-tinis, and Camden Spritz cocktails. If weather permits, why not check out their terrace covered with greenery to better enjoy your drinks?
The Leah, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2337 751
A local’s favourite speakeasy, Room 309 in the Pottinger Hotel has redecorated the exclusive bar as the “Birder’s Lodge”. With a winter cocktail menu inspired by winter birds and earthy scents, the team of “bird whisperers” will be there to show you the tips for birdwatching where the only limitation is imagination itself. We heard there’s going to be toasted cocktails, as well as cocktails served in nests made of flowers and entwining twigs. Better go grab that hotel key and prepare to be blown away by their floral sense of aesthetics!
Room 309, The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central
Hutong is ready to celebrate Chinese New Year with their nine-dish celebratory menu and a speciality cocktail to wash it all down. The fiery Rising Dragon cocktail ($148) is made with Monkey Shoulder, yuzu wine, pineapple, pomegranate, and egg white, all shaken together and served with a lucky dragon made of incredibly delicate rice paper. Hopefully, a sip of this luck-filled cocktail will bring us some much-needed good fortune for 2020!
Hutong, 28/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 3428 8342
Having recently celebrated their fifth anniversary, Rummin’ Tings charging forward with a new group manager and a new cocktail menu alongside. It is the first menu in a series of upcoming menus where the focus is on Carribean culture and history and introducing a contemporary style of drinks and sustainable solution to characterize the modern way of bartending.
Inspired by the most famous pirates of their own time periods, there’s Black Beard Fire Beard ($110) made with plantation black rum, plantation pineapple rum, Frangelico, pineapple juice, lime juice, and Falernum. If you are looking for something refreshing and fizzy there’s Ching Ching ($80), made with Greenall’s gin, plantation white rum, lychee juice, Sichuan pepper syrup, lime juice, and soda.
Rummin’ Tings, 28 Hollywood Road, Central | (+852) 2523 7070
Having lived in Hong Kong, Beijing, and London sure is a fun fact whenever people try to guess Ching’s accent. She loves switching between all these language channels and her ‘mother tongue’ is just determined by how many drinks she’s had for the night! She loves movies, travelling, and exploring cities, from hidden alleys to gourmet dining, so feel free to hit her up if you need any suggestions for dinner!
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