PUBLISHED July 9th, 2024 06:00 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 01:44 pm
Hong Kong is buzzing with excitement as the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 celebrations take over the city with a series of guest shifts that promise to be nothing short of spectacular. From 13th to 17th July, 2024, top bartenders from around the region will showcase their skills at some of Hong Kong’s most iconic bars. Here’s the lowdown on all the events, organised by date.
Saturday, 13 July 2024
Mostly Idle
Mostly Harmless will host Singapore’s Jay Gray for an evening of creative cocktails from 8pm to 11pm. Known for co-founding Sago House, Jay recently opened Idle Hands, a 14-seat neighbourhood bar where he reinvents classic cocktails with a no-fuss, innovative flair. At Mostly Harmless, he’ll bring his latest creations to Sai Ying Pun, offering a night of inventive tipples. Cocktails are priced at HK$135++.
Sunday, 14 July 2024
Penicillin x Zest x Himkok
Settle in for an afternoon session of sustainable cocktail craft from three internationally acclaimed bars that prioritise environmental consideration in every pour. Hong Kong’s closed-loop bar Penicillin, known for its eco-friendly practices and innovative cocktails, welcomes Seoul’s Zest and Oslo’s Himkok into its Hong Kong lab. Zest is led by Dohyung ‘Demie’ Kim, the newly crowned winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, and Himkok is celebrated for its cutting-edge approach to sustainability.
OBP x The Warehouse Lobby Bar
The Warehouse Lobby Bar from Singapore will take over OBP in SoHo from 7pm onwards. This event, sponsored by The Orientalist Spirits, features cocktails crafted by Jaemin, the new Assistant Bar Manager, and Daniel Eun, OBP’s co-founder. Expect a blend of Singaporean heritage and contemporary cocktail creativity, with drinks priced at HK$100++.
Canto Night Takeover
The Foundry presents Canto Night Takeover at Ser Wong Fun, featuring bartenders Lola Lau, Samuel Kwok, Tiger Irene Leung, and Gavin Yeung. From 8pm-till late, guests can enjoy Cantonese-inspired cocktails, bar bites by Asia’s 50 Best Female Chef May Chow, and tunes by local Canto Disco DJ Fabsabs. This event celebrates the rich heritage and flavours of Cantonese culture.
Iichiko Saiten Series: Call Me Confidential
The Iichiko Saiten Series kicks off with Tokyo Confidential’s Holly Graham at Call Me Al from 8pm to 11pm. Holly, a celebrated cocktail maverick and author of ‘Cocktails of Asia,’ will bring her high-energy vibes and fun-filled cocktails from Tokyo to Hong Kong. Enjoy her creations for HK$115++.
Iichiko Saiten Series: Trigona Harmless
Bar Trigona from Kuala Lumpur will be at Mostly Harmless from 8pm to 11pm. Rohan Matmary and Melvin Lim will showcase their elegant flavour profiles, reflecting the bar’s reputation as one of Asia’s best. Cocktails are priced at HK$135++.
The Best of Singapore Cocktail Party: Atlas x Origin Bar x Stay Gold Flamingo at Cardinal Point
At Cardinal Point, enjoy a sunset shift takeover by Atlas, Origin Bar, and Stay Gold Flamingo from 4pm to 7pm. Atlas is known for its gin and martini programme, Origin Bar thrills with inventive cocktails, and Stay Gold Flamingo brings youthful energy and expert twists. Take in stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline while sipping on diverse cocktails.
The Best of Singapore Cocktail Party: Republic Bar x Offtrack at The St. Regis Bar
Republic Bar and Offtrack from Singapore will take the stage at The St. Regis Bar from 7pm to 11pm. Republic Bar, known for its sophisticated homage to Singapore’s 1960s, and Offtrack, a music-centric bar with cult classic cocktails, promise an evening of discovery and delightful drinks.
Monday, 15 July 2024
Coa x Sips x Handshake Speakeasy
Coa, the Hong Kong legend that has taken the No.1 spot three years in a row in Asia’s 50 Best Bars, hosts a special session on 15 July from 3pm-6pm, with Handshake Speakeasy, recently crowned No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Bars, and Simone Caporale from Sips, the dynamic Barcelona bar that scooped the coveted No.1 spot in the 2023 edition of The World’s 50 Best Bars. This powerhouse trio will bring an array of tequila, mezcal, and more, promising a memorable afternoon for cocktail enthusiasts.
Terrible Baby x The Hudson Rooms x The Haflington
Terrible Baby will host a collaboration with The Hudson Rooms and The Haflington from Hanoi. From 9pm to midnight, indulge in a cultural fusion of Hong Kong and Hanoi as Sean Halse of Hanoi’s The Hudson Rooms, along with Collin Ngyuen and Thomas Ngyuen of Hanoi’s The Haflington, will showcase their craftsmanship at Terrible Baby. Expect a night of delicious cocktails that highlight the under-explored treasures of Hanoi’s cocktail scene.
BARSTARS Hong Kong with The Orientalist Spirits
The BARSTARS Series makes its Hong Kong debut at The Green Door, spotlighting Asia’s influential women in hospitality from 8pm till late. Hosted by veteran bartender Arlene Wong, this event will feature ten prominent female bartenders, including Zana Mohlmann from Manhattan Bar and Chunyanuch “Ning” Yodsuwan from BKK Social Club. The evening offers a unique platform to interact with female pioneers reshaping the mixology landscape, with cocktails priced at HK$100++.
Daily Tot’s Tropic Thunder with Tropic City
Daily Tot will host Tropic Thunder with Tropic City from Bangkok from 8pm till late. Tropic City’s co-founder Philip Stefanescu and bar manager Arron Grendon will join The Daily Tot’s Beverage Manager Maikal Gurung for an evening of innovative tropical cocktails. Drinks are priced at HK$130++.
Iichiko Saiten Series: Re: Harmless
The Iichiko Saiten Series continues with Re: Harmless at Mostly Harmless from 8pm to 11pm. Matt Whiley, known for his zero-waste philosophy and innovative techniques, will present his latest creations from Re:, Sydney’s acclaimed bar. Cocktails are priced at HK$135++.
Iichiko Saiten Series: Al’s Rockabilly Ballroom
Celia Schoonraad will headline Al’s Rockabilly Ballroom at Call Me Al from 8pm to 11pm, wrapping up the Iichiko Saiten Series. Enjoy cocktails mixed by Celia and party beats by Barbary Coast’s co-founder Michael Callahan. Drinks are priced at HK$115++.
Native X The Elephant Room X Last Word at Avoca
Native, The Elephant Room, and Last Word from Singapore will take over Avoca at the Mondrian Hotel from 8pm to 11pm. Native is known for its sustainability-led approach, The Elephant Room draws inspiration from Singapore’s Little India, and Last Word offers a romantic take on classic cocktails.
Nutmeg & Clove X Night Hawk X Cat Bite Club at Thirsty Shaker
Nutmeg & Clove, Night Hawk, and Cat Bite Club from Singapore will bring their distinctive styles to Thirsty Shaker from 8pm to midnight. Nutmeg & Clove delivers stylish, Singapore-inspired cocktails, Night Hawk blends retro-futuristic influences, and Cat Bite Club specialises in agave and rice spirits. Expect a night of vibrant cocktails and great vibes.
Tuesday, 16 July 2024
No Sleep Charlie
Artifact will host No Sleep Charlie, an unofficial after-party featuring Charles H. from Seoul and No Sleep Club from Singapore. From 10pm until late, enjoy high-energy cocktails and mingle post-awards ceremony in the hyper-futuristic setting of Artifact. Cocktails are priced at HK$120++ for one, or HK$500++ for five.
Wednesday, 17 July 2024
Super Smashed Manhattan with Zana, Riccardo and Chef Carolyn
Recover from the festivities with Super Smashed Manhattan at Call Me Al from 4pm to 7pm. Join Zana Mohlmann, Riccardo Lugano, and Chef Carolyn Or from Manhattan Bar for easy-drinking cocktails and smashed burgers. This ultimate recovery event offers cocktails priced at HK$115++.
FURA x The Stage @ Sophia Loren
Experience sustainable mixology with FURA at The Stage Bar at Heritage 1888 from 7pm to 10pm, where Sasha will showcase their unique, low-carbon footprint cocktails in a setting inspired by the legendary Italian actress and the spirit of ‘la dolce vita’.
Top Image: Courtesy of respective bars & individuals.