March 16th, 2012
The original Peak Cafe was located on The Peak of Hong Kong Island- in a historic colonial building adjacent to the upper terminus of the Peak Tramway. The 19th century building was carefully restored, and from 1989 to 2001 the Peak Cafe was operated by the Cafe Deco Group. After 2001, the Peak Cafe was re-located by Cafe Deco Group to the current address in the booming SOHO nightlife area near the Central business district. Many of the antique fittings and furnishings from the original Peak Cafe were salvaged and have been incorporated into the interiors of the current building- an expansive site extending over two levels along the sloping pavement of Shelley Street.
The current Peak Cafe Bar combines both a quintessential cafe / bistro section on the lower level, and the more exuberant bar and lounge areas on the upper level. The bar enjoys an open facade onto the pavement of Shelley Street- and being directly adjacent to the Mid Levels Escalator- a steady stream of both residents and tourists drop in for all-day dining, or after-work and evening drinks. The kitchen serves an international assemblage of dishes- ranging from Chinese and South East Asian, Indian, Western classic bistro, and homemade pizzas from the open pizza oven. The ambience in the bar and lounge is casual and relaxed, and it is constantly busy with small groups catching up for some social interaction – enhanced by the well-priced drinks and food.
The street facade of the lower cafe section
The open frontage of the bar onto Shelley Street
The decor in the bar and lounge section of Peak Cafe Bar exudes an appealing aura of the colonial legacy of Hong Kong. Sandstone finished walls, dark timber fittings and antique lantern style light fittings combine to re-create the building style of the 19th century. The original teakwood bar from The Peak location stands prominently along one wall- with antique etched mirrors attractively affixed behind. Other artifacts and memorabilia from the original Peak Cafe feature throughout the interiors of both levels. Further inside on the upper level section is a dining area set in an indoor garden setting- overlooking the open pizza kitchen.
A series of steps at the rear leads down to the lower level cafe section, with it’s intimate timber booths set along one wall, and the open cafe style dining at the front. The atmosphere in the cafe is more subdued and is ideal for discrete and quiet dinner conversations. The decor here also continues the colonial era style- with dark timber doors and window frames, antique marble topped tables and classic bentwood cafe chairs.
The main bar with antique etched mirrors on the wall behind
Tables in the casual upper level lounge and bar area
Bistro style table settings in the cafe section on lower level
The pizza kitchen- located just behind the front bar
The food options at Peak Cafe Bar feature dishes from Asia and Europe – with an emphasis on the “classic” bistro style dishes that are the favored “comfort foods” of today. Soups, and Salads and bar snacks satisfy the light appetites. More substantial dishes include sandwiches and burgers- and the all day breakfast served at weekends is the choice of many regulars. The pizzas are probably the most popular selection- cooked in front of diners at the open oven- the range includes the classic styles, plus some with Asian influences. Asian and Western main dishes include pastas, noodles, grilled steak, chicken tikka, Roast Duck in Thai red curry, and seafood dishes.
Drinks from the bar include a good selection of well-priced wines and champagnes, plus premium spirits, beers- draught and bottled, and coffee, teas, mocktails and juices. Cocktails are a feature- with a large selection of flavored martinis, classic cocktails and the signature cocktails of the bar. And for the more adventurous- selections of shooters that can be ordered individually, or in sets of 6.
Enticing promotions on drinks are featured regularly- currently with the seasons changing, and the onset of summer- the Seasonal Sangria promotion has launched- offering thirst quenching carafes (750ml) of red or white sangria for only HK$280.
Peak Cafe Bar Mezze Plate- Four Middle Eastern dips– Hummus, Babaghanoush, Tsatski, and wood-roasted capsicum relish. Served with marinated olives and freshly baked pizza bread
Smoked Salmom on Naan– with sour cream and basil pesto
Chinese Roast Duck Pizza– with leek, Shiitake mushrooms, coriander, chilli and mozzarella
Calzone- Gammon ham, mushroom, oregano, egg, mozzarella and arugula
Sangria– red wine, triple sec, brandy, fresh strawberries, apple, orange and pineapple
White Sangria– white wine, rum, apple juice, fresh apples, star fruit, lychees and strawberries
Signature cocktail- Raspberry Mojito- rum, raspberry schnapps, fresh raspberries, fresh lime, mint & soda
Signature cocktail- Ginger Martini– vodka and fresh ginger juice
Peak Cafe Bar
Address: G/F, 9 – 13 Shelley Street, Soho, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – 10 minutes walk. Adjacent to Mid Levels Escalator
Reservations: +852. 2140 6877
Website: http://www.cafedecogroup.com
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 am ~ 02:00 am Saturday 9:00 am ~ 02:00 am Sunday & Public Holiday 9:00 am ~ 12:00 midnight
Promotions:
Beer of the Month : Get Happy Hour prices on all draught beers all day.
Seasonal Sangria: Sangria and White Sangria- HK$56 / glass & HK$280 / carafe (750ml)
