March 6th, 2012
The Captain’s Bar has long been the popular choice for the business executives of Central as the place to meet after-work over a cold draught beer. The location in the heart of the financial centre of Hong Kong has guaranteed a steady stream of thirsty executives in the nearly 50 years since it opened in a space just off the main lobby of the majestic luxury hotel- Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. As befitting its location within Mandarin Oriental, the Captain’s Bar exudes its inimitable style, with the sophisticated and luxurious elegance of its plush furnishings reminiscent of an exclusive members club. As part of the refurbishment undertaken of both the hotel’s guest suites and public spaces in 2005-2006, the Captain’s Bar was updated with new furnishings and a contemporary ambience, whilst maintaining its venerable tradition as the preeminent venue in Central for the libations of a discerning clientele.
Nightly performances by jazz and blues musicians enliven the atmosphere late into the evenings; and a new element to the Captain’s Bar was introduced in late 2011 with the launch of a “Curry Tiffin Lunch” menu- served from Mondays to Fridays- offering a new option for business or social lunches in the Central district.
Looking down into the Captain’s Bar from the entrance steps
The entrance to the Captain’s Bar is down a few steps from the main lobby level- taking the guest into the plush interior of the bar. The room is “L” shaped, with the main seating sections in the space opening out from the entrance, with the impressive bar wrapped around the central corner of the room. The interior palette consists of muted shades of red and browns, providing a comfortable and cosy ambience. Mahogany timber wall panelling, contrasted by sections of polished black granite, and thick etched glass partition panels add a contemporary feel to the interior. Furnishings feature comfortable, red-brown leather sofas, armchairs and high bar seats. The main bar counter extends around the central section to a further seating area of leather sofas and dining tables and chairs adjacent to the bar. A compact stage area adjacent to the entrance showcases the musicians.
The leather sofa seating arrangements in the central part of the room are divided into discrete settings by the distinctive glass partitions. Three separate solid sheets of glass have the design of a chess board and its pieces etched into the surface and are mounted into the timber sections between the rows of sofas.
Reproductions of antique nautical maps and framed lithographs extend around the walls adding their historical perspective to the decor of the bar.
Plush leather sofa seating arrangements- attractively separated into discrete settings by thick glass panels with etched chess board graphics
Leather sofa arrangements towards the entrance- with musician’s stage in the background
Leather sofas with matching leather armchairs and padded stools
Looking across from the area adjacent to the bar
Fresh, cold draught beers, poured into silver tankards, have always been the mainstay attraction of the Captain’s Bar. Regular guests of the bar have the privilege of being presented with a silver tankard engraved with their name, and kept for their personal use on shelves behind the bar. In addition to the large range of draught and bottled beers, selections of classic cocktails are featured on the drinks menu, together with premium spirits, single malt whiskys and an extensive wine list.
The impressive mahogany bar- features a sloping front counter with black leather inserts for comfortable leaning
The draught beers are served in silver tankards that are stacked at the bar, and with the personalised tankards arranged on shelves behind the bar
The featured Curry Tiffin Lunch was inspired by the traditions dating from the colonial era. The curry tiffin lunch was adopted in the British colonies in Asia, from its Indian origins, as a light midday meal- typically served from stacked tin containers. The menu features nine different dishes- with highlights including Chicken Tikka Makhni, Tandoori Prawns, and Indian Lamb Samosas. The lunches can be ordered as “sets’- with either a 3-Tier Lunch, 2-Tier Lunch, or a single Tier Lunch. The 3 Tier Lunch curry is served with Basmati Rice and Naan Bread, and all curries are served with mango chutney and raita.
In the evenings a selection of hot bar snacks are available.
The Curry Tiffin Tin Lunch 3 Tier serving- a selection of nine different tins are offered
A 3 Tier Tiffin lunch- Chicken Tikka Makhni Curry with Basmati Rice and Naan Bread
Captain’s Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Address: Ground floor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – 3 minutes walk
Reservations: +852. 2522 0011
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/MandarinOrientalHongKong
Twitter: @MO_HKG
Weibo: www.weibo.com/mandarinorientalhk
Opening hours:
Bar: Monday to Saturday 11:00 am ~ 02:00 am Sunday & Public Holiday 11:00 am ~ 01:00 am
Lunch: Curry Tiffin Lunch served Monday to Friday: 12:00 pm ~ 2:30 pm
Live Music:Monday to Thursday 9:00 pm ~ 12:45 am Friday & Holiday eve 9:00 pm ~ 01:45 am
