Innovative & classic cocktails complemented with tapas-style sharing cuisine at inviting new gastrobar in Lan Kwai Fong
September 30th, 2013
A recent addition to the constantly evolving bar and restaurant scene in Hong Kong’s famously exuberant Lan Kwai Fong nightlife precinct, Common Room differentiates itself from the plethora of nearby venues with a classy gastrobar concept that entices with its harmonious blending of a casual, laid-back vibe, and an upscale, though reasonably priced, cocktail and culinary offering. With an experienced team of three top-notch bartenders behind the bar, Common Room serves up both finely executed classic cocktails, and inventive creations inspired by modern, cutting edge mixology. And in the kitchen, the gastronomy team cook a contemporary, on-trend cuisine, based on tapas-style sharing dishes that draw inspiration from a broad diversity of culinary heritages- Spanish, Indian, Asian, Western- ideal for relaxed, sociable dining, or for pairing with the mixology’ creations.
Conveniently located within an expansive first floor space overlooking Wo On Lane, just off D’Aguilar Street on the fringe of the vibrant Lan Kwi Fong nightlife zone in Central Hong Kong- Common Room attracts a discerning clientele- either as an after-work rendezvous for cocktails, a lunch or dinner destination, or for pre-clubbing drinks and bites. Opened in May 2013 , Common Room is managed by the highly regarded Prive Group– owners of leading nightclub venues such as Prive and Levels. Common Room opens daily, except Sundays, serving lunch and dinner Mondays to Fridays, and drinks in the evenings until late ( around 2 am).
COMMON ROOM INTERIOR-
A street level entrance leads guests up the open staircase to the handsome and comfortably spacious interior on the upper level. The space exudes a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere with low ceilings, warm, herringbone-patterned unpolished timber flooring, dark brown leather upholstered seating, and soft lighting. The boldly sleek main bar anchors the floor space- extending across the front of the main room- and backing onto the full-width glass facade. The bar construction dramatically melds contemporary and vintage styles with a glossy black glass counter top, wrapped with brushed stainless steel, faced with classic decorative black cast ironwork. Plush dark brown leather bar stools line the bar- presenting an ideal perch for cocktail enthusiasts to engage with the accomplished mixology team.
COMMON ROOM MIXOLOGY-
The well-constructed drinks list at Common Room offers an impressive selection of cocktails, premium spirits, whiskys, champagnes and wines. Cocktails are crafted from first class spirits, house made syrups, and locally sourced fresh produce. Solid renditions of classic cocktails include Negroni, Manhattan, Mint Julep and Old Fashioned; while further contemporary cocktails are helpfully grouped under flavour categories such as ” Fruity”, “Sweet” and “Sour”. And finally, a special selection of “Mixologist Recommendations” showcases the high-tech wizardry of molecular techniques and a masterful command of balancing flavours from a slew of ingredients.
WORLD-INSPIRED TAPAS CUISINE-
Reasonably priced, the modern sharing cuisine offers tapas-style servings of gourmet comfort foods- a wide- ranging assemblage of dishes grouped under categories of EARTH / SEA / LAND / HEAVEN. Expect dishes that draw on a variety of culinary influences- stand outs include Tandoori Octopus; Black Cod with Sweet Miso; Slow Braised Pork Belly; and Wagyu Foie Gras Burgers.
In addition to the Tapas Menu, Common Room serve an attractively priced Lunch Menu on Mondays to Fridays- offering an Antipasti Buffet (HKD 138) of signature appetisers and salads, with an add-on option (HKD 30 / 40) of selected Entrees that include pasta, daily handcrafted pizza, and grills; and Dessert of the Day for an additional HKD 15.
Inside Common Room
A square communal table separates the bar area from the adjacent section of dining tables.
The compact dining space features brown leather banquettes and solid timber tables. Shades of brown predominate the decor palette- with herringbone patterned timber flooring, light brown exposed brickwork, and dark timber ceiling beams.
A further lounge section of banquettes and tables extends in the elongated space beyond the bar.
At the far end of the bar room- sliding glass doors access an intimate open-air section with booth tables and some high-tables with bar stools that accommodates smokers.
A booth setting in the open-air section- the rustic decor includes walls lined with reclaimed timbers, cast ironwork decoration, and exposed ceiling beams.
Selections from the Tapas Menu
Chicken Liver and Foie Gras Pate- Seasoned with Peppercorn and Brandy on Homemade Crostini.
Foie Gras with Apple Caviar- served with Balsamic Onion Jus
Grilled Shrimp Poutine- Melted Cheddar Cheese and Truffle Sauce
Common Room Mixology highlights
Top mixologist Paul Magar shakes up a classic Gin & Tonic- Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin & Fever-Tree Premium Tonic Water.
Airmail- Aged Rum, Orange Curacao, Simple Syrup, Raspberry & Champagne
Saketini- Sake, Apple Liqueur, Fresh Lemon Juice, Horseradish & Ginger Root with home made Green Apple Syrup.
“Mixologist Recommendations” Cocktail List & Tapas Menu
Common Room- gastrobar in Hong Kong
Address: 1st Floor, Wo On Building, 8- 13 Wo On Lane- off D’Aguilar Street, Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central- Exit D1/2
Reservations: +852. 2525 3599
Website: www.common-room.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/commonroomhkg
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday Lunch 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm Bar- until 2:00 am
Saturday Dinner 6:00 pm ~11:00 pm Bar- until 02:00 am
Attire: Casual
