Classic antique decor of concealed venue evokes gentlemen’s club demeanor in Victorian-era London
June 16th, 2014
Secreted away down a nondescript lane way, accessed via an unmarked stairwell, entrance to Stockton takes guests back to the bygone era of late 19th century London. Opened in 2014, Stockton is a luxurious bar and restaurant- modelled with elaborate detail- on the quintessential Victorian-era gentlemen’s club of London circa 1890. Re-creating an atmosphere of privileged access and discrete indulgence reminiscent of a private members club, Stockton offers guests a reclusive venue in the heart of Hong Kong’s exuberant nightlife district. Beyond the novelty factor of the concealed location and resplendent antique decor, Stockton delivers with an impressive lineup of drinks and cuisine, centred on re-interpretations of traditional British recipes and hedonistic pleasures such as champagne, caviar and lobster.
Stockton is the latest in a series of impressive restaurant openings from Maximal Concepts– each idiosyncratically themed, including the adjacent Fish & Meat, Mott 32, Blue Butcher, and located in a secluded Lan Kwai Fong lane- Brickhouse. Occupying a comfortably roomy space, the Stockton interior is anchored by the handsome solid wooden bar extending across the back wall, with a series of plush sofa and low table settings in the main room, and several private spaces set into alcoves. With capacity limited to 120 guests, ensuring a discrete and sociable experience for all patrons, bookings are strongly recommended- both for dinner- and late night drinks.
Stockton interior
Embracing the design eccentricities of the Victorian era, the interior design features extensive dark timber panelling, raw brick walls, and unpolished concrete flooring that are combined with vintage furniture and an eclectic assemblage of antique curios and fittings sourced from European flea markets. The decor concept is executed with an extraordinary attention to detail, effectively creating a time-capsule experience of the Victorian era. Dimmed lighting with antique candelabra, plush leather Chesterfields, and attentive service evoke the darkly handsome and luxurious demeanor of Stockton.
Stockton vintage-inflected cocktails
Leather-bound cocktail menus list the thoughtfully researched selection of cocktails that are inspired by the libations popular with affluent 19th Century Londoners. Mostly based on the fashionable spirits of the time- dark Caribbean rums, Scottish whiskies, and English gins- each cocktail description includes notations outlining the historical background behind the concoction. At the impressively stocked bar, over 150 labels of whiskies are showcased- with other spirits selectively barrel and leather aged in house. Another specialty of Stockton is their selection of small, family produced champagnes that offer some appealing alternatives to the familiar mainstream champagne houses.
Stockton British cuisine
Consistent with the Stockton vintage theme, the menu features dishes that have been adapted from the traditional foods enjoyed by the privileged classes on Victorian London, as well as more contemporary indulgences such as caviar and lobster. Standout dishes include the signature The Stockton Ultimate Lobster; Home Cured Beetroot Gravalax; and Scotch Egg with chorizo, arugula and paprika aioli.
