Classic cocktails at progressive small bar in Hong Kong reinterpreted with local flavour influences
October 16th, 2015
Friendly and knowledgeable bartenders, polished mixology and a relaxed unpretentious atmosphere have made Little LAB a popular destination for after-work drinks and late night libations since its opening in 2013. With a cocktail program created by local award-winning bartender and Bacardi regional brand ambassador Reeve Yip, the progressive cocktails served at Little LAB have helped carve out a distinctive niche for the small bar in the competitive Hong Kong bar scene. At Little LAB cocktails are created with classic cocktail making methods and premium spirits, while thoughtfully infused with local ingredients and flavours.
Design Occupying a compact ground floor space within a row of shops on the busy Staunton Street strip near PMQ, Little LAB projects an understated presence within the ever-popular SoHo dining and drinking enclave. A frontage of full-height glass doors fold back to open the narrow interior onto the street, a long bar extends down one side of the interior with seating at the bar counter and at high tables arrayed opposite. A pared-back utilitarian decor features concrete flooring, raw brickwork, vintage lamps and a white-tiled back bar. Framed vintage Bacardi advertising posters add context to the decor, while the rear wall is splashed with the work of a well-known local street artist.
Cocktails A concise list of signature cocktails feature well-informed combinations of premium spirits and local flavour inflections to create sophisticated yet approachable drinks. Categorised under Little Concoctions, standout cocktails that characterise the well-balanced Little LAB technique include Tommy Spices – an exotic blend of Dewars white label whisky, lemon, angostura bitters, orgeat and cinnamon syrups; and Lab Tea Party – served for sharing in a vintage shaker from the 20s, it contains the mixes of Ransom Old Tom Gin, Hendricks Gin, Martini Bianco, Aperol and Raspberry Tea. And some tasty accompaniments are offered on the bar snack menu – try the Cola Pops – Coca-Cola chicken wing lollipops with smoky buffalo sauce; and the Crabby Patties served with Worcestershire and aioli.
Little LAB opens daily from 5 pm (Sundays 4 pm). Call ahead on busy nights for a seat at the bar – and check out the Facebook Page for special events and drink promotions.
