High-profile international bar team leads new bar at Basehall 02 in Central Hong Kong
April 26th, 2023
Artifact Bar, the latest sister venue to Artifact’s Japanese counter dining restaurant, is set to soft open to the public inside BaseHall 02 on Tuesday, 11th April 2023.
Led by an all-star team of bar industry veterans, Artifact Bar is the unique vision of co-directors Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star, and Michael Larkin, while star talent J Frank, who has flown in from the UK, takes the helm as bar manager. Renowned for his achievements in international hospitality and his natural ability to draw crowds through unique storytelling and unrivaled guest experiences, J Frank brings a fresh sophistication to the Hong Kong bar-going experience.
Designed by NCDA design agency based in Hong Kong and New York City at a space with just over 1,100 sq. ft, Artifact Bar’s classy and upscale interiors take inspiration from the serene atmospheres found in underground water reservoirs, transporting the guests to an immersive experience of a “Third Place” away from home and work. Artifact Bar aims to create a space that fosters connections over good food and drink, celebrating the diversity of Hong Kong and bringing people together from all walks of life. Artifact is the journey of taste and place, by way of flavour and connection.
With a focus on brown spirits from around the world, Artifact Bar’s menu is a journey through time, ocean, and the Earth. The cocktails tell conversation-sparking stories about brandy, gin, rum, whiskey and how they are affected by aging, the ocean, and the hand of man.
Some must-try seasonal cocktails include elegant mixes such as Bread and Butter Milk Punch (HK$170), a concoction made with bourbon, corn, lemon, pomegranate, toasted bread, and butter; Olympus (HK$170), created with cognac, raspberry vinegar, Benedictine and Champagne; Caviar Martini (HK$170) with the choice between gin or vodka, mixed with vermouth, caviar, rice and nori oil (ingredients found in Chef Sato’s ‘Carabineros’ dish); and a selection of bespoke Highballs (HK$150 each) served tableside.
Artifact Bar also stocks an impressive collection of rare spirits, in addition to a curated wine list that spans an international selection of Champagnes, rosés, whites, and reds, available to sip by the glass or by the bottle.
The elevated bar food menu is designed by Chef Kiyoshi Sato with a total of 8 types of snacks available, who connects the chef’s table dining experience to the bar through the unchanged quality and seasonality of ingredients used. Inspired by the snacks at the iconic Caviar House & Prunier in Harrod’s, London, Chef Sato ensures the best and most luxurious possible food and beverage pairing experience for bar-goers.
Artifact Bar opens Tuesday and Wednesday from 5:00 pm to midnight, and on Thursday and Saturday from 5:00pm to 01:00 am.
Counter dining opening hours are Tuesday – Saturday from 12:00 to 15:00 and evenings between 18:00 to 23:00 (closed on Sunday and Monday).
(images credit ARTIFACT)
