UPDATE July 25th, 2014 THE PRESS ROOM HAS CLOSED
January 3rd, 2011
The diversity of dining and cuisine options in Hong Kong is legendary, but one category that had not been truly catered to until the opening of The Press Room in late 2006 was the “European” dining style of a casual all-day brasserie. Serving an authentic menu of rustic European dishes in a friendly and relaxed environment, The Press Room faithfully channels the style of the classic brasseries that are so popular in Paris, London and New York. Occupying a spacious street level location in the antique store neighbourhood of Hollywood Road, conveniently adjacent to the bustling Central business district of Hong Kong, The Press Room has become a hit with Hong Kong diners, and the original founders have since spawned similarly themed sibling outlets – The News Room in the Taikoo Place office complex at Quarry Bay, and Classified, with several branches across Hong Kong .
The street facade on Hollywood Road
The Press Room is located within a historic building that in the 1920’s was home to the Hua Qian Daily newspaper, and was the inspiration for the restaurant’s name. Occupying a generous space of over 4,000 square feet, with double height ceilings and full floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the street views beyond, the main dining room presents a bright spacious feeling that is conducive to relaxed dining. At the street entry, the Raw Bar features displays of the daily fresh oysters and shellfish- with specials listed on a large blackboard. Entering the main space, stairs lead up to the mezzanine level open kitchen, which overlooks the bar area. The bar is a classically styled rectangular bar with timber panelling and white marble counter top. Adjacent are some tables and chairs, and also round high tables in front of the open wine cellars.
The main dining room has all the attributes of the typical European brasserie- with timber panelled walls featuring numerous framed photographs, timber board flooring, and the simple, elegant dining furniture. A black leather banquette extends around the two sides of the room, and tables are constructed with the matt black cast iron bases and dark marble tops that are synonymous with bistro dining. A huge blackboard with the daily wine specials dominates one wall. The floor to ceiling windows across the front bathe the room in daylight, and at night, individual candle lights on the tables offer a sense of warmth and intimacy.
Chalkboard with Wine by The Glass selections
Window front tables overlooking Hollywood Road
The wine cellar and bar area- with open kitchen on mezzanine level
The bar – with table seating
The bar menu at The Press Room highlights a selection of classic cocktails such as the Paris Mule; Manhattan; Negroni; Pimm’s Cup, and Cuba Libre. St.Germain– crafted from handpicked French elderflower blossoms is the essential ingredient for a selection of cocktails- including Elderfashion; and French Gimlet (with Belvedere vodka & Lemon. The bar is also serving imported beers- draft Hoegaarden, plus bottles of Stella Artois, Leffe Blonde, James Boag’s & Budvar. Other specialties include Absinthe, and a selection of premium brandy and cognacs.
The wine list comprises an impressive selection of over 90 French wines- both bottles and by the glass, with Champagnes also well represented.
Elderfashion- St. Germain (crafted from handpicked French elderflower blossoms) with bourbon and bitters
Pimm’s O’Clock– The Press Room Pimms Cup- Pimm’s, lemonade, cucumber & mint
French 75- Hendricks gin, Pol Roger Champagne & sweet lemon
The dining concept of French-European hearty bistro food is authentically executed by Head Chef Jorge da Silva and his team in the kitchen. The menu features selections from the Raw Seafood Counter– varieties of fresh oysters, crustacea and caviar. The main dining menu commences with Soups & Starters– highlights include Five Onion Soup Gratine; Tuna Tartare; and Foie Gras Ballotine. From the Salads selections include Caesar Salad and Beetroot Carpaccio. Main dishes of Meat & Fish include- Prime Steak Frites; Rosemary Marinated Lanb Chops; Grilled Sea Bass; and Chargrilled Spatchcock. Platters for two or more sharing are popular- the French Charcuterie Platter and Plateaux Fruits de Mer. Desserts include classic delicacies such as Strawbery Mille-Feuilles; Crepes; and Pear Tarte Tatin.
Promotions include on weekdays a 3 Course Set Lunch, a daily 2-Course Set Dinner menu, and weekend Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Daily selections of fresh oysters are displayed on ice at the entrance
French Charcuterie Platter– chargrilled Toulouse sausage, chargrilled Merguez sausage, Paté de Campagne, Duck Rillettes, Bayonne ham, Saucisson de Lyon, Smoked Duck Magret, & Ox tongue with salsa verde. Served with pickles, olives & onion confit.
Tuna Tartare– avocado salsa, mirin, chilli & spring onions
Beetroot Carpaccio– Goat’s cheese, toasted walnuts, preserved lemon and wild rocket
Strawberry Mille-Feuilles– with frozen strawberry yoghurt
Pear Tarte Tatin ( for two)
THE PRESS ROOM
Address: G/F 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Hong Kong
MTR: Sheung Wan station – 5 minutes walk
Reservations: +852. 2525 3444
Website: www.thepressroom.com.hk
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 12:00 noon ~ 12:00 am
Saturday & Sunday & PH : 10:00 am ~ 12:00 am Brunch 10:00am ~ 6:00 pm
