Newly refurbished bar at The Peninsula Hong Kong presents classic cocktail craftmanship in discretely luxurious setting.
March 27th, 2013
Recently refurbished and relocated, the handsome new The Bar at The Peninsula Hong Hong epitomises the classic elegance and restrained luxury for which the oldest hotel in Hong Hong has long been globally renowned. Celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, the iconic hotel on the Kowloon waterfront is consistently ranked among the world’s finest hotels and is the flagship property in The Peninsula Group of luxury hotels. One of nine exceptional restaurants and bars within The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Bar is a discrete haven where guests can escape the frenetic urban bustle of Hong Kong and enjoy sophisticated libations in luxurious surroundings. The intimate new space features the main front bar, with a further inner lounge area for quiet conversations and relaxation. An interior featuring rich mahogany timber panelling, black leather and red velvet armchairs and sofas exudes the gravitas of a classic gentlemen’s club bar- tempered with elements of contemporary chic and elegance. Located in a new space on the first floor- directly opposite the Verandah Cafe- The Bar can accommodate approximately 45 guests, and is open daily from 3 pm until 12:30 am.
In conjunction with the interior refurbishment, the drinks service at The Bar has embraced a return to the classic art of crafting exceptional cocktails from the finest spirits and fresh seasonal ingredients. Evoking the “golden era” of cocktails from the 1920’s and 30’s, The Bar has assembled a concise list of sumptuous libations- highlighted by Timeless Legends-including The Vesper Tanqueray No. 10, Vodka and Lillet Blanc; and Aviation- Gin, Maraschino liqueur, lemon juice. Further cocktail offerings include The Signatures; Champagne cocktails; and the Martini Experience. Supplementing the cocktails is an exceptional selection of over 80 rare single malt Scotch whiskys- which can also be ordered in tasting flights. Other beverages served include non-alcohol cocktails, champagnes and sparkling wines by the glass and bottle, seven labels of both white and red wines by glass and bottle, plus an impressive range of premium spirits, apertifs, and bottled beers.
A selection of bar snacks include Traditional Cantonese shrimp toast with sweet and sour sauce; Mini burgers on English muffin with caramelised onions; and Hand-made Artisanal Chocolates from the Peninsula Chocolate Room that pair ideally with the single malt whiskys. Adding to the atmosphere of relaxed sophistication, a duo of classic pianist and jazz singer perform nightly(except Mondays).
Inside The Bar
The richly polished mahogany panelled facade of the re-located bar- now opposite The Verandah restaurant on the first floor.
The elegant bar room also showcases contemporary works of award-winning still-life and fashion photographers Toby McFarlan Pond and Kristian Schuller. The black marble topped bar counter features a leather padded front , with plush black leather bar stools to comfortably accommodate patrons at the bar.
The front bar section features a grand piano in the corner where a duo of pianist and jazz singer perform nightly.
A fine selection of rare single malt Scotch whiskys and Armagnacs are displayed behind the leather padded bar.
The inner lounge room- leather and red velvet armchair and sofa seating, muted lighting, and dark timber panels evoke a discrete, understated luxury.
Highlights from the Drinks List
A selection of fresh juices on the bar to cleanse palettes and quench thirsts.
Johnny’s Screwdriver– U’Luvka Vodka, freshly-pressed orange juice, poured over ice sphere and garnished with orange.
T h e S c r e w d r i v e r- This American institution took its time finding its way to The Peninsula Hong Kong, then the rest of the Far East. The 1950s, Clark Gable, in search of a thirst-quenching drink to escape Kowloon’s scorching summer, arrived at The Peninsula and asked for a “Screwdriver”. Legendary Bartender Johnny Chung, who is still working at The Peninsula after more than 55 years, was eager to satisfy his guest and humbly presented Clark Gable with the tool: a Screwdriver. Surprised that this American libation had not yet reached the Far East, the legendary film star described to Johnny what he meant by the term “a Screwdriver”. Today, The Peninsula pay homage to both of these icons: Clark Gable and Johnny Chung. By pouring chilled Polish U’Luvka Vodka over an ice sphere of the purest mineral water muddled with freshly-pressed seasonal orange juice. This Screwdriver pays homage to the very first one Johnny Chung co-created with Clark Gable in the 1950s, at The Peninsula Hong Kong.
Mint Julep- Bourbon, mint, powdered sugar and water. Originating in Virginia in the USA Deep South, this is considered the quintessential refreshing summer drink.
Raspberry Fizz – Crème de Framboise, Champagne and fresh raspberries
The Bar- at The Peninsula Hong Kong
Address: 1/F, The Peninsula, SalisburyRoad, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon. Hong Kong
MTR: TST station Exit E- 3 minutes walk, or East TST station- Exit L3
Reservations: +852. 2696 6773
Website: www.peninsula.com/Hong_Kong
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ThePeninsulaHongKong
Opening hours: Daily 3:00 pm ~ 12:30 am
Entertainment: Jazz singer & piano duo nightly (except Mondays)
Dress Code: Smart Casual
See also review articles on Salon de Ning Lounge Bar and FELIX Restaurant.
