Spanish-style Gintonic service delivered in characterful space that evokes contemporary Mediterranean and traditional Hong Kong influences
June 7th, 2014
Opened in March 2014, Ping Pong Gintoneria has garnered considerable buzz within Hong Kong’s ever evolving bar scene. Offering a truly original and well-executed bar concept, Ping Pong has pushed the boundaries- cleverly combining its dramatic re-purposed space in the newly gentrifying Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood of western Hong Kong island, with the alluring appeal of an authentic interpretation of a Spanish gin & tonic bar- or Gintoneria. The serendipitous collaboration between the founders- a Spanish native and a local Hong Kong interior designer- is evidenced in the harmonious meld of contemporary lifestyle with the heritage aesthetic of a traditional Hong Kong neighbourhood. Rejuvenating the traditional British colonial-era tipple of gin & tonic into the consummate modern libation enthusiastically embraced by the Spanish (now second only behind Britain in gin consumption), Ping Pong offers a superlative selection of 40 plus gins- many of them sourced from emerging artisanal distillers – and served in the inimitable Spanish style of the Gintoneria.
Pared-back and understated, the interior design exudes a relaxed, residential vibe that invites guests to linger over the ice-cold gin and tonics and Spanish tapas. Ping Pong has become instantly popular as the go-to place for pre-dinner drinks, and as a cool after-dinner / late night hangout place- its hip credentials endorsed during the recent (May 2014) Art Basel Hong Kong art fair when Ping Pong was selected as the venue for a high-profile gallery private function. Table bookings are available except for late on Friday and Saturday nights. Special events are listed on the Ping Pong Facebook Page.
Ping Pong interior design
Entered through the original, eye-catching bright red door and street facade, guests descend a steep concrete staircase to the striking dimensions of the unique and evocative double height space. Raw concrete pillars support the high ceiling, with an open floor layout and original windows that face onto a rear laneway- providing natural light and an external outlook. The open lounge space has been furnished with generously spaced retro timber tables and chairs, with arrangements of armchairs and sofas spanning the rear section. Decorative elements overlaid onto the preserved raw surface finishes include numerous art pieces and installations from leading local artists. Decorative aluminium window grills reference the residential grills found across Hong Kong’s older developments, and ceramic tiling alternatively evokes a Mediterranean influence. The substantial bar is backed with full height shelving showcasing the impressive variety of artisan gins and other spirits- above a retro red neon sign spells out in Chinese characters ” Train Your Body”- a nod to an earlier iteration as a ping pong centre.
Ping Pong- Gintonic classic serve
Under the direction of Spanish manager /partner Juan Martinez Gregorio, Ping Pong serves authentic renditions of the Spanish “Gintonic”- the essential formula comprising- oversize balloon glasses to enhance the botanical notes from the gins; large, glass-filling, hand-carved crystal-clear ice blocks; premium tonic water (single bottle serves only); citrus granish and additionally at Ping Pong– juniper berries- and finally- drinks are always served very cold. As befits a true Gintoneria, Juan has personally sourced over 40 artisanal gins from global small-batch distillers- including over 12 labels from Spain exclusive to Ping Pong in Hong Kong- offering a fantastic selection of modern style gins crafted with an incredible variety of botanical notes and artisan production techniques.
Gin and tonic aficionados can select from a list of nine versions of classic “Gintonics”– each gin served with specific tonic and garnishes to suit the taste profile of the gin. Premium gins on the list include Monkey 47 (Germany); Masters London Dry (Spain); Martin Millers (England); and Farmers Organic (USA). Bartenders also create bespoke Gintonics from the full selection of premium and super premium gins. Other beverages served at Ping Pong include- Spanish craft beers, Spanish wines by bottle & glass, Spanish coffee, and a solid selection of other premium spirits.
An expanding selection of bar bites and Spanish tapas- including Padrón peppers, smoked anchovies, Iberian cold cuts- are available from the kitchen to accompany drinks and conversations.
Pictured below one version of the classic Gintonic serve: Masters Gin (Spain) + Indi Tonic (Spain) + orange garnish + juniper berries. (HKD 90)
