Contemporary Spanish bodega bar established by Jason Atherton in vibrant Wanchai neighbourhood
June 12th, 2014
Sherry consumption has undergone a remarkable renaissance in global trend-setting cities like New York and London since around 2010. Shedding a decades-long unfashionable image, the depth and flavour complexity found particularly in crisp dry sherry styles, have allured a niche clientele of discerning wine drinkers to the newly opened specialist sherry bars. The trend has now firmly arrived in Asia with the opening in December 2013 of Ham & Sherry– a specialist sherry and jamon bar modeled on the traditional Spanish neighbourhood bodega- or corner liquor store. The latest trend-setting establishment from the expanding collaboration between acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton and local Hong Kong entrepreneur Yenn Wong, Ham & Sherry is located across the street from its sibling restaurant- the mega-popular 22 Ships– adding a further sociable dimension to the vibrant Ship Street neighbourhood.
Offering currently the largest selection of sherry varieties and styles in Asia, the list features over 50 sherries including labels from acclaimed producers such as Equipo Navaros; Palmas Range from Gonzalez Byass; Tio Mateo from Marques del Real Tesoro; and some rare bottles of Osborne & Co secured from the closing auction of the world-renowned el Bulli cellar. Inspired by the traditional bodega, Jason Atherton created a tantalsing menu for Ham & Sherry, offering “Picar Picar” (bar snacks) such as Padron peppers;“Boquerones” marinated silver anchovies, olives; and goat’s curd and jamon croquettes. However, it is the impressive range of aged Spanish hams that are the essence of the Ham & Sherry experience. Specially aged hams include the Jamon Iberico de Bellota aged 40 -48 months; Iberico paleta aged 36 months; and Jamon de Teruel PDO aged 24 months.
Daily blackboard specials offer some more substantial plates for lunch and dinner, whereas the recently introduced Pica Pica Hour (Monday to Saturday 5 pm – 6 pm) entices patrons with special prices on both drinks and bar snacks. Like its sibling restaurant 22 Ships across the street, Ham & Sherry operates a no reservation, no service charge policy. Special tasting events, and other promotions are highlighted on the Facebook Page.
Ham & Sherry interior
A compact corner space on Ship Street has been transformed- with its walls-internal and external- completely sheathed with the traditional blue and white patterned ceramic tiles synonymous with a Spanish bodega. The sleek interior is a contemporary interpretation of a Spanish bodega- combining gleaming stainless steel surfaces with the bold geometric patterns of the ceramic tiled walls, floor and bar counter.
Ham & Sherry tapas
Ham & Sherry- selected sherries
Ham & Sherry cocktails
Concealed by one-way mirrored glass from patrons in the restaurant, a discrete rear section to Ham & Sherry houses an intimate cocktail bar. Accessible only through a nondescript entrance on the side laneway, the bar is a haven for some serious mixology- with a collection of inventive, whimsically themed drinks.
