Spectacular views from Asia’s highest bar- plus superb cocktails & modern Asian tapas
June 11th, 2014
In a city renowned for its amazing skyline and harbour views, rooftop bars have for many years been a major attraction for both local residents and visitors alike. A spectacular recent addition to the panoply of rooftop bars in Hong Kong is the OZONE bar at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Perched on the 118th floor atop the iconic ICC tower on the West Kowloon waterfront, OZONE opened in 2011- attaining the title of the “highest bar in the world” (recently claimed by the bar at the Burj Khalifa in Dubai) -and remains Asia’s highest bar- soaring 490 metres above the picturesque harbour below. With its superb harbour front location, the views from OZONE across Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island, and beyond are simply breathtaking- either in daylight- or at night when the illuminated skyline of Hong Kong Island provides a dazzling backdrop to Victoria Harbour.
In keeping with its provenance within the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel, OZONE is more than just a rooftop bar. Exuding glamour and opulence, OZONE comprises an expansive interior- with separate lounge sections, a gorgeous stand-alone sushi bar, sleek white marble bar, plus the casual open-air terrace. Late in evenings, the lounge and bar transition into a vibrant nightspot with atmospheric cutting-edge LED lighting effects and upbeat music. Complementing the wonderful views and glamorous interiors, OZONE allures further with its polished mixology and appetizing culinary offerings of contemporary Asian-style tapas.
Accessed via two dedicated, black leather lined elevators from the hotel reception on the 102nd floor, OZONE is open daily from the afternoon into late evening- with the views equally spectacular at any time. Enduring popularity makes table reservations a strong recommendation at peak times. The Sunday Champagne & Wine Brunch is also particularly popular.
OZONE- rooftop bar
Boldy provocative, the ultra-modern interior was designed by leading Tokyo studio Wonderwall– headed up by the acclaimed designer Masamichi Katayama. Creating an atmosphere of glamour and opulence, Katayama conceived “a place that is full of surprises and excitement at every turn, whether one enters from the bar, the bar lounge, the lobby lounge, dining room or the tapas bar.” The imaginative avant-garde interior features angular shapes and lavish materials to evoke elements of nature- including a honeycomb pattern inlaid into the black marble flooring and deployed throughout the interior spaces as a dramatic ceiling suspension.
OZONE mixology
In addition to a comprehensive beverage list including champagnes, fine wines, and beers, the bar at OZONE is also highly regarded for its creative mixology under the direction of head bartender- Teresa Moon. Signature cocktails feature an Asian-influenced taste profile, with Teresa applying her culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris to create some deliciously balanced drinks. Notable examples include the Bed of Roses– crafted from Kurrant Vodka, yuzu marmalade, rose syrup, egg white and oolong tea; and Basilic– gin, basil leaves, green apple, lime, yuzu foam.
OZONE Asian tapas
Modern Asian-style tapas dishes are the specialty of the OZONE culinary team, complementing more traditional gourmet bar bites such as fresh oysters, caviar, and mini wagyu beef burgers and selections of daily fresh sushi and sashimi. Enticing choices from the Asian-tapas menu include Sesame Cones with tuna tartare, chickpea, oscietra caviar, basil snow; Tuna-hamachi terrine (sashimi style) with crispy baby sardine, cucumber, ponzu; and Homemade smoked Scottish salmon (60gm)- with rice puree, salmon roe, garlic nougatine.
