All the newest buildings appearing in Hong Kong incorporate terraces into restaurant spaces, and that will be the case when the fancy new California Tower in Lan Kwai Fong makes its eagerly awaited re-launch. This trend reflects a lifestyle change in Hong Kong and is making the dining and bar scene busier and more exciting than ever. These various rooftops, terraces and balconies gloriously open up all-new Hong Kong views of everything from startling sea expanses to quirky little neighbourhoods.
OZONE in The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, the highest bar in the world, is also very grown-up. Eden is the theme of the eclectic interior, by Japanese design team Wonderwall, where columns are tree trunks, flooring details resemble leaf veins; and theres a funky rock garden. The bar is divided into different sections for different moods, including a private room (where there have so far been three marriage proposals!). But all these, including a DJ and dance floor, seems to take second place to the outdoor terrace and its view. This is an unprecedented sweep over Hong Kong, opening up parts of the New Territories and downtown Kowloon, and the immense activity in the harbour. It is mesmerizing.
Occupying the 25th Floor Princes Building Penthouse, SEVVA became an instant success when it opened its glamorous doors. It might be said that the best views of Hong Kong are from Tsimshatsui, from buildings like One Peking Road, looking over to Central; but here in SEVVA the experience is to be part of the Central skyline, almost rubbing noses with landmark buildings such as Norman Fosters lego-like HSBC and I M Peis powerful Bank of China. Theres a civilized, clubby feel to all the ultimate-in-good-taste spaces here – the dark wooden bar, the lounge area, the dining room, and the terrace with its 360- degree views over Central and beyond. Out here, mountainous ice buckets are chocca with bottles of Champagne, and the sweet smell of cigar smoke wafts towards the harbour.
If SEVVA is the buzzing see-be-seen gig, barcepage is the epitome of calm and discretion. It is the unassuming but beautifully furnished rooftop of the one Michelin starred French restaurant CÉPAGE, in a gentrified part of Wanchai. The restaurant is famed for its wine list, one of the best in the region, and upmarket little contemporary French-Mediterranean nibbles are served up here in the open air.
In reality, as the barcepage people say, it may be that theres only about 100 days when the weather is utterly perfect for al fresco drinks and dining. But it is a new trend right now, to embrace the big and beautiful outdoors right here in the pumping heart of the city.
SIDELIGHT
Hong Kong, Asias World City, will be cooking up again on exciting extravaganza of exceptional wines and gourmet delights this year of the 3rd Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, set against the stunning backdrop of the renowned Victoria Harbour, from 27 – 30 October 2011. Mark this spectacular event in your diary and plan your trip to Hong Kong.
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