The success of that first opening has led to Aqua Restaurant Group becoming a 'culinary empire' of 20 bars and restaurants in three of the world's major cities.

The Group embraces some of Hong Kong's most successful destination restaurants, a boutique hotel here and talk- of-the-town multifaceted restaurants in London, and restaurants soon to be opened in Beijing.

It was founder David Yeo's creative vision which helped launch the group.

'The group has evolved organically from our passion for good food, a love of entertaining, and our joy in creating exciting interiors,' he says. 'I am delighted and quite humbled by the extent of our success, even in notoriously difficult markets such as London.'

Every year more than 700,000 people head to these outlets, which employ about 560 staff.

Perhaps it is Aqua's philosophy to source only the freshest, highest quality produce, and prepare it in a way where the dish looks stunning and the true flavours shine, that attracts new customers and brings existing ones back. Or perhaps it's the unobtrusive service and stylish environments that feature the best of Asian-inspired contemporary design which have become a hallmark.

'You cannot cook good food without decent produce and ingredients,' Yeo says. 'Hence our total respect for the provenance of the produce [it's why organic food tastes so much better than that produced by hydroponic farms]. And if we respect the produce and the ingredients, then why not let their natural texture, taste and flavours speak for themselves? Our job is to tease out the best from them, not make them into something they are not.' Aqua Group's signature restaurants, aqua and Hutong at One Peking Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, have for several years been two of the most admired restaurants in Hong Kong. The group has also taken casual neighbourhood dining to a new level of sophistication with its trio of SoHo and Wyndham Street brasseries, tivo, vivo and ayuthaiya.

Last year, the group expanded its portfolio to include aqua London, its first offering outside China.

The restaurant comprises three parts: aqua nueva, which offers a modern take on the traditional cuisine of northern Spain; aqua kyoto, a contemporary Japanese restaurant; and aqua spirit, a stylish bar with three outdoor terraces and sweeping views over London's rooftops.

Located at 240 Regent Street, aqua London has become the place to see and be seen.

While Aqua Group's outlets set new standards in contemporary cuisine and design, the group also sets out to preserve Hong Kong's heritage. The former Marine Police Headquarters on Canton Road, Hullett House, has become an intimate hotel with custom-made luxury suites and five restaurants housed in the magnificent colonial building.

The property was inspired by Hong Kong's rich and varied history over the past 150 years, with its blend of Chinese and British influences, and a distinct mix of old and new.

Yeo describes Hullett House as Aqua's humble attempt to give something back to Hong Kong in return for the wonderful opportunities the city has given the group. And, as any visitor to Hullett House can attest, what a fabulous attempt it is.