Joining the Central party is the Aqua restaurant and bar (49 Hollywood Road. Tel: 2545 9889) and this place has a healthy difference - nine different mineral waters are on sale from all corners of the globe. That's why their logo has that exotic symbol on it. It is, they say, the Egyptian 'ankh', symbol of the 'giver of life'.
General manager Jocelyn Cunningham endured a hectic few weeks leading up to their opening party on August 17 - and it seems to have continued. 'The response has been outrageous,' she says. 'It's wonderful.'
The bar at Aqua, which features plenty of green glass, was inspired by St Martin's in London and offers some exotic treats - Egyptian hibiscus vodka being chief among them. As well as the mineral water, those not wishing to imbibe can quench their thirsts with some chilled chamomile tea, fresh juices and smoothies. And Cunningham is quick to promise that a happy hour will soon be on the way.
With large windows looking out over Hollywood Road, Aqua has a open, light and breezy feel to it. And the menu presents international cuisine - from snapper carpaccio to cumin-crusted Australian lamb - thanks to executive chef Gregory Bunt, who has had spells at The Rockpool in Sydney, Mezza Luna in Macau and at ToTT's here in Hong Kong. 'I strive to make my food witty,'' he says. 'Full of surprises and inentive, turning classic regional dishes into new modern flavours.''
Late at night, Aqua becomes a supper club, with snacks, drinks, and jazz (on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays). with its handy position - a gentle stroll from the Central escalator and just off Lyndhurst Terrace - Cunningham says dinner bookings are essential.