Dear Lilly in Central review: floral cocktails are well-made and attractive, but concept is odd

It’s all very pretty and girlie, with curlicue-laden decor, a 19th century style handwriting motif and masses of dried flowers arranged in perfume bottles and hanging from the ceiling (while fresh flowers would have been nicer, dried ones are more practical and this is a lot more attractive than the grisly display of dead butterflies in Iron Fairies).

The concept seems an odd choice for this location – it doesn’t really fit with the venue’s ultra-modern massive windows and harbour view and seems likely to appeal more to ladies who lunch than financial types working in the IFC.

However, food is served as well as drinks and the place is open all day to cater to the lunch and teatime crowd, the outdoor space is an attraction and when we left there was a long queue waiting to get in (booking is recommended if you want to sit indoors). Service was efficient if lacking in warmth.

The drinks: in keeping with the concept, signature cocktails focus on perfume and flower themes. Mademoiselle Lilly (HK$118, vodka, Lillet Blanc, lychee liqueur, cranberry, raspberry, hibiscus syrup), was fresh, light and fruity.

Another fruity number was Mad Enchantment (HK$128, Pere Magloire Calvados, Lillet Rouge, apple juice, blackberry purée) which is served in a delicate porcelain cup perched on a cut glass stem, a presentation bound to have customers posting on Instagram.

The most unusual drink we tried was the elegant, floral New Look (HK$138, vodka, lime, almond syrup, grenadine, Angostura bitters, topped up with champagne), which is designed to echo the scent of lily of the valley.