Bar review: Artesian at the Langham
This new addition to the Langham's lobby is all sleek surfaces, white marble, mirrored glass and flickering fireplace. It's hard to put a finger on any individual element that makes it special, but I loved the overall effect. Somebody at the Langham please take note: the music, both live and piped, is good but it is much too loud.
The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: 2132 7898
this new addition to the Langham's lobby is all sleek surfaces, white marble, mirrored glass and flickering fireplace. It's hard to put a finger on any individual element that makes it special, but I loved the overall effect. Somebody at the Langham please take note: the music, both live and piped, is good but it is much too loud.
give the Asian Twisted Negroni (HK$150) a try first. Negroni purists will baulk at the substitution of bourbon for gin, but they'll order another one. I take my negronis seriously, and I've gone back since then to drink it again ... and again. The bar is focused on bourbon and gin and when ordering either, you are in good hands. The Old Fashioned (HK$150) was too sweet for me. The bartender recommended a Whisky Sour (HK$150), the bourbon cut with a peaty English whisky and "exotic" bitters. Topped with smoked salt, it was as sophisticated as it was drinkable, and a far-cry from my university breakfast staple. G+T lovers, will be excited, there's a whole section for you.
excellent classics and the "twists" that do exist are never heavy-handed. I don't remember introducing myself, but the bartender called me by name on the second visit; it's that kind of place. I think I have a new local.