Popinjays is top of the pops for wining and dining with a view
A prime site on the rooftop of The Murray Hong Kong affords uninterrupted views of the downtown skyline as you sip your cocktail and enjoy first-class cuisine
Within a week of opening, Popinjays had already found its crowd. We arrived at The Murray Hong Kong’s rooftop where Popinjays has a sizeable bar and fine dining restaurant as well as a wrap-around patio, and the place was buzzing.
Hardly surprising, the rooftop views are uninterrupted. On one side there is the historical low-rise of St. John’s Cathedral and on the other, Hong Kong Park and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens – and aptly, the name Popinjays is a term associated with birds such as parrots and woodpeckers.
The cocktails too, have a bird theme, such as the Blue Macaw (HK$140) – a tropical fruit cocktail with a base of Pontelobos mescal, and the Peking Order (HK$120) which is tom yum-infused rum with yuzu, elderflower, lime and mint soda.
We tried a few bar snacks such as foie gras with gingerbread brioche (HK$90) and black cod croquettes with tartare sauce, (HK$95/3 pieces) which were a hit, but we were not as impressed with the guacamole (HK$100) – there was too little of the avocado sandwiched between the crackers.
The main dining room too is light and airy, due to the large windows looking onto the city. Designed by Foster + Partners, the interior is sophisticated done in cool greys, gold accents and bold blues and seats 114 diners, with 14 in the private dining area, The Aviary.
