Few business sectors in Hong Kong have been as affected by the swells and crests of the Covid-19 pandemic as much as the drinks industry. But the city has powered through a half-year of lockdown to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We may not have been able to visit our city’s superstar mixologists for as much as we would have liked, but they have been hard at work to continually assess, refine and launch the concepts that make a night out in Hong Kong truly special. As 2022 comes to a close, we ask some of the nightlife scene’s most notable movers and shakers to share their highs and lows for the year, and what to expect as we turn the page to 2023 … Agung Prabowo Co-founder, Penicillin and Dead& Describe 2022 in five words or less: Persistent optimism. Biggest win this year: The biggest win for our team was that we are still standing and that we survived the pandemic. We are grateful to Hongkongers and our beloved guests who still show us their support – 2022 was one hell of a ride, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? What’s next for you: We still have a lot of things to do to take our sustainability and beverage programmes to the next level so we hope that sometime in 2023, we can achieve our goals. Predictions for the industry in 2023: Decreasing rents mean that more multi-concept bars are likely to open with ever more inspirational decor, with programmes leaning more towards sustainability. Speakeasies and private member cocktail bars or clubs may also be on the rise as privacy and discretion are becoming desirable to guests. 7 Hong Kong restaurants redefining Cantonese cuisine for a new generation Antonio Lai Co-founder, Tastings Group (Quinary, Draftland, The Envoy and Room 309) Describe 2022 in five words or less: Hong Kong resilience will prevail. Biggest win this year: On a personal level, [Tastings Group beverage manager] Alex Ko and I successful launched a locally manufactured canned sparkling tea cocktail line Chako, another step towards our goal of making bar-quality cocktails more accessible. As an industry, we’ve shown great resilience and collaboration as a group of people sharing the same passions and belief in spreading positive spirits to all drinkers. What’s next for you: We will remain persistent in our belief to think outside the box and create well-rounded drinking experiences that stimulate all five senses. Predictions for the industry in 2023: Since most places will be quarantine free, there should be more guest shifts to look forward to both here and abroad – I have a few scheduled early next year, so catch me if you can! Delphine Kong Brand ambassador, Campari Group Describe 2022 in five words or less: Sharing passion with the community. Biggest win this year: Joining Campari Group as their brand ambassador for Hong Kong. It’s a dream job and a new chapter for me to work for the sixth-largest player in the world for premium spirits. For Hong Kong, our industry has been given a lot of hope and rejuvenation from the relaxation of pandemic restrictions. What’s next for you: Campari sees a lot of potential in developing the Hong Kong market. We’re hoping to expand our footprint as the local market is becoming more accepting of spirit brands. Predictions for the industry in 2023: Clean eating and plant-based food , as well as low-ABV cocktails. During the pandemic, people became more concerned about their health and diet than ever. My friends are reducing meat consumption and embracing plant-based diets made possible with substitutes like Impossible burgers, vegan cheese and oat milk. What’s new in Hong Kong’s food scene in December 2022? Jay Khan Co-founder, Coa Describe 2022 in five words or less: Flexibility and adaptability. Biggest win this year: To be recognised as No 1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars for the second time in a row. This win is not only for us but the entire Hong Kong bar community. I still believe Hong Kong is under-represented even with the number of great bars we have in our city. I hope with softened Covid-19 restrictions, Hong Kong bars will rise once again. What’s next for you: At the time we are discussing this, we have just signed the lease for a new site and concept – we will share more details soon, and hope to see you all with this new concept in January! Predictions for the industry in 2023: I believe we’ll get to see more casual, neighbourhood-style bars in the city with simpler, well-rounded offerings and a focus on hospitality. Jo Lo Bar captain, Room 309 Describe 2022 in five words or less: Satisfied. Biggest win this year: Definitely winning this year’s Diageo World Class Hong Kong & Macau 2022 – it’s an item I’ve been waiting to tick off my bucket list. For our scene, we are finally able to open up to more overseas travellers post-pandemic, which allows us to show them the Hong Kong bar culture and hospitality. What’s next for you: More overseas guest shifts, especially those that I’ll do for Room 309. Our whole team is aiming for a spot in Asia’s Best 50 Bars next year, so we hope to make that a reality. Predictions for the industry in 2023: After speaking to other bartenders around the world at the Diageo World Class global final [in Sydney in September], I think sustainability will still be a huge trend next year. Bar scenes are becoming increasingly environmentally conscious. Inside Tony Leung and Carina Lau’s gorgeous US$12 million May Tower mansion Lorenzo Antinori Beverage manager, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, and beverage ambassador APAC, Four Seasons Describe 2022 in five words or less: A huge roller coaster. Biggest win this year: This was a year in which I got to see our team at Argo fully flourish as Argo was recognised by Asia’s and World’s 50 Best Bars . Another win was to see our F&B community being so resilient, coming together and supporting each other. What’s next for you: I want to keep working on creative projects, pushing Argo’s programme further whilst welcoming travellers and bartenders from abroad. The city needs it. I also want to develop my interest in writing and photography, maintaining a healthy lifestyle as much as possible. Predictions for the industry in 2023: I don’t believe in trends necessarily, but we will see more accessible and all-day venues come up with flexible offerings. People’s habits have changed dramatically due to restrictions, so early dining and drinking situations will pop up. And then there’s pizza, which I think we will see a lot more of in the future. John Nugent Founder, Diplomat and Kyle & Bain Describe 2022 in five words or less: Adversity. Biggest win this year: To be able to open at night again and watch our team grow during the Covid-19 pandemic is our biggest win. We’ve battled hard and learned a lot, but we can’t wait to see what “normalcy” will look like again. What’s next for you: We’re always working on something – new projects are in the pipeline. Predictions for the industry in 2023: The high floor dining and bar experience is coming back! Why having prominent parents is ‘a double-edged sword’ for Emily Lam-Ho Summer Lo Assistant director of food and beverage, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong Describe 2022 in five words or less: Turning point. Biggest win this year: Taking on the role of assistant director of F&B at Four Seasons was huge for me. For our city, these last few years have been tough for the hospitality and travel industries, but Hongkongers have come together to support the city’s hotels, so we are thankful for the support that we’ve received from our local guests. What’s next for you: We are ready and cannot wait to welcome tourists back to our beautiful city. With Argo and Gallery opening [at Four Seasons] last year, we are excited to show our new concepts to people who haven’t had the chance to visit them. Predictions for the industry in 2023: Environment and technology. We hear these buzzwords repeatedly but increasingly more and more people are practising them through initiatives such as plastic-free and energy-saving measures. Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .