Two of Hong Kong’s most decorated mixologists, Jo Lo and Birstacla Wong, have debuted their highly anticipated venture, Bar Mind, bringing a concept of intentional, architecturally-inspired cocktail creation to Elgin Street. Breaking from prevailing design trends, the new establishment features a strikingly primal and atmospheric interior—a sleek, all-black subterranean setting resembling a sophisticated cave. This theatrical backdrop perfectly frames the couple’s nuanced, Cantonese-inspired drink menu, solidifying its place as a mandatory destination for discerning drinkers seeking depth and originality in their libations.

Interior Design Embraces the Primal

Located at 11 Elgin Street in Central, Bar Mind immediately differentiates itself with a bold aesthetic. Eschewing the exposed brick and minimalist palettes rampant across the city, the bar is designed to evoke a natural cavern. The walls feature layered, stone-like textures, and shifting shadows play across jagged surfaces, creating an intimate, almost elemental atmosphere. Central to this design is a dramatic light fixture positioned directly over the bar, functioning as a simulated “skylight” that draws attention to the precision and artistry below. This immersive setting provides the ultimate stage for the owners, who are partners in both life and business.

Intentional Cocktails by Award-Winning Talent

Lo and Wong, both winners of the prestigious Diageo World Class Hong Kong & Macau competition, founded Bar Mind on the principle that every cocktail begins with intention. As leading figures in their generation of local mixologists, they have dedicated their menu to incorporating vibrant Cantonese flavors. Their creations are layered and contemplative, crafted for patrons who appreciate a cerebral drinking experience.

A prime example is the Cha Chaan Teng, a sophisticated reimagining of the local breakfast staple of poached egg. This tropical tribute features rum and passion fruit for brightness, balanced with a hint of tomato acidity. Crucially, the drink arrives topped with a delicate white chocolate ‘quail eggshell’ filled with passion fruit syrup, creating a playful, refreshing sensory opening.

For those drawn to savory profiles, the menu offers equally inventive takes:

• Zen Harmony: A clean, umami-forward twist on the savory martini. It achieves depth through the addition of kombu for saline notes and genmaicha for a toasty, earthy finish, lifted by a touch of yuzu citrus.
• Savoury Sipper: A slow-sipping beverage showcasing marine smokiness derived from dashi. This quality is amplified by the earthy resonance of Pu Erh tea and complexity from bonito bitters, ideal for concluding an evening.

The bar maintains a commitment to seasonal innovation, rotating new drinks every few months. Their recent series, Qīng, Jiě, Zhǐ, Rùn, spotlights Hong Kong’s traditional herbal teas, translating these local remedies into compelling modern cocktails.

Surprising Culinary Pairing

While the focus remains firmly on the complex beverage program, the small accompanying food menu offers the perfect counterpoint. The undeniable star is the Cheesy Meatballs. Praised for surpassing those found in many dedicated Italian establishments, these hearty, comforting bites are an excellent foil for the bar’s often spirit-forward and savory-leaning cocktails, ensuring a satisfying pairing.

Guests are encouraged to sit directly at the bar beneath the artistic “cave skylight” to witness the mixologists at work. Engage with Lo or Wong; sharing personal flavor preferences allows their philosophy—that “all things begin with a thought”—to materialize into a bespoke cocktail experience. Bar Mind is poised to elevate Hong Kong’s sophisticated nightlife landscape, blending world-class technique with deeply local inspiration.