The famed Victoria Harbour skyline just gained a new spotlight, as Sugar, the iconic rooftop bar atop East Hong Kong hotel, has quietly undergone a comprehensive revitalization. Known for providing spectacular views across Island East, the bar has premiered an entirely new culinary and beverage program, fusing cinematic nostalgia with innovative gastronomy. The unexpected revamp introduces the “Golden Age” cocktail menu, masterminded by resident barman Alvin Ching, alongside sophisticated Japanese-Hong Kong fusion bar bites from Sous Chef Wing Yuen.
The relaunch successfully capitalizes on Hong Kong’s celebrated film history, offering patrons a compelling, thematic experience against a stunning metropolitan backdrop. This new direction provides an essential destination for locals and visitors seeking high-quality dining and drinks paired with classic Hong Kong culture, especially as the city’s weather shifts toward cooler temperatures, ideal for open-air venues.
A Golden Age Tribute to Hong Kong Cinema
The heart of the new concept is the “Golden Age” cocktail menu, where barman Alvin Ching pays homage to classic and cult Hong Kong films. Each of the seven specialized creations draws inspiration from unforgettable movie moments, translating them into complex, flavorful concoctions.
A prime example is the Chungking Express, an ode to the cinematic motif of canned pineapple, blending Japanese gin with tropical and citrus notes. For fans of Stephen Chow’s comedy, the Kung Fu Hustle provides an earthy, complex profile, whimsically served with a lollipop, mirroring the protagonist’s journey. Perhaps the most conceptually daring cocktail is Initial D, which references the film’s tofu delivery theme by incorporating unexpected ingredients like malted soybean ice cream, hazelnut liqueur, and vodka.
Other legendary films inspiring the menu include Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood For Love, the crime thriller Infernal Affairs, and the enduring romance of Fly Me to Polaris.
Savouring Hong Kong Classics with a Twist
Complementing the cinema-inspired drinks is a new bar bites menu curated by Sous Chef Wing Yuen of East Hong Kong. The selection masterfully bridges Japanese culinary techniques with traditional Hong Kong elements, elevating popular dim sum and snacks for a sophisticated setting.
Highlights from the Hong Kong Classics series include:
- Grilled Eel and Sakura Shrimp Turnip Cake: A savoury blend of traditional texture with premium seafood.
- Negi Toro Siu Mai: Traditional pork dumplings enhanced with fresh scallion and fatty tuna.
- Salmon and Avocado Cheung Fun: Rice noodle rolls filled with an unexpected, creamy fusion twist.
- Crab Miso Spring Roll: Crispy spring rolls packed with rich crab and umami miso flavour.
These creative pairings ensure that the food is as memorable as the theatrical cocktails and the panoramic vistas spanning Victoria Harbour and Kowloon.
Enhanced Rooftop Experience
Beyond the new concepts, Sugar has amplified its engagement with guests. The venue now features a new chef’s counter, allowing patrons to view the mixologists at work and even attend intimate cocktail demonstrations.
With Hong Kong’s seasonal weather becoming more temperate, the timing of Sugar’s ambitious relaunch is opportune. The combination of award-winning mixology, innovative culinary design, and one of the city’s finest backdrops establishes Sugar as a must-visit destination for those eager to toast the “Golden Age” of Hong Kong cinema beneath the city lights.