The Madrid-born chef and Tatler Dining rising star is bringing contemporary Spanish tasting menus to the historic venue
Opening this May in the heritage complex that is Tai Kwun will be an intriguing new restaurant by one of the industry’s most energetic new talents. Agora by 22 Ships’ Antonio Oviedo and JIA Group marks a new chapter for the Madrid-born chef, who joined the Wan Chai tapas bar back in 2020 and quickly made a name for himself with his fast chat and exciting take on Spanish gastronomy. He was named one of Tatler Dining’s rising stars in 2021, noted for giving 22 Ships a new lease of life, “with a thrilling menu that holds onto just the right amount of tradition”.
Compared to the frenetic pace of 22 Ships, we have a feeling the 24-seater Agora is designed to be more sophisticated, without losing the pep and personality that Oviedo brings to the table; the name Agora refers to the Latin term for a gathering space, after all. The interiors were envisioned by Collective Studio (the design firm behind Penicillin bar as well as the Tatler offices) for their first restaurant project, and brings a blend of rustic terracotta and contemporary red-and-white marble detailing.