The newly opened cocktail enclave at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental lives up to anticipation, and offers creative drinks with a local touch
After a successful pop-up event in 2016 and much anticipation over its opening last year, PDT has finally launched its permanent location in Hong Kong. Taking residence in what was formerly MO Bar’s private room, the new speakeasy quickly assumed its role as the cocktail mecca it promised to be.
When we showed up at MO Bar at 4:45 pm, a crowd had already formed, but a manager strolled by, efficiently taking down names and details. Then, party-by-party, guests were invited to enter via PDT’s iconic entrance: a hidden telephone booth where guests must press the correct numbers (hint: you can use any number, as long as it ends in a 1) for the cloaked doorway to open, revealing the exclusive interiors where PDT resides. The bar space is petite, though comforting. Along the copper-lined bar are high stools overlooking the well-stocked shelves. Larger parties can settle in booths along the lengthy perimeters of the space, which is decked out with herringbone patterned wood ceiling and whimsical taxidermy, both elements coherent with those of the New York branch.
We settled at the bar, where bar manager Adam Schmidt quickly introduced the venue’s concept. A PDT New York alumnus for the past four years and recently relocated to Hong Kong for the opening, Schmidt is proficient in creating concoctions according to the guests’ preferences. We asked for recommendations, laying down our likes and preferences, and before long Schmidt served us Stop Light, PDT’s variation on the classic Negroni. A twist of orange embellished the glass’ rim, enhancing the gin-based concoction that went down dry and rich. Tanqueray 10’s botanicals fused with those in Dolin dry vermouth and Campari, which added a crimson hue to the beverage. Alternatively, the Safari offers an exotic touch to start the cocktail experience. A citrus-tinted variation of G&T, the addition of Japanese kabosu orange and shiso enhanced the cocktail’s herbaceous nature, while its bitter edge is emphasised by Italicus Bergamot Rosolio, a bergamot and cedro based liqueur.
