The new project is heavy on Italian nostalgia, "low-intervention" drinks and irreverent hospitality
Former head bartender at Argo and ambassador for all things Italian, Lorenzo Antinori has unveiled his first independent venture with the opening of Bar Leone, a watering hole on quaint Bridges Street in Sheung Wan that forgoes the complex mixology that defined the menu of his former workplace in favour of "low-intervention" cocktails that hark back to his roots.
Named after the Italian word for "lion", a former symbol of Antinori's birthplace of Rome, Bar Leone is a tribute to Trastevere, a neighbourhood in the Italian capital where he was raised. Designed by Tiffany Kwan of Studio TK, the 45-seat establishment draws customers in with a burnt orange facade that continues within, referencing Rome's signature colour, while a centrepiece mahogany bar rubs shoulders with vintage movie posters and photos of household Italian names.
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On the menu, expect a roster of "cocktail populari", defined by Antinori as drinks that can lay claim to being cornerstones of popular culture, as well as featuring "approachable DNA and beautiful simplicity". Riffs on classics include the Leone Martini (Ginepraio gin from Tuscany, Marsala secco, orange blossom, olive) and the Bellini, served in a tumbler just like at Harry's Bar in Venice; while the "Friends and Fam" section revolves around collaborations with others in the local F&B community, including Austrian amaro brand Fernet Hunter, which has created the special Cacao release for the occasion. A revolving cocktail on tap will also be offered throughout the year, with proceeds going to the More Good food charity.
Drinkers can snack on quintessential Italian snacks, known as piattini and spuntini, such as house-smoked olives; Giardiniera-style pickles with Parmigiano, artisanal cold cuts and Roman stuffed pizza with mortadella.
Bar Leone is set to open on June 17, 2023.
Bar Leone, G/F, 11-15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong
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