Agung Prabowo has repeatedly shaken up Hong Kong’s bar scene with new openings that are as dazzlingly innovative as they are popular and acclaimed. These days he is best known as co-founder of Penicillin, which opened in 2020 with a sincere focus on sustainability: it sources ingredients locally, makes extensive efforts to reduce waste, and even plants a tree in Indonesia for every Penicillin cocktail ordered. It was rewarded for its efforts with the Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award by Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2021. Prabowo also owns Hong Kong dive bar Dead &, which was set up just a week after Penicillin, and is a co-founder of the Ernest Hemmingway-inspired The Old Man. Voted Asia’s best bar in 2019, The Old Man is renowned for its drinks and surprising layout, which dissolves the divide between customers and staff.

Originally from Indonesia, Prabowo’s ventures are based on two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, working as a mixologist at establishments including the Mandarin Oriental, the W Hotel, Lily & Bloom, and the Island Shangri-La’s Lobster Bar & Grill, which reached 18th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2015 under his leadership.

(Photo: Affa Chan)