Cover Lorenzo Antinori, founder, Bar Leone
Lorenzo Antinori, founder, Bar Leone
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These founders of award-winning bars are creating social hubs where people can enjoy exceptional hospitality and memorable moments
Across Asia, the founders of award-winning bars are reshaping nightlife, creating spaces where exceptional hospitality provides the backdrop for unforgettable moments. These stars of the F&B industry have earned a place on the Asia’s Most Influential list through their exceptional concepts: In Hong Kong, Lorenzo Antinori’s Bar Leone brings the convivial spirit of Rome to life with its welcoming atmosphere and approachable cocktails, while CK Kho in Malaysia transforms the cocktail experience with Coley and Pahit, where they host year-round events for their patrons. Meanwhile, in Singapore, Indra Kantono’s Jigger & Pony Group has evolved from a single bar into a celebrated portfolio of venues, all built on a philosophy of comfort and connection.
These entrepreneurs have built more than bars; they’ve created welcoming spaces where people connect, share joy, and celebrate meaningful moments together. They do much more than just serve drinks—they’re fostering communities and redefining what it means to gather and celebrate.
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Indra Kantono, co-founder, Jigger & Pony Group (Singapore)
Above Indra Kantono, co-founder, Jigger & Pony Group
Indra Kantono, co-founder, Jigger & Pony Group
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As co-founder of the Jigger & Pony Group, Indra Kantono is among Singapore’s nightlife leaders. Born in Indonesia but raised in Singapore, he graduated summa cum laude from NYU’s Stern School of Business before embarking on a career in consulting and then pivoting to the hospitality industry with Jigger & Pony. Co-founded by Kantono and his wife Gan Guoyi in 2012, the venture has blossomed into a successful F&B company known for its hospitality and stable of acclaimed venues, including Japanese-inspired cocktail bar Live Twice and rum-focused cocktail pub Sugarhall.
“We have this company purpose, that we want to be a place where people can find comfort, forge friendships and share happiness. The drinks are our products something that we’re very proud of…” Kantono said to Tatler. “But really, it’s about how comfortable you feel when you come to our venue. How good a time do you have with your friends? Or if possible, are you able to make friends with us, and hopefully even share a lot of happy moments with us?” At Jigger & Pony, Tatler recommends the espresso martini (one of the best in Singapore) and the champagne Ramos gin fizz.
Read Indra Kantono’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
CK Kho, founder, Coley and Pahit (Malaysia)
Above CK Kho, founder, Coley and Pahit
CK Kho, founder, Coley and Pahit
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CK Kho is behind two of Kuala Lumpur’s most renowned cocktail bars. In 2016, he opened Coley, which is named after the legendary bartender Ada “Coley” Coleman, the inventor of the Hanky Panky cocktail (also available at Coley). The Bangsar bar is known for creativity and playfulness as evidenced in cocktails such as the fan-favourite Milone (gin + Milo) and the gin & coconut, a mainstay of the bar. Building on Coley’s success, Kho later founded the gin-focused Pahit in Bukit Bintang. Here, gin lovers can expect a wide selection of tipples alongside treats, like a negroni ice cream sandwich.
Both bars are abuzz with activities all year round, with the latest being a visit from Andrea Pieraccini of La Zanzara, the winner of the 2024 Sabatini Cocktail Competition, and a one-night-only bar takeover by the bartenders of Bangkok’s Sugarray Group at Pahit. Meanwhile, Coley recently collaborated with Budi Melaka, serving exclusive cocktails for its backyard barbecue, as well as hosted several guest shifts from renowned bartenders from the region.
Lorenzo Antinori, founder, Bar Leone (Hong Kong)
Above Lorenzo Antinori, founder, Bar Leone
Lorenzo Antinori, founder, Bar Leone
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“A bar is a place to have fun in. I wanted to strip away the technicality of the cocktail-making process and focus more on what would make people have a laugh and hopefully, want to come back,” said Lorenzo Antinori to Tatler. In 2023, the Rome-born mixologist took a gamble when he left his esteemed post as the beverage manager of Argo at the Four Seasons to open Bar Leone. His boldness paid off, with the Hong Kong establishment topping ‘best bar’ lists a year later.
Bar Leone emphasises approachable, easy-to-understand cocktails presented simply such as its Yuzu Negroni and Olive Oil Sour. “We aim to do things the right way, without smoke and mirrors: through the use of the right ingredients, good quality ice, fresh fruits—and warm hospitality,” he said. Antinori also emphasises the spirit of Rome, “a city with a big heart”, at the award-winning bar, encouraging guests to explore the venue, which features artwork and even arcade games.
Read Lorenzo Antinori’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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