UPDATE:  JUNE 2012 THE LIVING ROOM HAS BEEN RE-BRANDED AS WOOBAR

March 20th, 2012

Living Room  WOOBAR is one of the signature venues found within W hotels world-wide. The WOOBAR concept centres on a modern, chic and stylish all-day social space that reflects the zeitgeist of the cities in which they are located.  W Hong Kong was created from the design collaboration of two international firms- led byYasimuchi Morita of Glamorous (Japan) and Nic Graham of g+a (Australia). Part of a large scale re-development on the west Kowloon harbour front, W Hong Kong is housed within a soaring 76 level modern tower that is directly linked to the Kowloon Station transport hub and the luxurious Elements retail and lifestyle mall.

Beyond being just an eminently stylish hotel bar/lounge, WOOBAR has an inimitable style and attitude of sophisticated fun, combining meticulously crafted cocktails, with delicious bar bites, and the nightly vibes of live DJs as they spin their mixes. Truly an upscale, trendy space to “see and be seen”, WOOBAR attracts a clientele ranging from local business executives, to the city’s fashion elite and creatives, and, naturally, the discerning guests of W Hong Kong.  Enticing promotions on drinks and food are a feature at WOOBAR, and highlight events include exclusive performances from the “World’s Best DJs On Tour”.

The stunning space created by the 9 metre ceilings in WOOBAR- with the featured decorative “ecosytem” of butterflies and birds overhead

The design concept of W Hong Kong was conceived as being an “Enchanted Forest”- with the proliferation of office towers in Hong Kong representing the  towering trees of a forest. A series of 130ft high “tree-trunks” rise within the lower levels of the building- from the street level entrance up through the ceilings to the 6th floor lobby level. Visitors take the unique “Bubble Lifts” to the lobby level, where the open spaces flow seamlessly together, with the WOOBAR adjoining the Reception area.

Immediately apparent are the soaring nine metre high ceilings and the voluminous space of WOOBAR, with floor to ceiling glass walls offering panoramic views over the western reaches of Victoria Harbour. During daylight hours the space is flooded with natural light, in the evenings the mood is transformed with an elaborate lighting system from France and the Czech Republic.

A striking feature of the interior is the decorative murals on the walls above the bar and the ceiling-suspended sculptured lights that evoke the “ecosystem” of the forest canopy- with images of butterflies and hummingbirds seemingly floating above the heads of  guests.

Furnishings inWOOBAR are an eclectic assemblage of comfortable sofas and armchairs arranged in groupings around the room to create private spaces for conversations. A high table with game boards bisects the floor space. All the comforts and necessities to be expected in a “living room” are catered for- high speed WiFi, reading materials, and all-day eats and drinks.

 Eclectic furnishings and suspended lighting- full height glass wall overlooks the western end of Victoria Harbour. The symbolic tree trunks rise through the stone floors into the ceiling above.

The private room- discrete luxury behind curtains of  fine metal chain

The sleek bar counter of WOOBAR

The W Mixologists at WOOBAR take their drinks seriously- the bar menu fills 16 pages with  selections of cocktails, wines and champagnes, smashed fruit coolers, premium spirits, beers and liqueurs. A full range of Chinese and classic teas, plus coffees complete the menu. But cocktails are the feature here- with the Mixologists creating innovative concoctions using MOLECULAR techniques- utilising infusions and foams to create unique flavor combinations-for example:  “foam mar-tea-ni” – fresh cucumber infused vodka with essence of melon flavor and divine mix of jasmine tea, finished with sweetness; and “bloody W’ary”– a twist of the original bloody mary, garlic infused in premium dutch vodka pleased with cherry tomatoes skewered into celery stick then flame torched with a touch of salt and pepper and extra virgin olive oil of manuka honey thick foam.

Other featured cocktail collections include SHANGHAI WHITE CREATIONS- using the premium Shanghai White Vodka-  shanghai white vodka mojito -classic cocktail mojito made with fresh mint, lime and simple syrup embraced with shanghai white vodka;  CRUSH- crushed fresh fruits combined with a variety of bubbles for delicious sparkling refreshment; THE COFFEE BAR- alcoholic espresso martinis finished with an indulgent signature W touch; THE SWEET SELECTION- dessert cocktails finished with a decadent burst of flattering sweetness; and SHAKE- a strong & sophisticated selection of martini cocktails shaken W style.

Smoked Ron Zacapa old fashion– premium Ron Zacapa Rum & Velvet Falernum  liqueur blessed with angostura & chocolate bitters smoked with cigar, woodchips & cinnamon

Pouring the Smoked Ron Zacapa old fashion

Rhubarb & Raspberry Martini– vodka, sake, rhubarb & raspberry

Eastside– gin, cucumber, fresh mint, lemon & sugar

Lychee Bubbles – lychee liqueur, lychee syrup, fresh lemon wedge, bubbles & lychee caviar

Delicious bar snacks and other tempting foods are served all day at WOOBAR. The RAISING THE BAR menu features LITTLE PLATES such as  panko crusted salmon teriyaki, chilli spiced tofu and prawn crackers; crisp pork belly with xo sauce and caramel pineapple. GET SOCIAL includes dishes for sharing- examples-  lobster jalapeño nacho’s, guacamole and saffron garlic dip; and curry spiced chicken and lamb kebabs, chickpea chips, hummus and cucumber yogurt.  THE MAIN EVENT features more substantial dishes- classic club sandwich- roasted chicken breast, crisp bacon, fried egg, lettuce tomato on white toast; and char koay teow- fried flat noodles, chili past, shrimp, crab cake, pork and bean sprouts are among the “comfort foods” served.

WHITE WINE / RED WINE PLATTERS and KEEP IT SWEET desserts complete the food menu.

Popular promotions include the HIGH T SET- served every afternoon; and WINE-DERLUST WEDNESDAY- a  free-flow promotion of over 20 selected wines, paired with gourmet AOC cheeses-  featured on Wednesday evenings.

High T Set– served afternoons from 2:30pm to 6 pm

Selection from the LIGHT PLATES menu

Selection from the LIGHT PLATES menu

Selection from the LIGHT PLATES menu

WOOBAR at W Hong Kong

Address: 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, Kowloon. Hong Kong
MTR:  Kowloon station –  3 minutes walk through Elements Mall
Inquiries: +852. 3717 2222
Website:   www.w-hongkong.com/
Facebook Page:  www.facebook.com/WHongKong
Opening hours:  Daily  1o:00 am ~ 01:00 am
Promotions:
W T TIME- High T Set – served Monday to Sunday 2:30 pm ~ 6:00 pm
WIND DOWN–  Monday to Friday 5:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm    2 for ONE AFTER WORK DRINKS-  with vibrant DJ Tunes & canapes
WINE-DERLUST WEDNESDAYS– wide selections of wines and gourmet cheeses- accompanied by DJs. Wednesdays 8:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
Dress Code: Smart Casual