The Chinnery at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong- the refined luxury of a classic "gentlemen's club" style bar

August 1st, 2012

As the 50th anniversary of the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong ( originally know as The Mandarin) approaches in 2013, one of the original bars- The Chinnery– has endured virtually unchanged, and remains one of the finest “pub” style bars in Asia. The classic bar was originally modelled on the exclusive gentlemen’s clubs of the British colonial era- with its rich mahogany timber panelling, plush carpet, luxurious leather furnishings and restrained atmosphere of privilege. The concept of the gentlemen’s club was even extended to permitting only gentlemen to enter The Chinnery– ladies were only permitted entrance after 1990. When the hotel underwent a major refurbishment in 2006, The Chinnery was lightly “freshened up”- but all the original timber paneling and much of the decor was preserved to ensure that the essence and historic charm of the bar was unchanged.

The Chinnery occupies a discrete space in one corner of the first floor of the hotel, quietly removed from the bustle of the Central business district outside. The intimately scaled room has seating at the “L” shaped bar, plus a series of tables set in “bays” across the back wall. Subdued lighting from individually adjustable lamp fixtures suffuses the room, creating a warm, cosy atmosphere. The Chinnery was named after the famous 19th century British artist, George Chinnery, who spent most of his career painting the British colonial lifestyle, firstly in India, and then until his death, in Macau and Hong Kong. The interior walls of The Chinnery are embellished with examples of his paintings, and a self portrait by the artist is prominently displayed at the entrance.

The entrance to The Chinnery features the self-portrait of the bar’s namesake- the 19th Century British artist George Chinnery

The luxurious bar- with soft leather padded bar seats and bar counter- and the impressive display of single malt whisky bottles

The mahogany tables are discretely separated by glass and timber framed partitions- with seating of a plush leather banquette along the rear wall, and elegant woven fabric armchairs. Wine bottles are stored in overhead brass racks.

Apart from its rich heritage, The Chinnery has garnered acclaim over the years for its outstanding collection of rare single malt whiskies, with a selection of over 120 varieties sourced from all the famous whisky producing districts of Scotland.

Other libations from the bar include fresh draft beers served in silver tankards, wines and champagne (all available either by the glass or bottle), classic cocktails, premium spirits, juices, soft drinks, coffees and teas.

The kitchen serves a concise menu of top notch traditional British pub dishes for both lunch and dinner. Dishes are of generous proportions, and prepared to the highest standards as befitting the luxurious dining environment. Classic dishes include Shepherd’s Pie – with Rich Lamb Stew topped with Glazed Mashed Potato; Fish and Chips – Beer Battered Cod served with Chips and Tartare Sauce; Roast Prime Rib- served with Grilled Vegetables, Roast Potato, Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy; and Bread + Butter Pudding- glazed with Apricot Sauce and served with Vanilla Ice Cream. The menu also includes selections of bar snacks, cold and hot starters, oysters, prime cuts of grilled beef, and cheeses.

Selections from the Whisky List

Glenburgie 1963– 49 years old. Vintage single malt from the same year the original The Mandarin first opened- the 50th anniversary approaching in 2013. Founded in 1810, this whisky, dark amber in colour, has a rich, fruit and sherry character with hints of peat smoke.

Port Ellen 1982- Islay (South Shore) 30 years old Peaty and medicinal, cereal notes and a citrus fruit aroma. Smoky; more fruit and green leaf flavour. Drying spicy note remains. Peat smoke with spicy edge finish.

Glenmorangie Signet– (Northern Highlands) Multi vintage – Blend of highest quality Glenmorangie whiskey of different vintages up to 30 years. Colour in deepest amber, a chocolate, cocoa, mint, ginger and dry fruit nose. Taste with mocha, baked apricot, nuts and raisins, with lemon and mint finished.

Draft beers are served in silver tankards- regular guests have individually engraved tankards kept for their exclusive use

Highlights from the Lunch & Dinner Menu

Homemade Pork Pie- On a Small Herb Salad (Cold Starter)

Fish Pie- Salmon, Shrimp and Scallop Cooked in a White Wine Cream Sauce and topped with Mashed Potato

Bangers & Mash- Homemade Pork, Lamb and Venison Sausages with Onion Gravy and Wilted Greens

Eton Mess- Crushed Meringue with Fresh Strawberries and Cream