Stellar combination of refined dining and sociable cafe & cocktail bar – within re-purposed heritage complex
September 1st, 2014
Following several years of successful restaurant openings in Asia – firstly in Shanghai with Table No.1 (and later The Commune Social)- and then subsequently with three restaurants in Singapore (Esquina, Pollen, The Study), and most recently two in Hong Kong ( 22 Ships and Ham & Sherry) – the celebrated UK chef Jason Atherton has made his most definitive restaurant statement in Asia with the May 2014 opening of Aberdeen Street Social in Hong Kong’s Central district. Modeled along the lines of his first, and still flagship, restaurant in London – the Michelin starred Pollen Street Social – the new Hong Kong restaurant deftly embraces the casual, deformalised concept of fine dining that is the hallmark of Atherton’s successful culinary concept.
The opening of Aberdeen Street Social is the latest project in the continuing successful collaboration between Atherton and the acclaimed local Hong Kong hospitality and restaurant JIA Group – headed by entrepreneur Yenn Wong.
Like its London counterpart, Aberdeen Street Social combines three distinct concepts – a contemporary bistro serving Modern British cuisine; a convivial cocktail bar and all-day cafe; and a unique dessert bar – all within the one premises. Occupying a twin level 1950’s building on the forecourt of the recently revitalised heritage complex know as PMQ (formerly Police Married Quarters), the upper floor houses the intimately proportioned restaurant and main kitchen, while the lower floor includes the impressive cocktail bar, all-day cafe and outdoor garden terrace, plus the dessert bar and retail shop – Sweet Social (also offering takeaway and local delivery services). Aberdeen Street Social is certainly set to be the social and dining hub for both visitors to the creative enclave of PMQ– and for a discerning, sociable Hong Kong clientele.
Open daily (except closed on Mondays), the upstairs restaurant serves lunch from 12:00 pm (and weekend brunch from 11:30 am), and dinner from 6:00 pm. Downstairs, the bar serves drinks until midnight, and lunch (and weekend brunch) is available in the cafe section from 11:30 am, with dinner from 6:00 pm. Sweet Social sells pastries, gelati, homemade chocolates, and beverages between 11:30 am and 10 pm.
Check on the Aberdeen Street Social Facebook Page for menu and special event information.
Upstairs – restaurant design
Restaurant – Modern British cuisine
The culinary team is headed up by Executive Chef Chris Whitmore who has cooked with Atherton since 2005, and Executive Pastry Chef Andres Lara. Diners in the contemporary bistro style restaurant can order either from the a la carte menu of Atherton’s Modern British cuisine – dishes based on traditional British and European techniques with inventive combinations of flavours and textures, and modern presentation. To experience the full repertoire of the culinary team – a “Bespoke Menu” (HK$958) of seven courses features dishes crafted from the best seasonal ingredients specifically for the table. A “To Finish” list of desserts offers a concise selection of pastry chef Lara’s acclaimed creations.
Downstairs – cocktail bar + all-day cafe & Sweet Social
For the cafe and outdoor terrace downstairs, the all-day Bar Menu features selections of bar snacks, sandwiches and salads, and flatbreads (pizza). And from the Sweet Social retail shop, pastries, home made chocolates, gelati can be ordered to accompany coffee or cocktails, or takeaway. Weekend Brunches are popular – the appetizing menu featuring selections from both the cafe and Sweet Social kitchens.
For cocktail aficionados, the cocktail list compiled by Bar Manager Neil Rivington entices with his thoughtful combinations of premium ingredients to create polished, tasteful drinks. Imaginative presentation, together with personable service, engender a convivial bar experience for guests.
Selected cocktails from the signature “Mixed” list
