Ophelia, a welcome addition to the Hong Kong nightlife scene, has brought sophistication and tantalizing entertainment to the city with its one-of-a-kind space and exquisite décor.
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The creative mastermind behind some of Bangkok and Tokyo’s most popular restaurants, bars and clubs, such as Iron Fairies, Maggie Choo’s, Sing Sing Theatre, J. Boroski Mixology and many more, Ashley Sutton, has done it again at Ophelia! As with much of Sutton’s work, where the décor hints at the Far East, Ophelia is no different. Taking inspiration from Hong Kong’s history, waitresses in cheongsams sashay through the intimate alcoves and semi-private rooms reminiscent of the city’s 19th century upscale opium dens, brought into modern day through the use of intricate metalwork, handmade plush velvet furniture and resplendent peacock feathers. Sutton explained that this is a place where people can go to escape the boredom of everyday life and enter a world that looks like something out of a dream, where fantasies can turn into reality.
“Mr Wong, a longtime shopkeeper in Wanchai, was well known for his collection of rare and exotic birds. One day, he received the most beautiful bird he had ever seen, a stunning Javanese Peacock with a copper ring band inscribed simply with the word “Ophelia” on it…”
On entering Ophelia through Mr Wong’s Aviary, guests are greeted by two large peacocks and those with a keen eye for detail will quickly notice that the interiors are an ode to the magnificent peacock: from the peacock pictures, each individually screen painted on bamboo; the 32 steel, copper and stainless steel industrial peacock art pieces with plumage made out of real peacock feathers; to the 600,000 ceramic tiles that were individually hand-painted to get the colours of the peacock feather’s eye. Sutton’s love for industrial materials is most apparent on the Terrace, where the roof and walls are made of steel plates to create a different atmosphere from the rest of the place. Large metal fans, laser cut into the shape of peacocks, adorn the walls and if you look closely enough you’ll see that even the overhead fans have a laser cut feather pattern on the blades.
Ophelia’s cocktails are equally striking. The unique list of cocktails takes inspiration from her Cabinet of Curiosities, where aromatics, Asian herbs, spices and fruits have been used to create a sense of being on an exotic journey. Signature cocktails include Uncaged, made with Ocho Blanco Tequila, cherry purée, agave nectar, orange liqueur and grapefruit juice; Paparazzi, made with Black Magic Spices Rum, activated charcoal, orange juice, banana liqueur and Veuve Clicquot champagne; and Sapphire Pursuit, made with Aviation gin, lemon and grapefruit juice, maraschino cherry and violet liqueur. Guests are also able to enjoy shared tapas dishes especially created to match the cocktails.
To complete this experience for all the senses, the sultry cocktail lounge is host to some of the most sought-after entertainment in town. With every visit, guests can expect a surprise element of entertainment, with the only constant being the muses with their opium pipes suspended above the bar setting the tone for the decadence that will unfold. A fantasy wonderland for nocturnal escapades, expect a one-of-a-kind experience at Ophelia; reservations are highly recommended.
www.ophelia.com.hk
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Ophelia Signature Cocktails
Uncaged
• 40ml 8 Tequila Blanco
• 20ml Cherry Pure
• 15ml Triple sec
• 30ml grapefruit juice
• Pachouli mist
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Paparazzi
• 35ml Blackmagic Rum
• 20ml orange juice
• 15ml banana liqueur
• Activated charcoal
• Veuve Clicquot Top
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Sapphire Persuit
• 45ml Aviation
• 15ml violet liqueur
• 5ml simple syrup
• 15ml Luxardo Maraschino
