Kinsman cocktail bar shakes up Hong Kong scene with Cantonese spirits
Kinsman is a Cantonese cocktail bar in Hong Kong that celebrates traditional spirits while also creating innovative concoctions for the future
When Gavin Yeung, a food writer and journalist, started dabbling in the world of mixology, he didn’t envision that one day he would be a fully-fledged bar owner. Following guest stints at Hong Kong favourites like The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental and Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour, Yeung came to the realise that Cantonese spirits, once a thriving industry, were notably absent from the menus at many of the city’s cocktail bars. And so Kinsman was born (and is a worthy stop for those seeking revival after a day at Art Basel Hong Kong 2024).
Kinsman cocktail bar in Hong Kong’s Soho
The latest to join the growing portfolio of local hospitality group Singular Concepts, Kinsman takes its name from the family-run nature of many of Hong Kong’s original distilleries and serves as a nostalgic reminder of the city’s glory days as a major hub for spirits-distilling. Alongside local craft beers, home, and natural and biodynamic wines from small-scale producers across Asia, the concise cocktail menu is innovative yet familiar, primarily anchored by Cantonese and Chinese spirits.
For example, Kowloon Dairy – a Hong Kong interpretation of the milk punch – blends and clarifies roselle and magnolia amaros, by local brand Magnolia Lab, with ma yun (hemp seed) syrup and pu’er tea, while the Satsuma Snow shakes together jiuniang –a half-fermented Chinese rice drink – with its rice grains, sweet potato shochu, coffee shochu and Okinawan black sugar, resulting in a savoury tipple unexpectedly reminiscent of ramen noodles.
Like the drinks, the food menu is also a novel and tasty tribute to Hong Kong’s culinary traditions with a small selection of elevated favourites, including the perfectly crisp shrimp toast, wagyu ox tongue baked rice, and the lap cheong platter – a charcuterie board featuring a seasonal selection of Chinese sausages – with housemade pickles.
All this comes together in an intimate 50-seat space designed by Atelier Shan, which took its cues from the forgotten world depicted in the movie In the Mood for Love. The result is romantic and evocative with accents like the shophouse-inspired chequered flooring, the colourful mural behind the bar by illustrator Mally Cheung, which features former landmarks in the city, and wistful menu illustrations, which are also hung on the walls, by local artist, Stella the Dreamatcher.
And while Hong Kong’s Soho is not short of a trendy bar, Kinsman is certainly stealing the march with its distinct approach to celebrating the tradition of Cantonese spirits.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Lauren Ho is the Travel Director of Wallpaper*, roaming the globe, writing extensively about luxury travel, architecture and design for both the magazine and the website. Lauren serves as the European Academy Chair for the World's 50 Best Hotels.
-
Neri & Hu’s dynamic New Bund theatre takes centre stage in Shanghai’s cityscape
In Shanghai, Neri & Hu’s New Bund 31 Performing Arts Center is a theatre offering a contemporary take on a classical archetype
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Aarke has created the ultimate collection for caffeine lovers, the Aarke Coffee System
The new Aarke Coffee System consists of three elegant components, part of the Swedish company’s ongoing quest to reshape the world of appliances
By Jonathan Bell Published
-
The breathtaking runway sets of S/S 2025, from beanbag animals to a twisted living room
Wallpaper* picks the best runway sets and show spaces of fashion month, which featured Bottega Veneta’s beanbag menagerie, opulence at Saint Laurent, and artist collaborations at Acne Studios and Burberry
By Jack Moss Published
-
Hong Kong hotel Lanson Place gets a serene new look
Lanson Place Causeway Bay, Hong Kong is a luxurious hotel newly reimagined by Pierre-Yves Rochon
By Simon Mills Published
-
Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s new Cristal Room restaurant dazzles in Hong Kong
Cristal Room is the Michelin-starred chef's debut in Hong Kong, designed by Gilles & Boissier and adorned with Baccarat crystal
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Hong Kong restaurant Leela reimagines Indian flavour amid ‘poetic’ André Fu interiors
Leela in Hong Kong is the first solo project of chef Manav Tuli, whose take on historic dishes is matched by André Fu’s rich interior design
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Intervals Bar in Hong Kong International Airport focuses on the journey before the destination
Intervals Bar is a first-of-its-kind cocktail concept designed to enhance the pre-flight experience of global travellers
By Lauren Ho Published
-
We spend the night at The Peninsula London
We spend a night at The Peninsula London, which raises the bar for the premier Asian hospitality specialist
By Lauren Ho Published
-
Hong Kong’s Artifact Bar is the city’s latest cocktail haven
Designed by Nelson Chow, Hong Kong’s Artifact Bar is a vibrant, futuristic cocktail bar inspired by the serpentine architecture of underground cisterns
By Catherine Shaw Published
-
Hong Kong tour: from vertical farming to whisky tasting, plus art, design and dining
Head to Hong Kong and discover the best of the city right now with our design-led guide
By TF Chan Published
-
West Kowloon wonders to discover now
Cultural and culinary adventures, extraordinary spaces and outstanding experiences in West Kowloon, Hong Kong
By Simon Mills Last updated