In brief
- Prestigious collaboration between the iconic duo behind Bar Leone and the luxurious Rosewood Hong Kong hotel
- Aesthetic inspiration drawn from the classic Italian salotto with retro mid-20th-century decor
- Rollout of four seasonal cocktail menus heavily inspired by transalpine popular culture
- Highly personalised service featuring a bespoke Negroni trolley prepared directly at the table
- Inauguration of a major new address in the heart of Hong Kong’s dynamic mixology scene
Four seasonal cocktail menus inspired by transalpine popular culture
The drinks offering at Bar Camillo is based on an evolving concept paced by the seasons. By releasing four themed menus per year, the establishment offers a sensory journey through transalpine culture. Each menu pays a heartfelt tribute to the festive customs, musical heritage, art, and societal traditions of Italy from the last century, reinventing the classic high-end mixology experience.
A personalised and theatrical service ritual
At the heart of the experience offered to guests is the theatrical service of the Negroni trolley. Brought directly to the table, this feature allows for a privileged interaction between the mixologists and the clients. This personalised ritual highlights the richness of botanical blends while reinforcing the warm and exclusive nature of luxury hotel service.
The Hong Kong mixology scene is enriched by a major new address
Considered one of the world’s capitals for haute gastronomy and exceptional bars, the metropolis of Hong Kong continues to attract the sector’s most ambitious initiatives. The arrival of Bar Camillo is part of this creative effervescence, where international influences meet the demands of a cosmopolitan clientele in search of unique and sophisticated experiences.
An alliance at the pinnacle of global mixology
The Hong Kong mixology scene is enriched by a major new address with the inauguration of Bar Camillo at Rosewood Hong Kong by Lorenzo Antinori and Justin Shun Wah. The duo behind the famous Bar Leone has partnered with the establishment to offer an immersion into the spirit of the Italian salotto, combining design inspired by the mid-20th century with a cocktail menu deeply rooted in transalpine traditions.
This strategic collaboration embodies the union of two essential figures in the beverage and luxury sector in Hong Kong. By combining their creative expertise with the event and hospitality power of a modern palace, the two partners intend to redefine the standards of the contemporary hotel bar. The vision behind this address aims to combine technical service excellence with a relaxed yet impeccable atmosphere.
Excellence recognised at the highest international level
This opening marks the meeting of two major players in international hospitality and dining. Bar Leone has risen to the top of The World’s 50 Best Bars ranking for two consecutive years, imposing its vision of conviviality. For its part, Rosewood Hong Kong, located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district with views over Victoria Harbour, has topped The World’s 50 Best Hotels ranking, confirming its status as a notable address.
The choice to establish itself within Rosewood Hong Kong reinforces the location’s strategic positioning. Situated on the waterfront in the cultural and commercial district of Victoria Dockside in Tsim Sha Tsui, the hotel constitutes an exceptional showcase for bold dining concepts. The synergy between the hotel’s reputation and the international prestige acquired by the duo of mixologists guarantees maximum visibility from its launch.
The salotto spirit and the art of the bespoke Negroni
A world inspired by the Roman salotto
The interior layout is inspired by the warmth and conviviality of an Italian home, an aesthetic familiar to Lorenzo Antinori, who hails from Rome. The decor highlights varnished wood veneers, polished metal, and mirrored walls, enhanced by a retro colour palette combining alpine green, gold, and cream. The room’s layout is structured around a large banquette running along the bar, complemented by more intimate spaces and an outdoor terrace offering an unobstructed view of the metropolis.
Every element of the furniture and decor has been designed to evoke the hushed charm of mid-20th-century Italian salons. Dimmed lighting interacts with the reflective surfaces of the mirrors and polished metal to create an intimate atmosphere after dark. The soft shades of alpine green and cream bring a timeless elegance that contrasts harmoniously with the urban panorama of Victoria Harbour visible from the terrace.
A relaxed approach to the hotel bar
The goal set by Lorenzo Antinori, who previously worked at Dandelyan in London and Argo in Hong Kong, is to break the traditional codes of luxury hospitality. The approach aims to offer service in a setting devoid of formality, where the complexity of the creations is accompanied by a lively and warm atmosphere.
Drawing on his experience within world-renowned establishments in London and Asia, Lorenzo Antinori instils a rigorous methodology while banishing the rigidity often associated with grand hotel lounges. This vision translates into fluid and spontaneous interaction between staff and visitors, fostering a sense of well-being and proximity characteristic of traditional Italian hospitality.
Seasonal menus rooted in Italian culture
The cocktail menu evolves with the seasons, with four themed menus rolled out over the year. Each menu is inspired by a highlight of Italian popular culture, incorporating references to music, art, and the tasting habits of the chosen era. The liquid offering ranges from aperitivi to revisited classics, as well as original signature creations.
The development of these ephemeral menus is based on in-depth research aimed at capturing the taste memory of Italy. Premium ingredients and artisanal spirits are rigorously selected to compose light aperitifs or more robust cocktails. This quarterly rotation ensures that regulars can constantly rediscover the menu while maintaining a direct link with the seasons.
The ritual of the bespoke Negroni trolley
The Negroni occupies a central place in the establishment’s offering. Guests can personalise their cocktail thanks to a dedicated trolley prepared directly at the table, choosing their spirit, garnish, and desired flavour profile, available in floral, savoury, or richer versions.
This roving service transforms the preparation of the cocktail into a bespoke spectacle. By allowing the bitterness, sweetness, or alcoholic strength of the Negroni to be modulated according to individual preferences, the bar brings a great classic of transalpine mixology up to date. The bartenders advise clients during the assembly to ensure the perfect balance of flavours according to the selected profile.
The guest experience and the Italian art of hosting
The art of hosting according to the padroni di casa
The bar’s name pays tribute to Camillo, a fictional bartender character whose personality instils a playful energy into the space. This concept is based on the Italian tradition of padroni di casa, where hosts and mixologists play an active role in shaping the evening’s experience.
Embodied by the entire floor team, this philosophy of the master of the house aims to make every visitor feel as though they are being welcomed as a guest of honour in a private residence. The attentive presence of the teams, the care taken with the smallest details of service, and the ambient conviviality contribute to weaving a strong bond between the establishment and its clientele, reinforcing the unique identity of Bar Camillo within luxury hospitality in Hong Kong.
