Hidden amongst Hong Kong’s Central streets, lies Stockton Hong Kong, an otherworldly and old-worldly speakeasy bar. Unbeknownst to many, it is homage to the late, revered writer Hunter S. Thompson where the name is derived from his middle name and where the S. so mysteriously remains.

Opening Stockton’s black book of cocktails is an education in itself. From Raymond Chandler, to Edgar Allen Poe, Jack Kerouac, Dorothy Parker and Truman Capote, whilst pairing their own characteristics to that of a perfect cocktail concocted by Head Mixologist Suraj Gurung.

With a recently recreated cocktail menu inspired by various renowned authors and writers, the new menu aims to capture all five of the senses from aroma, taste, and visual impression. The Ernest Hemingway is smooth yet masculine with House Rum, Irish Whiskey, Lime and Malted Banana among the mix, whereas the Oscar Wilde nicknamed “Fizzy Rascal” with champagne, Martell Cognac, Falernum, absinthe, strawberry, lime and mint. Who knew that Oscar Wilde himself was an absinthe aficionado?

This twist on old classics is an extension of Stockton’s DNA, inspired by the Prohibition era in Victorian England where the Temperance movement became more radical and soon challenged the period. There are small hidden elements inside the bar itself that encourage a hallucinatory moment for guests, perfectly unexpected. In the bathroom, find a one-way mirror where unsuspecting guests may not discover until they are seated. Inside, the wallpaper “Macabre” itself is a wild illustration that challenges the consciousness. The aged European furniture and antique ornaments provide a feeling of ‘a home away from home.’ With some grandfather chairs and stools over 50-100 years old themselves and sourced globally.

At Stockton, with stellar mixologists and cocktail concoctions, the accompanying bar snacks are equally impressive and nothing to be underestimated. Helmed by an equally talented kitchen staff we tried the bite-sized Black Truffle Risotto Balls with Green Pesto Aioli dip and a half dozen Terra Ostra Oysters; sourced from the French Mediterranean and tasting as though they had never travelled at all.

From its hallucinogen-inspired theme and old-worldly atmosphere courtesy of an in-house collaboration with the Maximal Concepts design team, owners Xuan Mu, Malcolm Wood and Matt Reid have ensured that Stockton remains a hidden secret amongst the plethora of entertainment in Hong Kong. After all, aren’t the best places a shared secret and not as well-trodden as the rest?

http://www.stockton.com.hk/

Stockton Hong Kong
32 Wyndham Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2565 5268

This article comes in cross-collaboration with our friends at Champ Travel.

Joanna is the co-editor and founder of Ala CHAMP Magazine, a London and Tokyo-based biannual printed publication focused on curiosity and investigations into creativity and cultural insight. She is Tokyo-based, and co-founder of agency Champ Creative where she is Art Director and Producer, and is a contributing writer for various publications in travel, art, architecture and design.

(All cocktail images courtesy of Maximal Concepts. Interior image of Stockton Hong Kong via HK Tatler)

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