LEADING NATION HOSPITALITY PRESENTS STELLAR LINE-UP OF INTERNATIONAL GUEST BAR SHIFTS AT CARDINAL POINT AND THE DIPLOMAT ON 14TH AND 15TH JULY TO CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS IN HONG KONG

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<<28^th June 2024 – Hong Kong>> Ahead of Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards ceremony taking place in Hong Kong for the second consecutive year on 16^th July, Leading Nation Hospitality is set to kick off an action-packed two days of international guest bar shifts at its iconic venues, Cardinal Point and The Diplomat, on 14th and 15th July, masterminded by Group Beverage Director John Nugent.

These highly anticipated events will host some of the world’s best bars, from Singapore to Mexico City, including Origin Bar at Shangri-La Singapore (#95 A50B 2023), Stay Gold Flamingo (#32 A50B 2023), Atlas (#27 A50B 2023), Side Hustle at NoMad London (50 BEST DISCOVERY), and Handshake Speakeasy (#3 W50B 2023). As some of the globe’s most revered bars descend upon the scene, Leading Nation continues to offer the ultimate gathering grounds for luminaries in the world of hospitality.

“LION CITY IN HONG KONG” on 14th July | Cardinal Point

On Sunday, 14^th July from 3pm-6pm, Cardinal Point will host the Lion City in Hong Kong, sponsored by London Essence, Ketel One, Naked Malt and Campari, at its lavish rooftop and terrace destination atop Hong Kong’s most prestigious address. This rare occasion will feature guest shifts by three renowned bars from Singapore: Origin Bar (#95, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023), Stay Gold Flamingo (#32, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023), and Atlas (#27, Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023) – all under one roof. Each bar will bring its unique flair, crafting exquisite cocktails that embody Singapore’s vibrant cocktail scene.

About Origin Bar at Shangri-La Singapore

Origin Bar embarks on a journey to push the boundaries of cocktail creation, touching the hearts of individuals from diverse cultures and all walks of life. Led by Bar Manager Adam Bursik, Origin Bar immerses itself in local produce, embracing the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables in Singapore’s tropical climate. Through these curated flavors, Bursik and his team encapsulate their Singapore stories in a glass, inviting voyagers from near and far to begin their adventure at Origin Bar.

About Stay Gold Flamingo

Founded by Singaporean bartending talents Jerrold Khoo and Bai JiaWei, Stay Gold Flamingo serves as a ‘third place’ for the community, where guests can let loose to a soundtrack of rock and roll tunes that Khoo grew up listening to. The duo combines their American and Japanese bartending styles, evident in signature cocktails like Hanamachi (whisky, matcha, and black sesame) and Gentlemen’s Club (bourbon, cedarwood, and lapsang souchong), both inspired by Japanese and American entertainment districts.

About Atlas

ATLAS celebrates the rich culinary and beverage traditions of the 1920s. Unlike any other in Asia, ATLAS offers a grand backdrop that transports guests to the Deco glamour and Jazz Age elegance of Europe, a contrast to America’s underground speakeasies. Created by the Hwang family, ATLAS is a warm, welcoming destination where guests revel in elegant European cocktails and explore one of Asia’s finest collections of gin, spirits, and champagnes, sourced from around the globe.

“SUNDAY DISCO” on 14th July | The Diplomat

Later that evening from 8pm to 11pm, Hong Kong’s ever popular bar The Diplomat will continue the celebrations with SUNDAY DISCO, featuring groovy beats and world-class cocktails by Side Hustle from NoMad London (50 Best Discovery 2023). Sponsored by Monkey47, Altos, and Chivas, this electrifying event will transport guests back in time with an evening of dance and drinks.

About Side Hustle at NoMad London

Side Hustle at NoMad London offers casual dining and drinks with a lively atmosphere in the heart of London. The menu, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Latin America, reflects a passion for Southern California’s fresh cuisine and cultural diversity. Bar Director Liana Oster curates a cocktail program that features a diverse selection of agave-based spirits, blending Latin American traditions with classic and contemporary British, European, and American offerings.

“FIESTA NOCTURNA” on 15th July | The Diplomat

The vibrant FIESTA NOCTURNA themed party on Monday, 15^th July from 9pm to 12am at The Diplomat will transport guests to the electrifying world of Handshake Speakeasy (#3 World’s 50 Best Bars 2023), the legendary bar from Mexico City. Sponsored by Michter’s, Siete Misterios, and Soul Company, the event promises a wild celebration to remember – a fitting precursor to the unveiling of the region’s best bars the following day.

About Handshake Speakeasy

Hidden in Mexico City’s hip Colonia Juarez neighborhood, Handshake Speakeasy is a black varnish, marble, and brass haven dedicated to cocktails. This elusive lounge offers a stellar cocktail experience, blending mid-century elegance with futuristic flair. Bar Director Eric van Beek employs molecular mixology, creating drinks that look classic but unveil unexpected, layered flavors. Handshake Speakeasy has earned acclaim, ranking No.3 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, and No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2024, attesting to its exceptional journey.

For more updates and details of all the bar events and takeovers happening at Cardinal Point and The Diplomat, please follow the bar’s Instagram accounts for live updates.

<<ENDS>>

About Leading Nation Hospitality Group

Founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Gerald Li and Kevin Poon, the Hong Kong-based hospitality group Leading Nation specialises in eclectic F&B with a focus on éclat and design, all of which combine to craft unique culinary experiences. Young, dynamic and with a proven track record of world-class operations, Leading Nation’s award-winning portfolio of concepts with a total of 17 brands in 30 locations include Elephant Grounds, The Diplomat, Wagyumafia, Morty’s, Forty-Five and more, have grown from Hong Kong to cities including Chengdu, Guangzhou, Manila, Singapore, Riyadh, Tokyo and more.

About The Diplomat

The first speakeasy concept by award-winning mixologist John Nugent, The Diplomat offers a cocktail experience befitting of the convivial personality of Hong Kong. The beverage menu features small batched produced wine, vintage liquors, and reimagined classic cocktails shaped by the legacy of influential state leaders, ambassadors, and historical figures. The Diplomat’s interiors are reminiscent of a cozy gastropub and feature eclectic artwork by contemporary creatives that accentuate the speakeasy’s contrasted spaces. Whether for the expertly crafted cocktails, open armed hospitality or whimsical ambiance, The Diplomat is a place where weary travelers can call home.

About Cardinal Point

Cardinal Point represents the definition of ‘magic hour’ atop Hong Kong’s most prestigious address. This iconic rooftop venue, complete with restaurant, lounge, and Sky Terrace, offers sweeping views of Hong Kong’s skyline and Victoria Harbour. Created by John Nugent, Beverage Director of Leading Nation Hospitality, Cardinal Point’s drinks programme is inspired by the spirit of travel and exploration, celebrating ingredients from all over the world with creative and retro takes on the familiar. Both the indoor and outdoor bar are open daily until late with music curated by a resident DJ, while Cardinal Point also serves a selection of dishes from all over the world curated by Group Culinary Director Rafa Gil, from authentic Asian classics to renditions of international offerings. Both indoor and al fresco dining are available in a space that can host up to 350 guests.

About Forty-Five in LANDMARK

Forty-Five located in LANDMARK is the most exciting art, culinary and lifestyle destination in a generation. The sprawling space atop Gloucester Tower houses five new experiential concepts, including The Merchants, Kaen Teppanyaki, Cardinal Point, Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, and private members’ club, the Gloucester Arts Club.