DARKSIDE AT ROSEWOOD HONG KONG UNVEILS “TIMELESS TALES: FLAVOURS OF KOWLOON’S LEGACY” – A JOURNEY THROUGH HONG KONG’S HISTORY IN EVERY SIP

New cocktail menu by recently appointed Director of Bars Bob Louison and DarkSide’s award-winning team of mixologists

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<<4^th March, 2025 – Hong Kong>> DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong, the sophisticated sultry jazz and cocktail parlour that is currently ranked no.17 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, launches its highly anticipated signature thematic menu “Timeless Tales: Flavours of Kowloon’s Legacy” starting from now. Spearheaded by Rosewood Hong Kong’s recently appointed Director of Bars, Bob Louison, this immersive experience delves deep into the rich history of Kowloon (the island of Hong Kong which Darkside is located on), offering a collection of cocktails where each sip unravels a chapter in a story that spans centuries.

Inspired by Kowloon’s most iconic and mysterious heritage sites, the thematic menu invites patrons to embark on a captivating journey, uncovering hidden narratives and evocative flavours with every glass. Each meticulously crafted cocktail captures a moment in Kowloon’s past, blending tradition, culture, and creativity in a harmonious pour.

Timeless Tales: Flavours of Kowloon’s Legacy – A Glimpse into the New Cocktail Menu

The Timeless Tales: Flavours of Kowloon’s Legacy menu includes eight new cocktails by Darkside.

Bruce Lee: In the heart of Kowloon, the statue of Bruce Lee stands as a beacon of inspiration. Drawing inspiration from the martial artist’s philosophy, this cocktail combines cocoa butter-infused Grey Goose symbolising resilience, shochu representing adaptability, and milk-washed Plantation original dark rum for the courage to pursue one’s dreams – a true tribute to Bruce Lee’s enduring legacy.

The Walled City: In the heart of Kowloon, the Walled City was once a bustling labyrinth of narrow alleyways and towering structures that pulsed with life and energy. Crafted with char siu fat-washed bourbon, five spices honey syrup, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce, this cocktail embodies the resilience and community spirit that once thrived within Kowloon’s Walled City, capturing the richness and complexity of its unique history.

Clock Tower: Rising proudly against the skyline of Kowloon, the Clock Tower stood as a testament to the passage of time and the rich history of the harbour, watching over the bustling lives of locals and travelers alike. This cocktail features Earl Grey-peanut butter infused cognac, St. Germain, cranberry, golden spice cordial, and citrus – a blend of nostalgic notes to reflect the city’s unique rhythm, timeless culture, and the fleeting beauty of moments inspired by the iconic Clock Tower.

Kai Tak: Kai Tak Airport once buzzed with the excitement of arriving and departing travellers, its runway famously hugging the edge of Victoria Harbour, offering breathtaking views and heart-pounding landings. Embodying the thrill of flight and adventure, the cocktail contains NIP Gin, lychee, grape cordial, and clarified watermelon juice, offering a refreshing and nostalgic taste that echoes the excitement of exploring new horizons inspired by the vibrant past of Kai Tak Airport.

House Theatre: The Yau Ma Tei Theatre stood as a relic of Hong Kong’s cinematic history, its façade echoing the golden age of film. Combining sesame fat-washed Monkey 47 gin, Mancino Vermouth Rosso, maraschino liqueur, and pu’erh tea to capture the enchanting atmosphere of Yau Ma Tei Theatre, this cocktail evokes the magic of the silver screen and the dramatic tales that unfolded within its historic walls.

Red Brick: The Former Pumping Station in Kowloon stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s engineering prowess, where the sound of machinery once harmonised with the flow of life and progress. Featuring peach, passionfruit, mango, citrus, hibiscus, nutmeg, chilli flakes, and Fino Sherry, this cocktail pays homage to the Former Pumping Station’s engineering legacy, blending unexpected flavours to reflect the city’s energy and spirit of innovation.

1881: The 1881 Heritage building, with its stunning Victorian architecture and rich history, stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s colonial past and cultural evolution, facing the bustling harbour. Infused with kombu, tequila, sea lettuce brine, blue curacao, and salted plum, this cocktail celebrates the 1881 Heritage Building’s Victorian elegance, maritime spirit, and connection to the harbour, offering a taste of refinement and sophistication inspired by Hong Kong’s colonial past.

Shop House: In the bustling heart of Kowloon, the Liu Seng Chun building stood as a silent guardian of time, its once-vibrant façade whispering tales of laughter and life from generations past. Crafted with honeysuckle infused The Botanist gin, jujube cordial, egg white, and London Essence soda, this cocktail captures the history of the Liu Seng Chun building, evoking the spirit of community, herbal remedies, and bustling street food.

Introducing Director of Bars, Bob Louison

Bob Louison brings extensive experience and expertise to his role as the Director of Bars at Rosewood Hong Kong, overseeing the bar programs for the hotel’s ten outlets, including DarkSide and XX. His impressive career began in Seoul’s vibrant bar scene, later serving as Beverage Manager at Rosewood Le Guanahani in Saint Barthélemy, where he helped launch a stellar beverage program that garnered international acclaim. Most recently, at Rosewood Phnom Penh, Bob spearheaded operations as the Director of Bars and Beverage Director, enhancing the guest experience across six restaurants and seven bars. With a passion for mixology and a sharp eye for industry trends, Bob Louison is poised to redefine hospitality at Rosewood Hong Kong, crafting unforgettable through innovation, elegance, and exceptional service.

The “Timeless Tales: Flavours of Kowloon’s Legacy” cocktail menu, which offers patrons a taste of our city’s eclectic history alongside DarkSide’s modern mixology, will be exclusively available at DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong starting from 28 February 2025, with cocktails priced at HKD180 plus 10% each.

<<ENDS>>

About DarkSide

DarkSide is a sophisticated, timeless celebration of rare aged spirits, vintage cigars and confident classic cocktails complemented by sultry live jazz. The dark spirits selection spans back to the early 19th century and includes exclusive casks of single harvest tawny port from 1994 and Grande Champagne cognac aged in oak, as well as an extensive library of choice rum, whisky and calvados. The concise cocktail list pays homage to Kowloon’s “Dark Side” moniker and focuses on time-honoured traditions updated with innovative techniques.

Contact DarkSide

Address: Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Website: https://www.darkside.hk/

Instagram: @darksidehk

About Rosewood Hong Kong

The 413-room Rosewood Hong Kong is located at a prime Victoria Harbour waterfront location at the former New World Centre on Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. The ultra-luxury hotel occupies 43 floors of the multi-use Rosewood Tower, a new landmark on the world-famous skyline. Eleven restaurants and lounges are complemented by recreational facilities including Asaya, Rosewood’s integrated wellness concept. The Manor Club executive lounge provides exclusive privileges while The Pavilion, the brand’s signature residential-style meeting and function space, hosts corporate events, conferences and social celebrations. The 186 luxury Rosewood Residences has been designed for residents electing short and longer stay rentals, with a dedicated private club, along with special services and dedicated amenities.

For more information: rosewoodhotels.com/hongkong

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