Hong Kong’s The Opposites cocktail bar marks its first anniversary this July with three collaborative events and a new cocktail lineup set to launch in August. Founded by award-winning Antonio Lai (Quinary, Draft Land, Chako), and Samuel Kwok, (former bar manager at Quinary and 2017 Diageo World Class HK and Macau champ), the bar has built its identity around the idea of contrast, offering drinks in pairs that reflect the founders’ distinct styles.
Since opening, The Opposites has hosted international bartenders from top bars across Asia and Europe. Its first year was built on collaboration and experimentation, and July’s events will continue that same energy and more.
The anniversary month kicks off with a dessert pairing series from July 1 to 13, featuring chefs Justin Lee (JL Dessert Bar, Seoul) and Fabio Bardi (former chef at Tozzo, Hong Kong). And on July 10, guests can experience four desserts by chef Justin and chef Fabio paired with cocktails crafted by Antonio and Samuel.
On July 16, the bar welcomes Hiroyasu Kayama of Tokyo’s Bar BenFiddich and Seven Yi of Le Room in Taipei (formerly Room By Le Kief). Their one-night guest shift highlights their distinct approaches from Hiroyasu’s use of botanical ingredients and Seveni’s utilization of lab equipment to create modern cocktails.
To close the month-long celebration, The Opposites will host the Tea vs Coffee Series. From July 21 to 31, guests can preview two tea- and coffee-based cocktails at the bar ahead of the full tasting. The main event happens on July 31, featuring four drinks created in collaboration with tea expert Nana Chan (founder of HK-based craft tea company, Plantation) and coffee specialists Jeremy Yeung and Jason Chan (EN Coffee, Hong Kong).
And in August, The Opposites will release a refreshed cocktail menu focused on new takes on the Sidecar, Espresso Martini, and Paloma presented in dual formats that reflect the duo’s ongoing theme of contrast.
If you’re a fan of the bar, you can also look forward to taking home some new, cool merch. Crew tees (HK$200/tee) and socks (HK$100/pair) that reflects its brand identity will be available from July.
The Opposites is located at LG/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
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