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Wyndham the 4th

  • Bars and pubs
  • Central
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended
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Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Don’t go to this bar. No, seriously. Don’t. We understand that a place like Hong Kong runs on hype. It runs on big press machines and long queues, and places to see and be seen. So we know that, despite our best efforts, Wyndham the 4th will soon gain plenty of attention and, with that, people will flock from the far corners of the SAR to score a seat at one of the new venue’s swanky striped sofas or clamour for a spot at the dimly-lit bar, waiting to be served a world-class cocktail by the award-winning bar manager and mixologist Tom Wood.

Wyndham’s exterior is not much to admire. Located in a standard mid-sized office building right next to the far more glitzy dragon-i and Tazmania Ballroom, it’s a building that you’ll easily miss. (Which we did. Twice). However, once you head up the elevators and push through the heavy, dark front door, things change. You’re forced to soak up the swanky, sepia-toned ambience.

Made to look like the home of your very cool, very wealthy, very cultured friend who just wants to have a relaxing time with some close chums, the watering hole is split into four sections. There’s the narrow bar that greets the eyes upon first entering, the library section stacked with real and fake books and soft clusters of seats, and the back wall with giant grey portraits of a sultry siren in various Parisian-esque come-hither poses. And then there’s the outdoor patio, which really gets our hearts pumping as it contains giant vases, tree-stump benches and sparsely scattered tables. The space is both intimate and spacious, with an enveloping view of several stocky buildings. (Oh, and we all know that bathrooms can make or break a place. Rest assured – Wyndham’s even taken care of that by using fancy Japanese bowls.)

As Frank Sinatra and Bossa Nova tunes play softly in the background, we try some of the bar’s highly-buzzed-about cocktails. Wood is Hong Kong’s 2012 Diageo Reserve World Class Bartender of the Year and his thoughtfully-curated collection of cocktails are prize-worthy. The Hanky Panky ($150) is a winning blend of gin and minty Fernet Branca. The Morning Glory Fizz ($120) delightfully swirls Johnnie Walker Black, absinthe, lemon and soda together and The Pink Lady ($120) -- a tanqueray, pomegranate and lemon concoction – was a favourite among high society ladies in the 1900s and will surely have the same affect even to this day.

Wyndham the 4th goes to great lengths when it comes to stocking the bar with the finest selection of drinks. Little-seen beers like the Rogue Juniper Pale Ale ($80) and the Pipsqueak Cider ($80) can be found here, perfect for those seeking something a little more out of the box.

There’s a refreshing vibe at the Wyndham. It’s not trying too hard to please. Too many Central bars see us losing our vocal chords when trying to have a conversation with companions. Not so here. But, despite all this, we know the bar’s limited press reviews and hush-hush-word-of-mouth publicity has a big role to play in maintaining its charmingly elusive qualities – something we hope will be here to stay. So, seriously. Don’t go to this bar. Janice Jann

4/F, 48 Wyndham St, Central, 2523 8001, wyndham4th.hk

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