Night Out
Dragonfly
Certified
World's Best Bar
CertifiedWorld's Best Bar
Hong Kong-Central
Feb 19, 2020
The Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts is already a destination in itself. The colonial-era relic that used to be Hong Kong’s main police station has been successfully transformed into a buzzing cultural art centre with plenty of drinking and dining options. None of them, however, compare to Dragonfly, a truly unique bar inspired by the Art Nouveau and the beauty of nature bringing a breath of mystery to the historical complex. Masterfully designed by Ashley Sutton, the goal was “to have patrons enter into another reality – a whimsical dragonfly other-worldliness where you can escape the city and bask in the joys of a fantasy world.”.
The Bohemian-style 70-seat lounge is an emerald green fairytale. A performance in opulence, the decoration draws inspiration from Louis Tiffany’s stained glass techniques and the work of master jeweler and artist René Lalique. On the ceiling, 120 turquoise glass lamps lit by yellow Edison bulbs hang upside down to form a sea green canopy, bathing the space in an underwater glow. Each lampshade is painted with golden dragonflies with their wings facing upwards, echoing the 500 cast iron dragonfly statuettes scattered around the walls. Towering over the bar, its stained glass wings spanning the entire length, a monumental bronze rendition of Lalique’s iconic ‘Dragonfly-woman’ corsage ornament is the highlight of the space.
With a drinks menu as captivating as its design, this original cocktail bar offers singular creations like Mystic Omen, made with 12 year-old Aberlour, Lillet blanc, pandan, amaro, chocolate bitters and absinthe, or Dragon’s Pearls, featuring jasmine tea with mandarin, gin and cognac – as well as skillfully reinvented classic cocktails. The Madam Curie, for example, is their version of a Bloody Mary, made with horseradish-infused vodka, tomato, lemon and smoked salt, and served with an oyster. Fancy a bite to eat? Dragonfly also makes small plates like the Black Truffle Polenta Bites that are perfect for sharing. Finally, the bar offers a range of entertainment options, from live music to tastings and the occasional masterclass.
