Hospitality veteran Lorenzo Antinori channels his signature charm and irreverent humour into Bar Leone, a new Soho neighbourhood watering hole.
Bar Leone is heavily influenced by Rome, and in particular Trastevere, one of its most Italian capital’s historic neighbourhoods, where Lorenzo was raised. The character of Bar Leone is inspired by the spirit of the traditional Roman bars that form the cornerstone of the city’s 21 neighbourhoods while the new venue takes its name from the lion, Rome’s symbol until the Renaissance, and still the symbol of Trastevere today.
Previously at the helm of legendary bars including London’s Dandelyan and The American Bar at the Savoy, as well as the Four Seasons’ Charles H. (Seoul) and Argo (Hong Kong) – which marked a stunning debut coming in at #3 on the prestigious list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2022 and #28 on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 – Lorenzo has an insatiable cultural appetite, coupled with an amiable, tongue-in-cheek approach to life.
A large mahogany bar takes centre stage at the new Bridge Street venue, while blinds and church-style candles keep the space warmly lit and intimate. A long ledge with high stools also enables guests to watch the world go by outside, passeggiata style while interiors feature burnt orange banquettes that channel the signature colour of Rome – in particular Roma Football Club – in addition to a sociable mix of high-top tables and a communal table.
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The scene is set to an eclectic soundtrack that celebrates Italian pop culture – from iconic 1970s and 1980s Italo Disco mixed with afrobeat – and completemented by multiple touchpoints – from vintage football shirts to photos of Italian icons, from Popes to B movie actors – that celebrate Italian popular culture, encompassing art, fashion, music and style.
Bar Leone promises to be unapologetically nostalgic and to celebrate community and the love of classic cocktails, or as Lorenzo calls them, “cocktail popolari”, referring not only to their role in popular culture but also to their approachable DNA and beautiful simplicity. To that end, punters can expect a ‘low-intervention’ approach, emphasising craftsmanship, ingredients and seasonality. There will be no distillation or machinery as the mixology team takes a step away from the current trends and proudly keeps things simple.
For example, the house Leone Martini, features Ginepraio gin from Tuscany, Marsala secco, orange blossom, and is crowned with a signature olive. Lorenzo is also very keen to revive the Bellini ,which will be served in a small tumbler just as it is at the iconic Harry’s Bar in Venice, where it originated. Featuring almond eau de vie and peach, it comes with a fluffy, creamy head that contrasts beautifully with the fruit-forward base.
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Collaborative by nature, a dedicated section of the drinks menu will be titled ‘Friends and Fam’, and will highlight partnerships and crossovers with brands and like-minded people from Hong Kong and beyond, encompassing a wide range of industries, from food and beverage producers to charities and artists.
Guests can expect to see collaborations with brands such as Austrian amaro distillery Fernet Hunter, which has created a special release in collaboration with Bar Leone – the Fernet Hunter Cacao – blending old-world tradition with new-world innovation to create something both contemporary and timeless. Proceeds from the regularly revolving cocktail on tap will be donated to different local charities, including Hong Kong-based F&B NGO the More Good Foundation (the inaugural libation will be Bar Leone’s interpretation of the Apple Martini).
On the food front, Bar Leone promises a nostalgic play on piattini and spuntini, small dishes and snacks shared amongst friends – such as house smoked olives; Giardiniera-style pickles with Parmigiano; and a selection of artisanal cold cuts. Lorenzo’s childhood favourite is also present – Roman stuffed pizza with mortadella.
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