HKTB brings Central Market-inspired 'HK Bar' to Switzerland

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has brought a taste of the city to Switzerland with a Central Market-inspired "Hong Kong bar". This comes upon HKTB embarked on a three-year global partnership with Art Basel, curating experiential spaces at its international art fairs to promote Hong Kong’s tourism appeal.  

This year sees a significant milestone as the HKTB makes its debut at Art Basel’s flagship show in Basel, Switzerland. From 19 to 22 June, the event will feature the “Hong Kong Bar” – a stylish and evocative cocktail lounge inspired by the city’s historic “Old Town Central” and bringing Hong Kong’s mesmerising arts and culture scene and delightful fusion of Chinese and Western flavours to a worldwide audience. 

The Old Town Central-inspired “Hong Kong Bar” builds on HKTB’s “Hong Kong Neighbourhoods” concept in partnership with Art Basel and follows the popular Wan Chai-themed “Sun Moon Star” Bar, which welcomed guests at Art Basel Hong Kong in March. 

The bar’s stylistic nods to Central Market include a minimalist white and beige palette, handwritten mirror menus, and the market’s distinctive red lamps – instantly transporting visitors to a bygone Hong Kong. 

The bar’s highlight is the “Yuen Yeung Martini”, a sophisticated cocktail that blends the traditional Hong Kong drink of milk tea and coffee with a classic espresso martini – creating a liquid embodiment of the city’s east-meets-west identity.  

Beyond drinks, its curated menu extends this cultural fusion with speciality snacks and cocktails infused with local flavours, including the umami-rich “Wontons In Supreme Stock” and the refreshing “Salty 7” mocktail made with lime, sea salt, basil, and soda.  

The bar is lit up by local artist Phoebe Hui’s new installation Under the Moonlight, inspired by the phases of the moon through the ages. Using technology to analyse centuries of lunar imagery, the work reimagines the celestial cycles and infuses elements of Hong Kong’s thrilling neon-lit nightscape to capture the city’s resilience and vibrant cultural spirit. 

HKTB executive director Dane Cheng said, “We are committed to sharing Hong Kong’s artistic dynamism and vibrant culture at Art Basel through our three-year global partnership with the fair, connecting with audiences from around the world on this prestigious platform.” 

“At Art Basel in Basel, we will showcase the inspiring neighbourhood of ‘Old Town Central’ – transporting visitors to the bustling atmosphere of Hong Kong life with the unique flavours offered on our ‘Hong Kong Bar’ menu. We are also honoured to be working with Hui, who will captivate audiences with her installation. We hope that you enjoy raising a glass at the ‘Hong Kong Bar’,” he added. 

Angelle Siyang-Le, director of Art Basel Hong Kong, said: “We are thrilled to bring the vibrant spirit of Hong Kong to the heart of Art Basel in Basel, our mothership of fairs, showcasing not only our city’s rich cultural heritage but also its dynamic and evolving identity.” 

“Through the ‘Hong Kong Bar’ and the collaboration with Hui, we invite visitors to experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of tradition and innovation – where every detail, from the Yuen Yeung Martini to the immersive design inspired by Central Market, tells a story of resilience, creativity, and community. This platform marks a significant milestone in our global partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading cultural hub that bridges East and West,” she added.

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