Antonio Lai to open Bar 309 this July

Hong Kong’s local mixology hero Antonio Lai – the man behind the highly regarded Quinary and Origin, among others – is set to open his first new bar in almost three years. Located within boutique hotel The Pottinger, Bar 309 is likely the biggest new local bar opening of the year and is Lai’s first venture since partnering with Vicky Cheng on VEA Lounge back in 2015.

The establishment will sit on the third floor of The Pottinger hotel and while not a speakeasy, is said to be accessible ‘by invitation only’. Patrons must check-in at ‘The Reception’ in order to get a key card that will allow them access to the intimate space which will seat no more than 20. Once nestled inside, visitors can look forward to personalised cocktails courtesy of Lai (as executive mixologist) and bar manager Hungie Fong of The Envoy, Lai’s other establishment in the hotel.

Scheduled to open in late July, we’ll be first in with a reservation and review when Bar 309 opens. Here’s hoping it lives up to Lai’s typically high standards.