Business Traveller (Asia-Pacific)
Enjoy a bird's-eye view of world cities at these new rooftop bars
Sometimes the best way to scope out a city is to get a bird’s-eye view. Tamsin Cocks and Valerian Ho lift the lid on seven exciting rooftop bars that opened in the past year
GONG
WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London
OPENED: May 2014 FLOOR: 52nd
X FACTOR: Western Europe’s highest pool
PRICE: $$$ The highest bar in London is to be found in the iconic Shard and offers panoramic views of the London cityscape, encompassing St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye and Westminster. G ng features a Champagne and cocktail bar with a sophisticated drinks list. Signature cocktails such as the gin-based Bermondsey Bubbles start from £17 (US$28), which is a bargain considering adult ticket prices are £24.95 (US$40) just to reach the Shard’s viewing platform on levels 69-72. A luxury snack menu is also available, with offerings from the English Charcutiere Board (£20/ US$32) to the more pricey Beluga caviar (£192/US$311). An exceptional feature is the dramatic infinity sky pool – the highest pool in Western Europe, if you’re one for bragging rights. During the day, the pool is for the exclusive use of hotel guests, but
sliding doors reveal the heated pool to G ng patrons after 8.30pm. Designed by Andre Fu, G ng is inspired by the mythical aspect of dougong –a series of interlocking brackets that are used extensively in historical Chinese architecture. This unique design is paired atmospherically with red lacquer panels, mauve carpets and antique bronze cabinets to create an intimate, oriental vibe.
OPEN: Mon-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 2pm2am; Sunday 2pm-midnight.
gong-shangri-la.com
ON14 WHERE: OZO Colombo, Sri Lanka OPENED: May 2014 FLOOR: 14th
X FACTOR: Private terrace
PRICE: $ Located on the 14th floor of the newly opened OZO Colombo hotel on Marine Drive, ON14 attracts a sophisticated crowd. With the choice of an infinity pool and contemporary lounge chairs to relax in, evening guests can watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, or take in the glittering lights of Bambalapitiya city sprawling below. The indoor bar area is equally cool, with modern design features such as a chandelier that changes colours and regular live entertainment acts that include prominent female DJs. The food and beverage concept focuses on individuality; distinctive cocktails created by a team of internationally trained mixologists include Espresso Martini and the Pearl of Sri Lanka (both Rs820/US$13). Every Tuesday, ladies can enjoy a“two for one”deal on cocktails. Swiss-born executive chef, Stefan Beutler, has also created an adventurous menu of fusion dishes, with heavy Sri Lankan and European influences. For the ultimate in exclusivity, ON14 also has a private terrace on the 15th floor that can accommodate up to 20 guests – a perfect backdrop for those looking to impress, host private parties or simply chill out in style.
OPEN: Daily 11am to late. ozohotels.com
YIN ON 12
WHERE: New World Beijing Hotel,
Beijing
OPENED: May 2014 FLOOR: 12th
X FACTOR: Multiple areas with different vibes
PRICE: $ Located next to the Temple of Heaven, the 1,100-metre space offers views over Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.“Yin” is the name for a traditional Chinese chop, representing an imperial signature, and this been woven into the aesthetic appeal of the bar. The entrance, for example, features a large amber chop next to a collection of oversized calligraphy brushes. This motif is repeated throughout, enhancing its modern-Oriental ambience. The four-sided open terrace is one of the largest in Beijing, with something to suit everyone’s mood. Indoors, an intimate club atmosphere is sure to get partygoers buzzing, with an in-house DJ, live local bands and a menu of some of the finest Champagnes. Alternatively guests can choose to enjoy their night on the East Terrace, where an al fresco corner features tap beers and barbecued bites, or chill out in the separated lounge space on the West Terrace.YIN’s signature drinks include a long list of hand-shaken tipples, from Long YIN Iced Tea (RMB60/ US$10) to Manchurian Cream (RMB70/ US$11). The snacks have racy names such as risotto grenade (RMB65/US$11), cocaine tomatoes (RMB30/US$5) and the possibly more pedestrian pork scratchings (RMB30/US$5). The bar also has regular themed events, including Thursday’s “Gentlemen’s Night”, which pairs single malt whiskeys with fine Cuban cigars at a 50 per cent discount.
OPEN: Tue-Sat 6pm-2.30am newworldhotels.com
PENTHOUSE BY HARLAN GOLDSTEIN
WHERE: Soundwill Plaza, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
OPENED: May 2014 FLOOR: 30th
X FACTOR: Excellent food
PRICE: $$ Harlan Goldstein opened his first Michelin-star restaurant in Hong Kong, in 2010. Four years later, he has expanded his empire to Causeway Bay, with the recent opening of Penthouse by Harlan Goldstein, a fine-dining restaurant and rooftop cocktail terrace. The design concept is inspired by modern, casual-style New York penthouses as an urban retreat, infusing industrial loft elements, curated furnishing and bold colours. The outdoor rooftop is 465 sqm and can accommodate up to 350 guests – which is particularly expansive by Hong Kong standards. There are also two private rooms available, with spectacular city or harbour views to choose from. The extensive wine list has more than 130 options, handpicked by Goldstein himself, with prices starting from HK$400 (US$52) per bottle. The cocktail menu features signature creations such as Wall Street After 5pm, comprising buffalo trace bourbon, sweet vermouth, cherry, cinnamon, house bitters and a hint of chocolate. Guests are advised to wear smart casual attire when visiting the restaurant.
OPEN: Mon-Sun 12pm-3pm, Sun-Thu 6pm-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 6pm-11pm
penthouse-dining.com
BAR 54
WHERE: Hyatt Times Square, New
York
OPENED: February 2014 FLOOR: 54th
X FACTOR: Cutting-edge cocktails PRICE: $$$ The highest rooftop bar in New York boasts river-to-river Manhattan views, spanning from the Chrysler Building to One World Trade Center and beyond. Bar 54’s expansive panorama is counterbalanced by cosy outdoor fireplaces and the glow from Times Square below. Inside, dark wood and a reflective metal canopy of leaves on the ceiling provide a hint of nature in the middle of the urban jungle. Cocktails take centre stage at Bar 54, as renowned mixologist Julie Reiner has been drafted to design the menu. The cutting-edge cocktail experience begins with ingredients that are sourced locally and made in-house, such as the lavender, grenadine and raspberry syrups. The use of lesser-known spirits like the Brooklyn-made Dorothy Parker American Gin from the New York Distilling Company, also gives cocktails a unique twist. The menu changes regularly to take advantage of seasonal produce and cocktail prices hover around US$23. There are food offerings too, with dishes a comparatively reasonable US$24.
OPEN: Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 4pm-2am
timessquare.hyatt.com
THE GRIFFIN BAR
WHERE: JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square, Seoul
OPENED: February 2014 FLOOR: 11th
X FACTOR: Live jazz
PRICE: $$ The mythical griffin is a key identity for the JW Marriot, with the lion standing for power, strength and pride and the eagle representing vision and perspective. The hotel’s Griffin Bar is therefore aptly named, as it offers a spectacular panorama of Seoul and the East Gate from the al fresco terrace. The sophisticated interior includes leather armchairs, a grand piano and modern artworks. The drink selection ranges from signature cocktails, such as the Griffin Mojito priced at KRW22,000 (US$21), to single malt whiskeys and over 300 wine labels to choose from. A cigar menu is also available, with 20 quality brands on offer. To complete the atmosphere, soulful jazz is played during the evening, merging into house music as the night progresses.
OPEN: 6pm-2am marriott.com
HI-SO
WHERE: Sofitel So, Singapore OPENED: June 2014 FLOOR: 30th
X FACTOR: Beach club atmosphere
PRICE: $$ HI-SO commands 360-degree views of Singapore’s towering skyline. Close to Raffles Place, in the heart of Singapore’s central business district, HI-SO is an ideal venue to wind down after a busy day of meetings and has fast become a hit with city professionals and glamorous socialites alike. Hi-SO has the essence of an exclusive beachclub, complete with an L-shaped infinity pool, designer cocktails and gourmet bites. Guests can bask in relaxing cabanas next to Singapore’s only golden-tiled swimming pool or groove to the music of the hottest DJs in town under the stars. Refreshing cocktails, such as the rum-based Horizon Shade start from S$20 (US$16), while a good selection of wines and Champagnes are also available. Highlights include ladies’ night every Wednesday, where females are greeted with a free glass of Ruinart Champagne and need only pay S$10 (US$8) for refills, plus weekend pool parties.
OPEN: 11am-10pm sofitel.com