The recent changes to Lan Kwai Fong, combined with a spate of high-profile new openings to the West of the district, suggest that the sands of Hong Kong drinking are shifting, and no area is seeing change quite like Lyndhurst Terrace. Together with the soon-to-be-reopened Capitol Tower, Lyndhurst Tower is setting the trend, and Hyde, the building’s first drink-focused resident, sets an exciting precedent for this dynamic corner of Central.
This new two-storey members’ club plays on the concept of Jekyll and Hyde – a 12,000 sq ft that bears a dual personality. On Hyde’s lower floor, it shows its clubbier (perhaps more sinister) side. The dance floor is at the centre of the action, which is flanked by a semi-private lounge, already a regular hangout for the largely banker and socialite crowd. Hyde has launched their new Ladies Night (with an ab-riddled appearance by the Chippendales, no less), and while most weekends so far have brought R&B and hip-hop to the dance floor, there are plans afoot to bring in international DJs.
The upper floor, labelled as Loft @ Hyde, is a much more chilled prospect. It’s decked out with a mix of industrial concrete, brick and deep floorboards, evoking the rustic elegance of a New York loft, and up here, three is the lucky number. The room is focused around a trio of vibrant pool tables, and features three outdoor terraces, each of which overlook a different part of the emerging Wellinghurst corner. Possessing all of these little compartments – the lounge, the pool, the terraces, the club – provides Hyde with the ability to be everything at anytime, which is arguably its finest attribute.
Given its elite vibe, Hyde’s drinks list is reasonably priced, particularly compared to some of its members only brethren. From its cocktail menu, which features a dozen long and short choices as well as lethal-sounding Hyde punches, try the classic Aviation ($88), a biting mix of gin, crème de violette, maraschino and fresh lemon, or their spicily delicious Breda Blackout (passoa, pisay ambon liquer, blue caracao, cinnamon and Red Bull, $92). Wines start at $75 and beers at $63.
While drinks are all important to an evening, Hyde is more than just about the alcohol. The little touches it boasts, from the modern boudoir foyer to the bathrooms, the hypnotically lit staircase that links the two floors, or the sea of lanterns above the lower bar, all demonstrate an impressive attention to detail. But ultimately, its dual-level concept is its greatest strength. From a casual round of pool to a relaxed, lounging cocktail to night-long dance floor grinding, it’s a refined place for all occasions.
Mark Tjhung
2/F & 3/F, Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Tce, Central, 2522 2186; www.hyde.hk.