QRE Plaza is steadily increasing its gravitational pull as it fills up with yet more trendy spots. Hot on the heels of Korean-fusion joint Momojein and Honi Honi’s sister bar, Mahalo Tiki Lounge, comes MyHouse. A smart answer to the city’s sometimes repetitive nightlife scene, MyHouse possess the canny capability to morph into whatever you want it to – be it restaurant, bar or music lounge.
Cosy and spacious all at once, bare concrete walls and floors are warmed by dark wood furnishings and intimate lighting. The décor allows dinner and drinks to seamlessly shift into DJs and dancing when the turntables start spinning later in the night. Homely touches such as owner Alison Christ’s personal vinyl collection – spun by in-house DJs later in the evening – adorn the shelves, enhancing the house party vibe. Some individual tables even have their own record players for the daytime, so you can bring headphones and listen to some vinyl.
The wine list is extensive and our eyes linger over the natural wines made with minimal use of chemicals, additives and technological procedures. The natural philosophy means these rules must start in the vineyard and continue right up to bottling. However, we are a sucker for cocktails and feel they’re the best test of a bar tender’s skills. We eventually select the Hendrick’s gin-based Sir Edmond Celery ($110), which comes served in a quaint cup and saucer. It packs an acerbic punch offset by the aromatic vanilla syrup, while the bitter celery and egg white make this a satisfying savory refresher. The La Primavera ($110) allows the tequila ocho blanco base to shine, while the intensity is pleasantly levelled out by the smooth apple and elderflower cordial.
We’re impressed when our rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage, broccoli, garlic, parmigiano and fennel pollen ($188) arrives. It’s a generous portion of honest, hearty pasta that makes for some solid balast if you’re in for the long haul at MyHouse.
We’re definitely keen to return to this beautiful space. Both the food and drinks are up to scratch and the concept ensures that each visit can be different from the last, guaranteeing longevity. Holly Graham
MyHouse 26/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Rd E, Wan Chai, 2323 1715; myhousehk.com.