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Hong Kong’s neon signs may be slowly disappearing from the skyline, but Central dive bar The Pontiac is keeping the glow alive with a brand-new menu inspired by the nostalgia of neon lights and community spirit.
Launching on September 1, the ‘Neon Lit: A Light in Shadow Spaces’ menu is a nod to the bar’s iconic glowing street sign, which has guided revellers to its inclusive space for over a decade. Designed to celebrate the idea of stepping out of the shadows and owning your power, the lineup features six new drinks inspired by 90s club classics and personal memories from the bar’s all-female team. The venue is even fitted with new neon signs around the room to build on the idea of being a guiding light that champions individual self-expression.
Among the fresh creations is ‘Midnight Sun’, a mix of Compass Box Artist’s Blend, blackberry-shiitake cordial, and angostura bitters. Named after the iconic San Francisco gay club, it sits alongside ‘Kick at the Dark’, a punchy blend of Nuku Mezcal, ancho verde, jalapeño brine, lemon, cilantro, and wonderfoam. If you prefer fruitier tipples, ‘Teaches of Peaches’ combines charred and minted peach scraps with Planteray 3 Star rum, verjus, orange bitters, and soda.
The menu also retains six fan favourites under its greatest hits collection, including the signature ‘Hobnail’ made with whiskey, rich bitch ginger, averna, lemon, and orange oil. You’ll also find ‘Pinkies Up’, a gin and rum tea creation with strawberry-oolong cordial, as well as ‘1.3.O.B.’, a peanut butter whiskey and hazelnut liquor concoction that pays tribute to their Old Bailey Street home. For anyone wanting to see what else the bar team can do, the menu also boasts a rotating selection of reinterpreted classics, single shots, sixers, and low-ABV options made with Crossip for those taking it easy.
So if your night in Central calls for strong drinks, some rock-and-roll, and a bit of unapologetic self-expression, you know where to head. The Pontiac is located at 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, opening Monday through Friday from 4pm to 1am, and Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 1am.
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