[HONG KONG] — At IL PRESIDENTE, the atmospheric Italian restaurant and cocktail bar from the founders of Trattoria Felino, the fourteen-seat bar was never conceived as a place to wait for a table. Rather, it is the room's second heart, and the man tasked with bringing soul to the bar programme is none other than Simone Ciambrone, a mixologist who has spent his career inside some of hospitality's most revered addresses.
[HONG KONG] — At IL PRESIDENTE, the atmospheric Italian restaurant and cocktail bar from the founders of Trattoria Felino, the fourteen-seat bar was never conceived as a place to wait for a table. Rather, it is the room's second heart, and the man tasked with bringing soul to the bar programme is none other than Simone Ciambrone, a mixologist who has spent his career inside some of hospitality's most revered addresses.
Ciambrone entered the trade at 14 years of age in Italy, and carried that early training through The Ritz London and The Dorchester before taking the lead bartender's post at The Lanesborough. Later, at the Donovan Bar at Brown's Hotel, Ciambrone worked under the watch of the legendary Salvatore Calabrese, before moving halfway around the world where he became the face of the Bvlgari Tokyo Ginza Bar, bringing Italian flair and his expertise to elevate the bar program and curate an authentic italian experience all around. His latest post brings him to IL PRESIDENTE, where he has built an opening cocktail menu that focuses on creating a liquid snapshot of 80s and 90s Italy, through storytelling and an approach to mixing he calls ,“Miscelazione Educata”.
“Educazione is the Italian word for manners: it isn't about education, but rather about navigating society with respect and savoir-faire,” Ciambrone explains. “Our philosophy when it comes to cocktails is just that: we want to get creative and push the boundaries of flavours through techniques, without overcomplicating the drink beyond what is essential.”
That instinct for balance between the classical and the innovative carries through to the cocktail list itself. The inaugural menu runs to ten drinks, each one a twist on a classic to capture elements of Italy from music and places, to the way of talking and cultural habits.
Domenica Sportiva (HK$138) reworks the Espresso Martini with Altamura vodka, Amaro Camatti and Old Sailor coffee liqueur; all the better for watching sports on a lazy Sunday. Coppa Italia (HK$128) takes the Negroni into football territory with Ginepraio dry gin, Campari, House vermouth blend and balsamic vinegar liqueur. Whisky e Sole (HK$158) pairs Michter's rye whiskey with Fernet Branca and Nardini almond liqueur in a bolder riff on the Old Fashioned, while Milano Bene (HK$138) reworks the Dry Martini with saffron, Cocchi Extra Dry vermouth and Mirto Bianco. Two drinks, Cuccuruccu (HK$138) and Amores Extraños (HK$168) take their names from Italian pop songs by Franco Battiato and Laura Pausini respectively, rebuilding the Paloma and the Margarita around pickled jalapeño and parsley foam, or basil and absinthe. Even the non-alcoholic list carries the same storytelling, with mocktails such as Garibaldinho and Festivalbar priced from HK$108 to HK$118.
With IL PRESIDENTE BAR , Ciambrone endeavours to create a space where people come together for a drink and spend meaningful time surrounded by the high energy of the venue and team. IL PRESIDENTE BAR is open nightly at Shop M2, 13 Duddell Street, Central from 6pm to 11pm, Wednesday to Monday, closed Tuesdays.
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For more information, please contact COMPANION:
Jacqueline@companioncommunications.com
June@companioncommunications.com
Address:
Shop M2, 13 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, direct pedestrian access via the historic Duddell Street granite steps
Bar Opening Hours:
6pm - 11.30pm Sunday to Wednesday
6pm - 12.00am Thursday to Saturday
Tuesdays closed
Instagram: @ilpresidentehk
Booking link HERE
Website: www.ilpresidentehk.com
Tel: +852 54430908 (WhatsApp only)
Email: reservations@ilpresidentehk.com
About IL PRESIDENTE:
From the founders of Trattoria Felino comes IL PRESIDENTE, an atmospheric Italian restaurant and cocktail bar bringing Italian sprezzatura to Hong Kong’s Central district. Located on Duddell Street, IL PRESIDENTE transports guests to the golden era of Italian hospitality through a richly designed, 70-seat dining room and a menu anchored in beloved regional new classic dishes, paired with a bar programme that elevates aperitivo hour into a theatrical, cocktail-led experience.