Bar review: Skye Rooftop Bar, Causeway Bay – smart layout, slow service
Interesting drinks and a beautiful setting marred by teething problems, disorganised staff and some confusion over ice
The vibe: Skye is the new rooftop bar at the Park Lane hotel, now part of the Pullman group and fresh from a complete makeover. The bar makes maximum use of the roof terrace with its fine harbour view and is cleverly laid out so that half the space is under cover, half outside.
The centrepiece of the striking design is a large circular bar which lights up in different colours, as do the individual round tables. The effect is spectacular and a perfect fit with the lights of Hong Kong’s night-time skyline. There’s plenty of comfortable seating and a smart layout offers quiet corners to chat as well as room to party.
The drinks: as befits a five-star hotel, there’s a comprehensive drinks menu including a range of wines and high-end whiskies as well as a signature cocktail list. The latter is divided into sections, including one using liquid nitrogen; from that we ordered the Stratospheric Martini (HK$140, Ford’s Gin) and were invited to watch it being made, complete with spectacular clouds of smoke reminiscent of a Hogwarts potions class. The menu boasts that this is the coldest martini you’ll ever drink, but by the time they brought it to our table it was lukewarm, although stylishly served in a small glass cup set in a mould of ice.