As awareness of sustainability grows alongside the local government's impending 2030 Climate Action Plan, restaurants and bars have made the effort to approach the food & beverage (F&B) industry through new lens.
Conscious of their carbon footprint, these F&B companies have adapted to use sustainable materials to create unique beverages and delicacies. Three out of these six bars are award-winning bars, setting a precedent and inspiring others to see the F&B industry through a new lens. Whether you’re into tea, cocktails, or both, these six bars will give you a taste of the other side of the F&B industry.
Plantation Tea Bar
Started by a group of tea-lovers from Hong Kong, Plantation Tea Bar believes in taking a sustainable approach towards their passion. Not only have they designed recyclable tea canisters, but they also have taken a step forward to meticulously handcraft their tea bags themselves.
The tea bar has also made the effort to donate tea leaves to the ISF Academy, using a special machine to turn food waste into compost for gardens. With famous 4-Course tasting menus, sparkling cold brews, and cocktails available, Plantation Tea Bar provides guests with a delightful array of refreshments and eco-conscious experience.
Location: 18 Po Tuck Street, Sai Wan, Hong Kong
PENICILLIN
The no.24 bar on 2024's Asia's 50 Best Bars, PENICILLIN maintains its reputation of a “scrap-less” sustainable bar concept. PENICILLIN takes inspiration from Alexander Fleming’s discovery of the antibiotic and medical treatment, utilizing scientific research and experimentation to discover ways to achieve sustainability.
The eco-friendly bar utilizes recyclable materials, along with self-brewed and fermented ingredients such as redistilled vodka in their award-winning beverages.
Location: Amber Lodge L/G 23 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
DarkSide
DarkSide, ranked no.17 in the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, takes a step towards sustainability and eco-friendliness through their ecoSPIRITS partnership. The bar has been promoting the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials by providing cocktails made of upcycled ingredients. Using an oxidized lime juice, they are able to give a second life to drinks that would normally be thrown away.
ecoSPIRITS aims to reduce single use waste through climate-friendly cocktails, displaying their commitment to achieving sustainability in the F&B industry.
Location: 2/F Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
ARGO
ARGOapproaches the food and beverage industry a bit differently. Focusing on endangered species and ingredients, they utilize natural materials and ingredients such as cacao and vanilla for their refreshments.
One such notable ingredient they implement, honey, comes from local bee farms in Yuen Long and Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Through such practices, the Michelin-Starred bar delivers the fresh drinks and delicacies in the purest form, using the most sustainable resources.
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, 8/Finance Street, Hong Kong
The Aubrey
The Aubrey, known for using local and seasonal produce, aims to avoid certain endangered species when crafting their refreshments. The #10Bar on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list takes pride in their commitment to being eco-conscious. Through handpicked ingredients, they enhance the richness of their beverages while highlighting natural flavors. The bar also makes the effort to avoid serving species on the endangered list such as the Bluefin Tuna, displaying their appreciation and consideration for the conservation of nature.
Location: Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong
Draft Land
A unique concept in Hong Kong, Draft Land is renowned for serving their craft cocktails on tap. They are pre-made, which saves water and decreases the need for excessive ice production. Draft Land believes in a “no garnish” policy, meaning no fruits, herbs, or other organic materials are wasted on the decoration of drinks. Instead of limes and lemons, they opt for a special citric acid, reducing fruit use and the carbon footprint left behind.
Location: Under Renovation, Opened a new location in Basehall
