Shelley Tai Returns Home: A New Chapter for Hong Kong’s Cocktail Scene.

After years of making her mark abroad, award-winning bartender Shelley Tai has returned to her hometown to open a bar that reflects her signature creativity and deep understanding of flavour. Crowned Diageo World Class HK & Macau Bartender of the Year in 2019, Tai went on to lead celebrated venues in Singapore, including the acclaimed Nutmeg & Clove and its sister bar Last Word, before bringing her craft back to Hong Kong.

Known for infusing local ingredients into refined, thought-provoking cocktails, Tai’s menu is both bold and comforting. Highlights include the Fig Ol’ Days, a Scotch whisky cocktail layered with fino sherry, fig leaf, and palo santo, as well as the Gin & Apple, which combines coconut, makrut lime, lemongrass, and house-made green apple soda for a bright, refreshing sip.

More than just drinks, her new project embodies a philosophy shaped by discipline, passion, and a desire to tell stories through cocktails. From competition stages to world-renowned bars, Tai has built a reputation for pushing boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity. With her return, Hong Kong’s cocktail culture gains a new homegrown force—one that invites guests to discover unexpected flavours while celebrating the art of hospitality.