THE TEAM BEHIND ASIA’S BEST BAR BRING THEIR EXPERTISE TO SOHO WITH A FOCUS ON SAVORY FLAVORS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung, the minds behind COA, announce the opening of their latest venture, The Savory Project, a new bar located at 4 Staunton Street in Soho. The bar is set to open its doors in late May and promises to deliver a unique cocktail experience to Hong Kong.
Jay Khan, who was named Asia's Best Bartender at the 2020 Asia's 50 Best Bars Awards, and the team at COA, made history in 2022 when they became only the second bar ever to be crowned The Best Bar in Asia for two consecutive years. COA is one of only eight bars in Asia on the 2021 World’s 50 Best Bars list, coming in at an impressive number seven.
Like COA, The Savory Project focuses on a niche concept; different from COA, which centers on a singular spirit, The Savory Project celebrates its namesakes’ flavor profile. With cocktails, the term 'savory' refers to a flavor profile that is intricate and nuanced with earthy and umami notes, while dialing back sweet or fruity flavors. Incorporating ingredients such as meat, fungi, brine, and more to create cocktails that are rich, complex, and satisfying, The Savory Project was conceptualized after Jay and Ajit noticed an increasing number of guests requesting drinks ‘not too sweet,’ and ‘with less sugar.’
"We're thrilled to be at the forefront of the next chapter in cocktail culture," said Jay Khan. "Savory flavors are gaining in popularity as people crave drinks that are less sweet and more intricate.”
“We noticed a growing demand amongst our guests for savory drinks, but not having the words to describe what it was they liked,” says Ajit Gurung, "our aim is to add a fresh dimension to Hong Kong's thriving cocktail scene by expanding the range of savory cocktails beyond the usual Dirty Martini and Bloody Mary. We wanted to satisfy our guests' curiosity and introduce them to an intriguing selection of cocktail flavors, while continuing to foster their interest in this exciting and ever-evolving category."
The bar will also devote nearly equal attention and menu real estate to specially crafted non-alcoholic drinks, reflecting another shift in the industry, and in the personal lives of its founders, towards more restraint with alcohol consumption. Two years in the making, The Savory Project aims to be an equitable space, as enjoyable for drinkers as it is for those abstaining; the team plans to use their combined 30 years of experience to emphasize flavors and experiences more than alcohol.
The interior design of The Savory Project was created by the design firm Brash Atelier, who drew inspiration from the elements of the earth and the goal to create a space that encourages connections. The design features natural materials such as wood, stone, and metal, and incorporates a range of textures and colors to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The bar features a custom-made hexagon shaped bar that removes the barrier between bartender and guests to offer a more interactive experience
"A bar is supposed to be a place where you engage, have fun, and get close to people and we wanted to create that same dynamic between guest and staff so they feel part of the fabric of the place" said Jay.
The new bar offers a welcoming atmosphere and creates a space that is as enjoyable for drinkers as it is for non. Guests can expect to be greeted by a knowledgeable and friendly team of bartenders who are passionate about their craft and a menu that, as the name suggests, will be an ever-evolving project.
"We kept our bar small so that we can talk to guests, engage with them and have them try new things,” says Jay on The Savory Project’s design. Ajit continues, “We want to create a feeling similar to being at a friend’s well-appointed home bar so we are even altering traditional service dynamic so the experience is less transactional and more enjoyable.”
Opening at the end of May on 4 Staunton Street in Soho, The Savory Project will be open Tuesday through Thursday and Sundays from 6pm to 12 midnight, staying open until 1am on Friday and Saturdays. For more information, please visit their website at www.thesavoryproject.com.