Maggie Choo's by Ashley Sutton Redefines Hong Kong's Nightlife Scene With a Theatre of Intrigue

Hong Kong's newest elevated nightlife and cocktail destination, Maggie Choo's is now ready to transport guests back to the enigmatic old-world glamour of the Far East. Hidden away at the heart of Central and fronted by one of the many antique shops on historic Hollywood Road, the Chinoserie-inspired Maggie Choo's, part cocktail bar, part cabaret, part late-night soiree, restores diminished glamour with live entertainment and a modern take on classic tipples.
 
The venue is the creative vision of the award-winning architect and design maverick Ashley Sutton, the visionary who conceived such unique settings as Iron Fairies, The Mixing Room, and Dragonfly. Australia-born Ashley Sutton became a global sensation when he published his first illustrated fairy tale book, a bestseller and the inspiration for Iron Fairies, one of his most successful nightlife concepts to date. Since then, the designer has celebrated his vivid imagination with surreal, extraordinary entertainment dreamscapes, from otherworldly aviary-themed Ophelia to the kaleidoscopic Dragonfly. Through each new venue, Sutton's creative spirit and vivid narratives bring his characters and creations to life, pushing boundaries with unparalleled craft and artistry. 
 
Maggie Choo’s Hong Kong is the latest opening by BOUTIQUE BARS, an international hospitality group specializing in the development of one-of-a-kind, immersive nightlife experiences to metropolitan cities around the World. Created and realised by hospitality veteran Sandeep Sekhri and in collaboration with renowned design maverick Ashley Sutton, BOUTIQUE BARS channels Sutton’s creative genius into bespoke designs in nightlife destinations. Through authentic and innovative designs, Sekhri’s is set to redefine nightlife and elevate guests’ expectations and satisfaction to new heights.
 
An Awe-Inspiring Interior 
 
Maggie Choo's takes after Sutton's incredible storytelling, where Maggie Choo is the heroine of the concept. An orphaned girl who inherited her war-torn family's antique shop, Maggie Choo discovered a hidden door behind her antique shop, leading to an abandoned bank built by the East India Company in 1847 that has since been transformed into an extravagant secret cabaret destination, one where the most intriguing patrons with the utmost interesting stories to tell muse over classic concoctions.
 
Dressed by Sutton in leather, imported teak and copper reminiscent of the space's banking days, a past that's accentuated by a giant antique-style bank vault door, Maggie Choo's boasts a feature wall decorated with ornate colonial-style plaster moulding and a vintage clock installation, as well as two iron spiral staircases that lead up to an attic space. A latticework of iron panels adorns the entire ceiling, while countless vintage-style safe deposit boxes grace one whole wall.
 
The bar's intimate setting and dim lighting, courtesy of art-deco-style vintage pendant ceiling lamps that are deliberately illuminated create a warm and sensual atmosphere. Other design highlights include vintage, green-coloured velvet chesterfields and bar stools to match the hand-crafted wooden tables; decorative sculptures in different sizes; and, as a centrepiece, a grand piano. Each carefully selected element creates an unashamedly sexy and intimate space that instils a sense of mystery, intrigue and luxury.
 
Maggie Choo's also features a unique vintage bank teller counter-turned-cocktail bar space accentuated by touches of intricate metalwork and a giant vintage around-the-world map installed behind the bar. Guests can enjoy a range of cocktails front and centre at the marble-topped cocktail bar. 
 
The theatrical design elements at Maggie Choo's honours the industry's subtle beauty and seductive figures. Here, the team of choreographed dancers titillate crowds with captivating performances, adding a theatrical touch to the opulent space that simply oozes escapism. The experience at Maggie Choo's is complemented by an ever-changing roster of emerging and established jazz and blues acts, while Harry Fitsch, the resident DJ from France, spins beat past midnight, making Maggie Choo's an enchanting and entertaining nightspot that offers a sensory and immersive encounter.
 

Finding Elegance in Simplicity

Maggie Choo's cocktail program is built around classic elixirs, given a modern twist. For guests who are looking for something lighter on the palate to beat the summer heat, Driven by her Dreams (HK$180) is made with Jalapeno-infused Tequila, Aperol, cilantro, grapefruit juice, honey and a touch of citrus; Delusion(HK$160) features thyme infused Pisco, pineapple juice and a touch of citrus.

Maggie Choo's comfort bar snacks, charcuterie and cheese boards ensure guests will not have to drink on an empty stomach. Comforting dishes include Pea Guacamole topped with pumpkin seeds, fresh mint, lemon and served with tortilla chips (HK$98); Sweetcorn “Ribs” served with coriander and chilli (HK$78); a sharing Charcuterie Board with Apériloste chorizo, pepper-coated Galet, mini stick chorizo, poultry terrine, Jesus de Lyon sausage, Picos bread with extra virgin olive oil, Cornichons gherkins, pistachio, and apple (HK$228); and Cheese Board with St Nectaire, Scottish Cedar, Fourme D’ambert, and 18-month aged Comté, served with shortbread biscuit with rosemary and parmesan, grapes, and quiche jam (HK$228).

Come experience the intrigue Maggie Choo's is set to present, free your mind, dance and drink your cares away sensibly, and embrace Maggie Choo's way of life. The new venue rekindles the passion and glamour of stylish nightlife entertainment, allowing guests to feel the connection and forever be enthralled. Though Maggie Choo's whereabouts remain a mystery, her aspirations and dreams still breathe through the establishment.

Maggie Choo's is located at Shop 1 Ground Floor 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong. It is open daily from 6 pm till late. For inquiries, please WhatsApp +852 6250 6000.

About Ashley Sutton

Born and raised in Fremantle, Western Australia, Ashley Sutton grew up surrounded by nature. His quest to design began with physical labour-filled adolescence, with imaginative illustrations as an outlet to exercise his creativity. Sutton's vivid imaginations transformed into story books, a worldwide bestseller. His overnight success facilitated his journey to pursue design, exemplifying his ever imaginative designs with meticulous detail and a highly-complex story narrative that has been reinterpreted into striking venues such as Iron Fairies, Dear Lilly, Maggie Choos, Ophelia, Dragonfly, and the Mixing Room by Iron Fairies.

Sutton's creative spirit borrows inspiration from nature, turning every creative character into real life. His cutting-edge designs, every element of which is infused by his identity and personality, are enhanced by bespoke details that break barriers in both the design industry and the world of mixology. His creative concepts continue to push boundaries, exceed expectations and guarantee successes that leave us only wanting more. As one whose vision stays invaluable and unparallel to the core of hospitality and the ambience that builds its uniqueness, Sutton is a true artistic visionary who encourages his creations to live up to their true potential.

Address
Shop 1 Ground Floor 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Reservations via Whatsapp 
+852 6250 6000

Opening Hours
Daily from 6 pm till late

Dress Code
Smart casual

Instagram
@maggiechooshk​

Website
www.maggiechoos.com.hk