Sakura Sakura: Pop-Up Japanese Beer Garden in Aberdeen

 A taste of Japan on the Southside

District: Aberdeen, Hong Kong
Cuisine: Japanese tapas
How much: Dishes range between $35 – $95
The best for: After work drinks
Must Order: Yakitori – go for the beef or pork belly

With spring fast approaching (although I’m not sure we ever had much of a winter!) now is the perfect time to be enjoying alfresco drinks in our beautiful city. With a whole host of rooftop bars serving up delicious cocktails with equally tasty views, there is always somewhere to enjoy the warmer evenings.

If you’re looking for a cool rooftop bar away from the hustle and bustle of Central, hop on the South Island line to Ovolo Southside’s new pop-up because it is definitely a place to be. But hurry up, because it’s only in town until May!

Situated opposite Aberdeen Sport’s ground, a stone’s throw from Wong Chuk Hang station, Ovolo is an independent hotel that sets itself apart with beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities.

The creators behind Ovolo are now showing Hong Kong that hotel bars can also offer conceptual dining experiences with quality food and delicious cocktails. The hotel has transformed its 4^th floor bar into a Japanese Hanami Garden lit with strings of lanterns and complete with pink cherry blossoms . It’s a winning combination and it has succeeded in creating a perfect place to unwind after a hard day at the office. As Hong Kong’s first Sakura Beer Garden, this is a great option for after work drinks if you work on the Southside.

Plenty of delicious Japanese tapas options are on hand if you feel like having some nibbles to accompany the sake cocktails or Japanese beer. I loved the Yakitori Skewers $75 (pork belly is a must) and the Corn on the Cob $45 was oozing with butter. The tapas are light and delicious and leave you wanting more. I was happy to try the Chicken Kaarage Slider $85 – a little taste of heaven that was made all the more delicious by the katsu sauce.

The menu is authentic, well thought out, and has enough options to ensure all palettes will be tantalised. Plus, it’s a great accompaniment to the Four Fox sake cocktails, which are fruity, sweet and far too easy to drink. For purely beer drinkers, the bar has collaborated with cult favourite Japanese craft beer brand Hitachino, ensuring the Japanese dining experience is complete.

 Sakura Sakura, Ovolo Hotels, 64 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, www.ovolohotels.com.hk/offers/sakura-sakura