Leading Nation Hospitality’s Cardinal Point Opens at Forty-Five

Located at the pinnacle of Gloucester Tower in LANDMARK, Cardinal Point by Leading Nation Hospitality has opened at Forty-Five for lunch, drinks and late-night get-togethers.

Following the opening of The Merchants and Kaen Teppanyaki, the rooftop venue, complete with a bar and sky terrace, provides panoramic views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline and Victoria Harbour and is the perfect ‘magic hour’ respite from the bustling city below.

The bar program is curated by award-winning Group Beverage Director John Nugent, who has fashioned a cocktail menu inspired by the spirit of travel and exploration, while the restaurant boasts an international selection of dishes from all over the world, designed by Leading Nations’ Culinary Director, Rafael Gil.

Traditionally the Cardinal Points refer to the four main navigational directions, North, South, East and West — Cardinal Point is the ultimate meeting point to catch the warm glow of magic hour and enjoy the four crafts of mixology, gastronomy, art and music. This restaurant, lounge and sky terrace showcases the best in Hong Kong’s hospitality scene.

Travel-inspired bar program by Beverage Director, John Nugent

Leading Nation Hospitality’s Group Beverage Director John Nugent uses ingredients from all over the world to serve inventive, cheeky, and retro interpretations of classic cocktails.

Inspired by the spirit of travel and the great unknown, the cocktails at Cardinal Point take on the role of a compass rose to send guests in the right direction. The indoor and outdoor bars are open daily until late, with all music curated by resident DJs.

The five Signature cocktails at Cardinal Point include Larry Bird (HK$150), which is a tropical combination of Plantation Pineapple Stiggins’, Suze Gentian, bitter Bianco, and pineapple skin; Purple Potato Painkiller (HK$150) with blackstrap rum, Agricole, imo, orange, pineapple, and coconut cream; and Boujie Banana (HK$150) with Jameson Irish whiskey, allspice, banana, and kakigori ice.

There are also four “New Wave” cocktails that include Pandan Highball (HK$160), served on tap, a special drinks collaboration with Young Masters featuring gin, mandarin, pandan; and Love & Thunder (HK$160) made with Absolut vodka, pisco, beetroot, dill, cacao and makrut lime leaf, a more savoury take on the classic gimlet, and the very adventurous Chips & Dip (HK$160), with tequila blanco, dry vermouth, poblano, melon, citrus and cheese nachos.

Classic cocktails are also available on request that are not listed on the menu. The full wine, spirits and cocktail menu at Cardinal Point can be viewed here.

Global Cuisine at Cardinal Point by Culinary Director Rafael Gil: A treasure trove of flavours to be explored

Serving daily from 12 pm – 10 pm, Cardinal Point’s selection of international dishes is the perfect accompaniment to the bar’s exploration-themed cocktail list.

Guests can find a variety of Asian highlights alongside classic Western offerings. They include 11 types of appetisers such as Lamb Koftas (HK$160) with spiced minced lamb and refreshing yoghurt dressing; Gloucester Cobb Salad (HK$130) with iceberg, romaine, grilled chicken, egg, beets, tomatoes, cheddar, smoked bacon, and avocado; Chorizo Cheese Bikini (HK$140) with Spanish Iberico chorizo, mozzarella, and truffle; Spicy Tuna with Rice Crackers (HK$150) with akami tuna and spicy mayo, Cardinal Pork Tacos (HK$180) and more.

All entrées (6 types in total) at Cardinal Point come with a complimentary side dish of your choice, from options of house salad, baby carrots, truffle potatoes gratin, house-cut fries, broccolini and mashed potatoes.

Hearty entrées include mouthwatering choices of Pearl’s Fish Sandwich (HK$200) with melted aged cheddar, house tartar sauce, and herring caviar; Chicken Parm (HK$280) with hand-breaded chicken breast, buffalo mozzarella, house marinara and basil; Filet Mignon (HK$380 for 180g) with USDA prime, herb butter and baby carrots, among others, Lobster Roll (HK$240) with celery and mayonnaise on homemade brioche.

With something for every craving and for all times of the day, Cardinal Point also offers a selection of Pizzas such as a classic Margherita (HK$160) with mozzarella, fresh basil, and house marinara, and the signature The Antinori (HK$220), made with chipolata sausages, mozzarella, mushroom, arugula, and aged parmesan.

Delight in family-style party food such as Golden Pan-fried Dumplings (HK$100) with crispy golden skin and juicy filling; Truffle Fries (HK$130) with aged parmesan and truffle aioli; Wagyu Sliders (HK$180) made with 100% Ozaki beef and classic condiments, and many more.

Finally, indulge your sweet tooth with Cardinal Point’s scrumptious selection of desserts, which include a traditional Hong Kong-style Mango Pomelo Sago (HK$58), Lava Sesame Rice Balls (HK$58) that are crunchy on the outside and soft and flowing with lava on the inside; and Mont Blanc (HK$150), a beloved French recipe with flakey puff pastry, whipped strawberry cream, strawberry liquor and layers of seasonal ingredient which currently features summer strawberries.

Reservations for your next visit to Cardinal Point can be made via Sevenrooms. For more information on Forty-Five, visit https://fortyfive.hk/.

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