Qura, a sophisticated new cocktail destination with dazzling Victoria Harbour views, has opened at the Regent Hong Kong.
A sultry space dedicated to rare spirits, eclectic design and culinary delights from around the world, Qura is the creation of BAR Studio, and has been inspired by the spirit of ‘The Curator’, an fictitious yet intrepid explorer in search of rare and vintage spirits.
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This modern-day explorer and expert tastemaker, driven by a relentless thirst for the extraordinary, has journeyed across continents, from the Caribbean’s sun-kissed shores to the misty Scottish Highlands. The Curator’s quest, inspired by ancient trade routes and a fervour for the exotic, has led to a collection of spirits that is as diverse as it is deep. Each selection, be it an Armagnac resonating with French vineyard history or a fiery Scotch whisky, embodies a journey through time and place.
Ensconced in an imaginative ambience that conjures worldly mystique, guests at Qura are invited to indulge in the carefully selected array of flavours, brought together by The Curator’s discerning palate and passion, reflecting  a tapestry of tastes that celebrates the artistry and diversity of global spirits.
Mirroring “The Curator’s” eclectic taste and worldly explorations, the design features a whimsical collection of furniture and decorative items lovingly curated over a span of two years.
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Comprising an interlinked drawing room, bar, dining lounge and cigar spaces, all with spectacular framed views of Victoria Harbour, Qura evokes the allure of a bygone era. An exploration through its curated spaces reflects a collection of found and carefully restored furniture, vintage and antique objects in original materials with authentic details and patinas, alongside Art Deco elements and custom-designed furnishings that add modern sophistication.
Transitioning from warm, inviting tones and rich velvets to cooler, tranquil hues, each space is adorned with bursts of colour, texture and intriguing objets d’art – from a whimsical emerald green parrot lamp in the entry hall to quirky table lamps with monkeys holding parasols and gilded monkey pirate sconces. In the arrival area and corridor, large vintage photos from the original Regent Hong Kong days recall the rich heritage of this exclusive venue.
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Art Deco-inspired portals lead guests through a journey of discovery, where every corner is a celebration of global cultures and eras. All the while, mesmerising views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline take centre stage.
At the heart of Qura is a backlit rose quartzite bar, set in a space richly layered with hand-blown Murano crystal lighting fixtures and decorative textiles, creating an atmosphere of bold fantasy. In the dining lounge, a quirky Timorous Beastie wall-covering with playful iguanas conjures images of an exotic tropical rainforest, while hand-blown Venini Murano chandeliers ramp up the glamour, as diners soak in the hypnotic harbourviews.
In the Cigar Lounge, home to cigars from six prestigious cigar brands: Cohiba, H Upmann, Hoyo de Monterrey, Montecristo, Partagas and Romeo and Juliet, stunning custom-made de Gournay Chinoiserie wall coverings adorned with crystal sconces frame a green marble fireplace. A vintage tiger motif rug and Persian carpets add warmth and a touch of the exotic to cosy seating areas with a vintage quilted leather sofa and armchairs in this clubby haven for cigar aficionados.
With views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline from the comfort of the vintage leather sofa and chairs in the cigar lounge, this is an idyllic place to enjoy these fine hand-rolled cigars, each carefully selected to complement the spirit and wine collection.
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At Qura, bar manager Gennaro Pucci creates a cocktail experience that reflects the search for rare and vintage spirits. Each drink, from classic to innovative, tells a story of global discovery. Pucci’s minimalist, handcrafted style makes every cocktail a unique journey, offering guests a taste of indulgence and exploration. In addition, Qura’s exclusive wine programme features an exquisite partnership with Château Domaine de la RomanĂ©e-Conti, showcasing some of the finest vintages and offering a sublime journey through the celebrated vineyards of Burgundy.
Peruse the extensive beverage menu and you’ll discover a bespoke collection of rare spirits and wines, passionately curated from around the world. Significant highlights from the spirit collection include the Uniting Nations #3, a rare blend of Japanese and Scottish whisky traditions, and historic Ferrand Distilled Before 1914, offering a taste of pre-World War I craftsmanship. The Foursquare Shibboleth, a 16-year-old Barbados Single Blended Rum, encapsulates the rich legacy of Barbadian rum-making; while the Fiona Macleod 33-Year Old by The Character of Islay Whisky Company stands out as a masterpiece of Islay’s whisky heritage, offering a complex, peat-smoked flavour, a tribute to the mystique of Islay. These rare spirits are not just beverages but stories captured in bottles, brought from the farthest corners of the world to the heart of Hong Kong.
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In the Qura dining lounge, under the shimmer of the hand-blown Venini Murano glass chandeliers, guests can sip on rare spirits and bespoke cocktails while soaking in the majestic framed views of Victoria Harbour over selections from a menu that is a captivating blend of comfort and adventure.
Some dishes are familiar favourites, while others blend exotic twists with ingredients from around the world. Signatures include baby lamb shoulder “Aveyron”; luxurious lobster linguini; and black truffle porcini risotto. The menu, which also features a diverse selection of oysters and caviar, is designed to perfectly pair with the curated beverages, as each dish brings unique tastes and origins to the table in the spirit of global culinary exploration.
For more Dining stories click here.
