A one on one celebrity interview with a genuine superstar and Hollywood actress....
My portfolio, musings, amusing(s - that a word? No? K.) and more. Photoshoots over the years, behind the scenes anecdotes, some awesome celebrity encounters (some horrific ones too!). 21 years+ as a journalist in Hong Kong - that's a lot of verbal diarr... um... discourse!
Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Shopping in Hong Kong: Sign of the times
Rather philosophical... while you're trying to buy an undershirt...
Monday, 9 November 2026
Gokan Hong Kong: Central’s Hidden Japanese Gem: Cocktail Treasure House
The name "Gokan" translates to "five senses," reflecting a philosophy built around the five fundamental taste profiles: sweet, sour, spicy, bitter, and savory. Guests explore drinks structured around these flavour pillars, with cocktails custom-built on the rocks, as a highball, or strained depending on personal preference.
Inside, warm amber glow, dark wooden finishes, and ice-inspired glass walls set an intimate mood. Counter seats provide an up-close view of hand-carved ice precision and meticulous mixology theater - you can see the kalisthenics as the barkeep create their drinks.
Complemented by gourmet izakaya bites like charcoal-grilled A4 wagyu claypot rice, Gokan delivers an unhurried yet world-class drinking experience in the heart of Hong Kong's financial district.
It is that quiet getaway, far from the madding crowd that is LKF - which is just steps away.
Gokan has gained some international acclaim shortly after opening, climbing the ranks of the world's elite bar scene:
Asia's 50 Best Bars: Ranked No. 33 in 2025 and surged to No. 23 in 2026.
The World's 50 Best Bars: Recognized on the extended global list at No. 70.
Address: G/F, 30 Ice House Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 5500 0399
Tel: +852 5500 0399
Sunday, 8 November 2026
Diwali Weekend: Hong Kong What to wear? Sabyasachi of course!
Well, its Diwali weekend. A look back at an event hosted by Lane Crawford x Sabyasachi x Christian Loubutin.
All the top models in the city turned up - dressed to the hilt my the sensational, soft-spoken gentle giant of Indian fashion, Sabya - aka Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
On set: Behind the Scenes of a cover shoot
Behind the scenes of a cover shoot...
Yes, the 'star' was hours late... and yes, we just deal with it!
Friday, 6 November 2026
The Peninsula Hong Kong's Golden Ticket to Charlie and The Chocolate Factory: Nov 2026
An envelope in velvet (or is it felt?!), gold stamped with The Peninsula Hong Kong logo and the glittering inscription, "You're Invited" landed on my desk last week, underscored with the perfection that one now expects from the legendary hotel. Even without opening the package, I knew I was in for a delectable adventure; and voila there were indeed golden tickets with my name hand-writ in cursive, for a gala evening at the famed hotel's iconic lobby.
Last night, The Peninsula Hong Kong transformed into a world of pure imagination with its Chocolate Garden Gala-style collaboration celebrating the Hong Kong run of the Broadway musical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. As the official hotel partner of the production, the iconic “Grande Dame” of Tsim Sha Tsui morphed into something new. The entrance of the historic hotel transformed to a thematic, curtained entrance with the lobby blossomed into a technicolour fun land with chocolate stations and the finest cuisine (again, expected - it is the Peninsula after all). The champagne ran out real fast at our corner but was happy with my tumbler of red wine. But I wasn't really there for the drink; bring me chocolat!
At first we grimaced at the sight of... way too many children at that late hour, but bless 'em they were well-behaved and apparently allowed out that late (its mid term break!). Willy Wonka’s fantastical chocolate factory leaped beyond the stage and breached into the auspices of the establishment and we are here for it!
Guests stepped into the limited run time of the Wonka-inspired experiences that blend the hotel’s refined luxury with playful, theatrical, chocolicious magic. The star of the hotel offerings is the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Afternoon Tea at Felix (28th floor), available from 10 November to 10 December 2026. Served against panoramic Victoria Harbour vistas, the experience features story-inspired savoury bites and decadent sweets - including Golden Ticket chocolate bars - alongside themed cocktails or mocktails such as the Butter Scotch. Interactive elements include a flowing chocolate fountain, blind chocolate tastings, and chocolate-cracking fun. All chocolate coated themes were fun, behind-the-scenes access to the hotel’s rarely opened Chocolate Room, a hands-on chocolate-making workshop, and a cocktail session with a take-home recipe card.
These hotel experiences perfectly pair with the musical itself, which runs from 4 November to 6 December 2026 at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (a short walk away).
Based on Roald Dahl’s beloved novel, the production follows young Charlie Bucket’s golden-ticket adventure into Wonka’s whimsical factory. It features classic songs from the 1971 film (“Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket”) plus new music, dazzling visuals, and illusions by Las Vegas specialist Tim Clothier. Daniel Plimpton stars as Willy Wonka, with Oliver Wong as Charlie.
Was fun to see the usual mix of Hong Kong society in the mix; the handful of socialites, KOLs, influencers, the press, the fashionable and the fashion faux-pas swirling under the imperious chandeliers. Veronica Li, Laura Cheung, Christy Liang, Emma Lauren topped my list of Best-Dressed - with an unrecognisable brunette Diane D'Arenberg looking extraordinary with yet another fanciful hat. Or was it a fascinator? Either way, she remains fascinating. Meanwhile, my stylist friend commented, we aren't here to judge what the guests are wearing... and then someone with yoga pants and a cropped top walked by.
Some people do arts and crafts. We judge.
A cheery littl' fella was walking around, mixing and mingling with the crowd, ever-hat-clad singer Jason Mraz - in town to kick off his series of concerts. Such an affable chap that Mraz.
"I wanna be a millionaire so freaking bad," remains his most famous ditty. Except in Hong Kong of course, he'd have to switch it to 'billionaire' as you could swing a Fendi left or right and hit a few millionaires in the room.
Tuesday, 3 November 2026
Curated, Exclusive, Exquisite Artisan Casks: A New Era in Luxury Whisky Ownership
Experience the Pinnacle of Craftsmanship with The Artisanal Spirits Company’s Private Cask Programme
Over the past few weeks, whisky collectors, connoisseurs, and the curious have been part of a fine whisky experience, launched on a luxury yacht in Monaco (as one does!), at an all-villa resort in Singapore, and at one of the swankiest clubs in Hong Kong, where we at Robb Report Hong Kong were the only press invited to the event. How could we possibly say no?
Particularly to the familiar charms of James Mackay, no stranger to Hong Kong, who may have left our post-typhoon-Wipha-whipped shores years ago for the bucolic adventures of village life in Edinburgh, but the city’s gritty fibres remain in his arteries.
Mackay, a rare whisky and fine spirits specialist with three decades of independent consultancy and positions with industry leaders, is an easily recognised and award-winning figure. He once had a popular drinks column in Hong Kong, where he was a resident. His in-depth features read like a friend explaining the glories of vine, wine, wood, and cask, as he took more than a passing interest in the exquisite drinks that arrived in the city. He left some time ago but stayed in the news: in 2022, he was made a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’, a lifetime honour recognising outstanding contributions to the Scotch whisky industry, and in 2023, he became a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Distillers.
The city is an addiction he can’t break, so he returns with a bag of tricks and trinkets—or rather, what looks like a trunk fully furnished with armour, but within its protective sponge-cast interior lies the rarest liquid of amber and gold. He wheels into view and unloads not bullets but three of the finest whiskies known to cask and country.
We sampled Macallan 1993 Artisan Cask, Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask, and ‘Ancient Alba’ 1972 Artisan Cask, while he expounded the raison d’être of Artisan Casks and how it all came to be.
The Artisanal Spirits Company launched Artisan Casks, an exquisite new private cask programme that offers discerning individuals the opportunity to acquire a selection of exceptional, aged Scotch whisky casks, each with a story as rich as the liquid it holds. This is not about owning one bottle, but an entire fleet. This initiative is not merely a purchasing opportunity; it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the intricate artistry and heritage of whisky-making, joining an elite club of like-minded individuals who prize exclusivity, experience, and erudition—well, not exactly in that order—in owning, having their name and indeed legacy imprinted for posterity, one bottle at a time. Apart from the art of procuring, there’s the ‘f’ word that doesn’t often percolate in the refined circles of connoisseurship: fun.
The ownership of these casks is, quite frankly, for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, the 1 per cent who are looking for something beyond a rare bottle at auction.
Artisan Casks epitomises the artisanal spirit of whisky production, allowing connoisseurs to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that defines this revered spirit. Each cask, aged a minimum of 20 years, is primed for immediate bottling but also offers the potential for further maturation, tailored to individual preferences in consultation with the company’s expert whisky-makers.
The exclusivity of the Artisan Casks programme cannot be overstated, so it bears repeating. Each year, only a limited number of casks will be made available, with this inaugural selection featuring illustrious names such as Laphroaig, Macallan, Mortlach, and Bowmore. Prices for these exquisite offerings range from £50,000 (approximately HK$530,616) to £600,000 (HK$6,366,930), reflecting the cask’s age, provenance, and size, ensuring that each acquisition is as unique as the whisky it contains.
As mentioned, the programme was unveiled to a select audience of private clients and media at The Presidential Villa at Raffles on Sentosa Island, marking the Asia launch after a spectacular debut aboard the 125-year-old classic sailing yacht, The Black Swan, in Monaco. For good measure, we had the exclusive first look at OBE in Hong Kong, under the aegis of Club Bâtard. Further events are slated for New York and Dubai, indicating global interest in this remarkable initiative.
At the helm of this innovative programme, Mackay, the newly appointed Private Client Director for The Artisanal Spirits Company, brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as Global Private Client Director and Head of Rare & Exceptional Spirits for Diageo plc. His expertise is instrumental in guiding clients through the unique journey of cask ownership without delving into the tedious notions of numbers, return-on-investment figures, pie charts, or graphs to indicate the fiscal state of the owner’s prized portfolio. What can be discussed is quality and rarity—value, not cost.
“This programme unites the core elements that make single malt Scotch whisky extraordinary: authentic craftsmanship, technical artistry, and unwavering attention to detail,” he says, articulating the essence of Artisan Casks. “Owning a cask is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I am eager to share with fellow enthusiasts.”
The Artisanal Spirits Company prides itself on the individuality of each cask, underscoring a commitment to superior cask management and an artisanal vision. The dedication to nurturing each cask ensures that it reaches the zenith of its potential, with regular assessments and meticulous attention to the interplay between spirit and wood.
The whisky-makers at The Artisanal Spirits Company meticulously select and pair each spirit with the appropriate wood, regularly monitoring its maturation to maintain a harmonious balance. This process often involves sourcing casks from the finest cooperages and sherry bodegas, ensuring that no expense is spared in the pursuit of excellence.
Cask owners will be welcomed into an elite circle, sharing an appreciation for the finest craftsmanship and lavish experiences. Through collaborations with the company’s esteemed partners, they will enjoy privileged access to some of Scotland’s most celebrated distilleries, exclusive bottlings, and invitations to private events, all designed to deepen their connection to whisky culture.
Over the past four decades, The Artisanal Spirits Company has sourced an exceptional assortment of casks from more than 100 renowned single malt Scotch whisky distilleries, including the likes of Macallan, Bowmore, and Laphroaig, curating and selling limited-edition whiskies that celebrate craftsmanship and heritage. Housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Scotland, each cask is matured with the singular aim of achieving peak quality at bottling. The bespoke approach to cask care necessitates an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and precision, distinguishing it in a league of its own.
Among the Artisan Casks being showcased are:
- Macallan 1993 Artisan Cask No. #305118
- Bowmore 2004 Artisan Cask No. #161217
- Laphroaig 1998 Artisan Cask No. #151785
- Caol Ila 1992 Artisan Cask No. #180965
- Highland Park 2005 Artisan Cask No. #160821
- Mortlach 1991 Artisan Cask No. #304589
- Bunnahabhain 2004 Artisan Cask No. #903350
- Glen Grant 1994 Artisan Cask No. #305100
In addition to its cask programme, the company owns the Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS), further enhancing its capability to provide some of the world’s finest whisky experiences through its beautifully appointed clubhouses in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London.
The Artisan Casks programme by The Artisanal Spirits Company is more than a purchase; it is an entry into an exclusive world of whisky craftsmanship, inviting aficionados to partake in an extraordinary journey of flavour, artistry, and heritage.
For more information, log on to Artisan Spirits
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