MIUS Bar: Hong Kong's Charming Neighbourhood Gem

Nestled at 29 Gough Street in the vibrant NoHo area, in that odd space between Central and Sheung Wan which is a nightmare to get to on a rainy day in a red cab (I write with a lot of experience), MIUS [pronounced "muse" but Alexa that and land up elsewhere, hence the all caps spelling], has quickly become one of Hong Kong's most talked-about cocktail bars since opening its doors in late August 2025. 

Shelly Tai

Founded by award-winning bartender Shelley Tai, the venue marks her triumphant return home after nearly five years abroad, where she managed Singapore's acclaimed Nutmeg & Clove (ranked #6 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024). There are 8,926 licensed bars operating in Hong Kong [yes, I checked] in the tiny dot of an island and the trickling pool of customers have options galore, venues tightly knit next to each other so waiting is not an option for the well-heeled. Note a line streaming out of a bar, waiting in impatient scroll, you know the venue is either really good [Coa, Bar Leone], or its new with either hype or hyperbola trending on social media. 

I landed at the venue soon after MIUS opened and am happy to report its pretty damn good. As all are spoilt for choice in the city, you really aren't going to a bar for their novel drinks and the aerated promises of a tattooed mixologist, you're going to follow the cult of personality; Bar Leone does better when Lorenzo's in town and without Jay Khan's ever-smiling face, Coa wouldn't be what it is either. I was told about Shelley long before I met her; she's gorgeous and she's gifted. Both, I've witnessed. 

A former Quinary talent [which is a street above and across the street - like I said, choices], Tai brings world-class expertise and her famed World Class championship pedigree to her first independent project. The name MIUS playfully twists “muse,” reflecting Tai’s philosophy of “simple things, done right.” The bar embodies a welcoming neighbourhood vibe rather than flashy spectacle—think mid-century modern decor with neutral tones, clean lines, high ceilings, reflective surfaces, and warm wood accents that create an elegant yet generally unpretentious atmosphere. 

The menu focuses on modern classics and approachable cocktails, most using no more than six ingredients for balance and precision. Standouts include the refreshing Tomatotini (vodka-based, savoury twist, introduced to me by Christy Liang who swears by it--word of mouth does well in the 852), the cozy warm Matcha Mori (hot whisky with matcha, coconut, and salted vanilla cream), the fruity Guava Oolong Float (sparkling sake with sorbet), Strawberry Negroni, and the beloved Gin & Apple. 

Beyond drinks, MIUS pairs cocktails with comforting bar bite staples like fries and hearty plates that blend Asian influences, turning it into a true hangout spot. Prices range from the accessible to the elevated, so look carefully; the prices are not on whim, the quality of the ingredients is top-notch.  

While on a lonesome media tasting, I found the place to be perfect for Hong Kong’s youth and dare-I-suspect, many a first-date situation. It attracts younger crowds eager for its relaxed energy, sharp pours, and genuine hospitality. It feels approachable and comfortable, designed for easy conversation with friends or bartenders, with gentle music levels and a no-pretension approach, although I've been warned by others that the place gets busy quickly and is riddled with the young and the restless, while the rest of us might have to wait in line--unless you know someone, who knows someone, who can get you a high-barstool quickly.

High-concept bars are dime-a-dozen, MIUS stands out for its focus on enjoyment over showmanship—proving that thoughtful simplicity can create something truly special.

MIUS
Address: 29 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong (Sheung Wan/Central area, walk-in only)
Instagram: @mius.hongkong 
Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 5 PM to 1 AM

Postscript: next week, will let you know about Peridot, which everyone's talking about... unkindly. Great views, awful food, photogenic interiors with vile vegan cheese. Great staff, but an expensive venue. I want to like the place, but like Natalie Imbruglia and my shower curtain, I am torn. 

Also, my how the mighty hath fallen; whatever is going on at 11 Westside?! 

  

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Art Basel Hong Kong: 2026

 

Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 is scheduled for March 27–29, 2026 (public days), with preview/Vernissage days on March 25–26 (invitation only or special access). 

The photo does little justice to this piece that was in constant motion courtesy of cleverly concealed air ducts that made the fabric move like ocean waves. Many stood mesmerised just watching it ebb and flow. 

 Can't wait to see what's coming up; in conversation with curators, exhibitors and the odd gents from Sotheby's and Christie's to see what they are looking forward to. 

In this haze of constant doom scroll, shocking headlines, and a barrage of bad news, something to look forward to. 

Chain Reaction: Men's Jewellery in 2026 is all about Bling Kings

David Yurman kicked off a pivotal shift in men's accessories in early 2024, launching the brand's first dedicated high-jewellery collection for men—"The Vault"—with Michael B. Jordan as global brand ambassador, model, and muse. 

The campaign, captured by Tyler Mitchell, helped normalise bold, luxurious pieces for men and sparked wider interest across the industry. 

By 2026, the momentum has only grown. Over the past two years, editors (and red carpets) have witnessed an explosion of gentlemen embracing dazzling, high-end accessories—from understated signets to statement chains and pavé-set bands. Men's fine jewelry has evolved into a true avenue for self-expression, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern edge. Here are some of the standout trends and pieces catching attention in 2026, ranging from subtle sophistication to pure opulence. 

P. Ramakrishnan writes.

Image courtesy of Daniel T

Full feature at Style.com  

The Armoury in Central, Hong Kong, with Model One's resident supermodel Taner S

 

Suit Up! 

 Brunello Cucinelli, Ralph Lauren (Purple label!), Hermès, Tom Ford, Loro Piana are just regulars in the column. But over the past two years, I seem to have written the most about The Armoury, esp the Central branch in Hong Kong [have yet to visit its New Yorkian avatar!]. Would love to do a shoot on location there, high ceilings, natural light, the arches, the controlled environs, the cityscape, to be in the heart and chaos of Central and yet be above it all, far from the madding crowd. One fine day...

Another day, another year, another shoot with Hong Kong's resident Turkish super-duper-model, Taner S. The fittings pre-shoot were a breeze. 

Oh to be sample size... 

Mia Kang: An all-time favourite magazine cover girl: Eurasian supermodel

 

Coa Was Listed as the Best Bar in Asia. Again.

Throwback Thursday: Have been writing about Jay Khan since... the days of Galaxy magazine in the early 2012s!  Someone brought up with Coa feature and interview and... i forgot I wrote it! So here's a throwback to summer of 2022.

With successive accolades and titles in a row, will owner Jay Khan strike a hat-trick?

At a boisterous ceremony held at The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, among a sea of peers, friends, rivals and fans, Hong Kong’s very own Coa retained its title as Asia’s Best Bar, at the seventh edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.

Launched in 2017 by Jay Khan, owner and charismatic bartender, Coa has a focus on agave spirits and lies off the beaten path in Central, among a cluster of other famed titles and tonier bar/restaurant hybrids. Standing out in this crowd isn’t-but he makes it look-easy.

Over a signature drink at a relatively quiet hour, we sat across Khan for a quick tête-à-tête.

Read the full interview and feature here at Robb Report Hong Kong. 

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RIP Terri Holladay: Remembering the first lady I ever asked for a quote for my newspaper column

On this day, two years ago, I heard about the untimely passing of Terri Holladay and was immediately taken back to my intern days at SCMP, when I first wrote about this staggeringly beautiful lady for my Society and then "Lai See" column [which was shared with other writers].

Terri Holladay, born Teresa Anne Holladay in 1968, was a vibrant Vietnamese American model, designer, entrepreneur, and prominent Asian socialite whose life blended glamour and grace as she hopscotched over the pitfalls of fame and great fortune. She rose to prominence in the fashion world, was one of the first few Asian models who graced the cover of Vogue, before capturing headlines in Hong Kong tabloids for her scandalous, high-profile relationship and engagement to billionaire Cecil Chao Sze-tsung in the early 2010s. The couple welcomed a son together named Roman [Roman Holladay-- geddit?!], adding a deeply personal chapter to her public persona. Known for her elegance, passion for travel, cooking [think she had a cookbook out a la Nigella], love of animals, grace and glamour, Terri described herself as a multifaceted woman: a mother, creative force, and lover of life's finer experiences. 

After stepping away from the spotlight, despite several high-profile relationships [including a well-documented one in the papers with HK/Sindhi entrepreneur Dino Lalvani] that played out in print, in later years, Terri lived more privately in Hong Kong, focusing on family and personal pursuits. When she disengaged from the media, she completely cut off the trappings of fame, burnt by what the press was writing in the wild wild west days of tabloid sub-culture in the city; I remember a local colleague saying their newspaper office had more lawyers than reporters as the notorious press, pre-social media, sold millions of copies on the back of local celebrities. A friend featured in print often, famously told us in the magazine office, about the daily rags and tabloid hacks, "the story doesn't have to be truthful, it has to be interesting."   
Well, Terri was always truthful and interesting. 
She passed away on December 27, 2023, at the age of 55 in Hong Kong, but her tragic death remained largely unnoticed until February 2024, when an online memorial page surfaced, drawing media attention and tributes from those who remembered her warmth, remarkable spirit and red-carpet elegance. Her family and friends let the dust settle before news broke, allowing them to deal with the tragedy in peace. 
Terri was one of the first few ladies I featured—an early highlight in my Society column, that showcased her poise and charisma. She left an impression as someone who navigated fame with grace, embracing both its thrills and being perturbed by its challenges. I was chatting with a friend at The Mandarin Oriental, facing the buffet table (as usual!), when she tapped my shoulder and said something kind about what I had written about her in an earlier column. I remember being 19 and flabbergasted at how gorgeous and glamorous she was. Didn't even respond like a human being and made some strange esophagal sound and she quickly swanned away. #FacePalm  
Scrolling through the tributes online, friends and admirers recall her as a beautiful woman who led a full life filled with love, and resilience. She was deeply cherished as a mother and friend; her kindness and effortless elegance remains in the memories of many. 
Though she shunned the limelight later on, her legacy as a trailblazing, multifaceted celebrity will be her enduring legacy, along with the love she had for her beloved son, the young entrepreneur Roman. 
RIP Terri.