Nestled on the slopes of Graham Street, Courtroom has entered Hong Kong’s bar scene with a unique blend of whimsy and whiskies, sophistication and style, and a bang for your buck. Co-founded by industry veterans Saan Dhakal and Ranjeet Khatri, this innovative venue draws inspiration from notorious court cases that straddle the thin blue line between the serious and the absurd, creating an atmosphere that is both playful and refined, doing full justice to both realms of seemingly contradictory ideation—it’s some serious fun.
Even the bar’s logo—a cheeky monkey swinging from legal scales—encapsulates its duality, embodying a mischievous spirit while respecting the gravitas of legal proceedings. At first look, we found nothing objectionable. Upon entering, guests are welcomed by a dark wood interior adorned with judiciary-themed décor, including a witness stand table and a judge’s bench, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
Courtroom’s cocktail menu is a masterclass in mixology, featuring an array of 16 experimental cocktails and four inventive zero-proof mocktails. Each drink is crafted using unconventional ingredients, from bitter gourd to laksa leaf, pushing the boundaries of exotic flavour. Signature cocktails like The Alimony—a gin concoction infused with yellow mustard root and earthy beetroot—and the Conditional Discharge, incorporating pizza-dough tequila, are sure to surprise even the most discerning palates. We think there is no greater compliment to the mixologist than us requesting for more Alimony within the hour!
For a look behind the scenes, the bar’s downstairs lab—equipped with a sous-vide machine, rotovap, and a private room for VVIPs—serves as a creative hub for industry professionals to collaborate and innovate. It’s a welcoming space where ideas flow freely, creating a community of likeminded individuals passionate about the art of mixology. We saw machines of considerable size and dexterity as the able barkeep explained what each did, but we were lost in the haze of Alimony—our favourite potent concoction of the night.
As the evening progresses, the musical ambience evolves, transitioning from smooth jazz to upbeat 1980s ballads, culminating in a midnight celebration where the iconic Law & Order theme kicks off the late-night revelry. Meanwhile, the jury’s still out on the dancing we’ve witnessed so far on opening night, but the verdict is mostly light.
Beyond its playful spirit, Courtroom is committed to social sustainability. Partnering with Positive Wellbeing HK, the bar will host a free mental health seminar for F&B workers on World Mental Health Day, with plans to contribute a portion of cocktail sales to charity.
Whether you’re looking for a lively night out or a thoughtful discussion over current affairs, Courtroom invites you to adjudicate and savour the unexpected. With its blend of creativity, community, and social responsibility, this drinking spot raises the bar, a truly landmark case for the city’s vibrant nightlife. Our verdict is in—Courtroom is so appealing, we’d return to the scene of the crime at the drop of a hat. And yes, all puns intended. Guilty as charged.
52–54 Graham Street, Central, Hong Kong
All original images shot by Chris Yau, exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong. Additional images courtesy of Courtroom.
