Mostly Harmless, a Hong Kong bar ranked 45th on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2024, is best known for its omakase cocktail menu, which changes daily and features ingredients sourced locally.
On March 27, it made an unexpected move to serving only mocktails – non-alcoholic drinks – and has since expanded its menu of elevated bar snacks.
It was a pivot, albeit one that may be temporary, that came about partly because the bar in Sai Ying Pun on Hong Kong Island was forced to reapply for its liquor licence, explains owner Ezra Star.
“We did our best and thought things were going the right way; then we were informed that what our licensing consultant told us wasn’t accurate. So we changed course and are just following what’s required to reapply.”
A bar does not stop being a bar just because it takes a break from serving alcoholic drinks, however.