Potato Head Hong Kong, the second international outpost of the hospitality and lifestyle brand PTT Family, will open its doors in June 2016. The Indonesia-based group is known for its innovative and beautifully designed concepts, including Potato Head Folk in Singapore and the must-visit Potato Head Beach Club and newly opened Katamama hotel in Bali. Now PTT Family brings its original vision to Hong Kong with an 8,000-square-foot multi-purpose space that will house a collection of retail and dining concepts as well as a comprehensive programme of cultural events, all presented with the warm hospitality of a family.
Potato Head Hong Kong was designed by award-winning Tokyo-based architect Sou Fujimoto and PTT Family’s in-house creative team. Fujimoto is best known for designing the 2013 Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, one of the highest honours in architecture. Earlier this month, Fujimoto’s installation “Forest of Light” was hailed as one of the highlights at Milan Design Week 2016.
At Potato Head Hong Kong, the interiors are an eclectic mix of Fujimoto’s signature metal frame structures and hanging plant boxes with custom Indonesian furniture and mid-century antiques spread throughout. Authentic Indonesian cultural touches, such as the hand-painted ceiling panels made by the Torajan people of South Sulawesi, pay homage to PTT Family’s roots whilst the furniture and antiques represent the group’s signature contemporary context.
Located in the neighbourhood of Sai Ying Pun, Potato Head Hong Kong is a partnership between PTT Family and restaurateur Yenn Wong and the JIA Group. The expansive site encompasses the following:
Kaum
PTT Family’s newest dining concept is collaboration between PTT Family CEO Ronald Akili, chef Antoine Audran and gastronomy activist Lisa Virgiano, united by their passion to bring Indonesia’s culinary traditions to a wider global audience. Recognising the craftsmanship of Indonesia’s producers and terroir, Kaum (“tribe” in Bahasa Indonesia) revives and celebrates the traditional cooking techniques of the country’s diverse ethnic tribes.
The Music Room
This discreet and intimate listening space houses a high-fidelity sound system, perfect for a variety of events. Potato Head Hong Kong will be working with local vinyl collectors and music experts to create a diverse line-up of artists and activities for the Music Room. Guests can look forward to disco nights, album listening parties, guest gigs from touring DJs and tie-ins with Potato Head Beach Club.
All-day café and bar
Award-winning mixologist Dre Masso brings the authentic exotic flavours of Bali to Potato Head Hong Kong in the form of expertly crafted tropical cocktails. The bar will specialise in fresh ingredients and flavours native to Bali, including a selection of arak, a popular Indonesian rice-based spirit. The bar will be managed by Missy Flynn, former co-founder of Rita’s, dubbed “London’s coolest restaurant” by The Times
I Love You So Coffee
Following its successful Tokyo launch, I Love You So Coffee makes its debut in Hong Kong. Serving freshly prepared brews daily, the café has developed a coffee programme with international coffee expert Scott Rao.
Retail
Characteristic of PTT Family’s strong focus on design and craftsmanship, Potato Head Hong Kong will feature a retail space in two sections. One will be an outpost of Canaan, the home and lifestyle boutique offering artisanal Indonesian items. The remaining space will be home to merchandise from PTT Family brands, including Katamama, Three Buns and Potato Head and a collection of magazines and records.
PTT Family’s expansion into Hong Kong is part of its quest to develop innovative concepts and authentic experiences across Asia and further afield.