Artifact

Nestled discreetly in BaseHall 02 under Jardine House, Artifact opened in March 2023 as a hidden gem in the heart of Central. Designed by NC Design + Architecture’s Nelson Chow, the bar immerses guests in a sculptural world inspired by underground cisterns and vintage sci‑fi aesthetics. Entry is via an industrial passage lined with porthole-like windows and acoustic tiles that deaden the bustle of the food hall. Inside, fibreglass arches and mirrored ceilings create the illusion of soaring vaults, while a centrally glowing “artificial sun” above the bar casts a warm, sunset glow. Under the creative direction of bar manager J Frank and drink innovators Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star, and Michael Larkin, Artifact focuses on brown‑spirit cocktails—brandy, whiskey, rum, gin—crafted to evoke voyages through time, earth, and ocean. A standout is the caviar martini, alongside the cozy Bread & Butter Milk Punch. Time Out crowned it “Best Transportative Bar” in Hong Kong (2024), and Food & Wine listed Artifact among the top 10 international bars—with its dramatic space and hyper‑focused craft highlighted. With just 18 seats, this intimate lounge provides a cinematic retreat where every detail fuels wonder—making it an essential stop for design lovers and cocktail connoisseurs alike.