London’s Jason Atherton brings Spanish flair to Hong Kong

Pollen Street Social’s Jason Atherton and Hong Kong entrepreneur Yenn Wong today celebrated the opening of their Hong Kong venture 22 Ships.

22 Ships’ Jason Atherton

Protégé of two of the most famous names in the trade, Gordon Ramsey and Ferran Adrià, Atherton served as Executive Chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelin-starred Maze and has since made his own name with the opening of the widely-acclaimed Pollen Street Social restaurant.

In Asia, his restaurants include Esquina and Pollen in Singapore, and Table No. 1 in Shanghai. 22 Ships will be his first Hong Kong venture.

“Like New York and London, Hong Kong is an international dining destination and it’s a dream come true for me to be here,” the chef said.

“I like my restaurants to be in more unusual locations, and Ship Street hits the spot as a fantastic location for a tapas bar – it’s historic, interesting, different. What we’re doing here represents the modern face of dining: outstanding food that is reasonably priced.”

Atherton describes his new venture as “the deformalizing of fine dining,” and presents an eclectic menu of modern Spanish tapas, alongside a dynamic list of wines, spirits and Spanish beers.

Wong, known for her J Plus boutique hotel in neighbouring Causeway Bay and its sister property in Shanghai, said: “With a hip ambience and comfortable neighbourhood attitude, 22 Ships is set to bring a unique flavour and vibe to Hong Kong, complementing Ship Street’s casual and easy-going nature. The buzz will focus on Atherton’s modern tapas menu – created especially for 22 Ships.”

With interiors by award-winning Shanghai design firm Neri & Hu Design Research Office (NHDRO), the restaurant takes the informality of Spanish “Para Picar” and with a capacity of 35 allows for a uniquely intimate dining experience.

The venue offers inside table and communal bar seating, as well as al fresco dining and drinking.