The Doctor is back, now with a new address and a bold new chapter.
After a brief hiatus, Dr. Robbern Fern has recently unveiled his newest concept: The Doctor’s Residence by Dr. Fern, now tucked inside the Pottinger Hotel. Following the success of his original Gin Parlour at Landmark, the new concept marks Volume II of his gin legacy.
"Patients" can expect emotionally complex cocktails, eccentric G&Ts, and umami-laced bites crafted for the chronically curious. Still prescribing gin and botanicals, Dr. Fern offers personalised “treatments” infused with fresh, local herbs and premium spirits, now served from the comfort of his private residence.
Bar Manager Babit Burathroki leads the charge, preparing the physician’s concoctions with meticulous care and expertise for their esteemed guests. “Dr. Fern continues to dish out 'unusual prescriptions' according to symptoms, thoughtfully handpicking all ingredients and mixing them according to preferred flavor profiles,” said Babit.
10 Prescriptions, Different Altered States of Mind
Part cocktail list, part patient file, each drink comes with a satirical prescription label, complete with diagnosis, dosage, tasting notes, side effects, and clinical absurdities. Expect unconventional ingredients such as squid, bacon, jellyfish, pickled watermelon rind, and floral compounds inspired by literary hallucinogens.
Highlights include:
- Brinewashed (HK$130): perfect for times “when your neurons want a day off.” Tamras gin, coriander extract, house chilli brine, mint, lemongrass, and clarified watermelon juice.
- Shroom Service (HK$130): Native Australian gin, Fernet Hunter, calamansi, almond liqueur, coconut oil, topped with an aged Chinese mushroom foam for an umami-laced, tropical high.
- Sultan Serum (HK$130): Oriental Gunpowder gin, Plantation Pineapple rum, Averna, Iron Buddha Tea, Cocchi Storico vermouth, raw cacao, cocoa butter, and garnished with a crown of orange peel. Side effects include “main character energy, fluent in pyramid schemes.”
- The Jellyfish Material (HK$130): Squid distilled gin, thyme sous vide, Mancino Secco vermouth, sake, jellyfish, cucumber bitters, and saline solution, garnished with delicate mini blue jellyfish drops.
A Gin Library like No Other
The Doctor’s Residence boasts an unrivalled collection, housing over 400 types of gin, an extensive library of rare labels and botanicals bottled for every type of patient. Making its Hong Kong Debut is the Ortiz IV Gin from Germany, a crisp, small-batch London Dry inspired by Philippine gin traditions.
Alongside it are rare and remarkable labels, including Citadelle Rouge from France and Ornabrak from Ireland.
Each G&T is paired with bespoke garnishes like elderflower tonics, pineapple gelees, micro herbs, and galaxy raspberries — all served in custom-etched glassware. Guests can also opt for Dr. Fern’s signature Floral Glow Ice (+HKD$40) in any G&T, a botanical ice block that slowly transforms the G&T into a blooming botanical
Food for the Chronically Curious
The bar bites at Dr. Fern’s are umami flavour bombs designed to satiate the appetite, each with their own witty moniker. These include:
- Whipped Green (HK$80): Asian-spiced whipped edamame, with housemade fermented chilli oil and crispy lotus chips
- Codependent Fish Burger (HK$120): Curry-spiced fish fillet, shredded slaw, pickles, and salmon roe on brioche
- Say Cheese (HK$90): Queso fresco and burnt corn croquettes, ancho chilli mole sauce with housemade pickles
- Double Smashed Buns (HK$160): Two smashed beef patties, chipotle mayo, caramelised onions, cheese on brioche
Inside the Doctor’s Residence
A whisper of the 1970s, the indoor lounge pairs retro-chic emerald velvet seating, fern-patterned wallpaper, lava lamps, and vintage furnishings. Outside, the leafy terrace offers a tranquil hideaway, perfect for unfiltered conversations and sunset prescriptions. Dr. Fern’s Residence hosts up to 120 guests, complete with a DJ booth.
“Inspired by the era of being wild and free, The Doctor’s Residence by Dr. Fern is less of a bar and more of a lucid dream with a gin fixation,” says Babit. “It’s a surrealist clinic where botanicals are medicine, flavours are feelings, and the only side effect is wanting more.”
For more information, follow The Doctor’s Residence by Dr. Fern on Instagram. Reservations are available here.
Location: The Doctor’s Residence by Dr. Fern, SHOP NO.4, 3/F, The Pottinger, 74 Queens Road, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 5 PM onwards (Monday to Sunday)
