Mixologist John Nugent To Open The Diplomat At Central’s H Code This January

This January, seasoned mixologist John Nugent is set to open The Diplomat, his first speakeasy pub concept at Central’s H Code, neighbouring popular venues such as Tell Camellia and Saketen. The 18-seat cocktail venue is set to be Nugent’s first independent venue since his tenure at Lily & Bloom in Lan Kwai Fong.

With interiors reminiscing a cozy gastropubs with custom brass furnishings, brown leather banquettes, and tinted glass set within a curved exterior of speckled stone. Nugent’s pub is embellished with artwork by Ryan McGinley and Josh Sperling, adding a dreamy ambience with clashes of pop colours throughout the art pieces curated at the venue.

At The Diplomat, guests can indulge in tipples prepared with vintage liquors as well as a range of small-batch produced wines. Highlights in the cocktail menu includes Tarling (pandan gin, white port, baking spice, clarified orange juice, and coconut juice); and Pearl (black coffee amaro, Campari, green chartreuse, pineapple, ginger, almonds). The Diplomat also features a handful of hot dishes such as suckling pig Cubano; black truffle mac & cheese; and pomme frites with espelette pepper. The Diplomat opens daily from 6:00pm till late.