A BEACON IN THE SHADOWS: THE PONTIAC UNVEILS “NEON LIT”, A COCKTAIL ANTHEM TO EMPOWERMENT, COMMUNITY, AND SELF-EXPRESSION

Hong Kong’s legendary rock-and-roll culture bar unveils its latest cocktail collection launching September 1st, celebrating community, female empowerment, and decade-long iconic flavors.

Hi - Res Images here

<<HONG KONG, August 26th 2026>> If we had to talk about iconic bars in Hong Kong, The Pontiac would be at the top of the hit list. The rock-and-roll culture bar and Asia’s 50 Best Bars alum, is lighting the way at 13 Old Bailey Street with the launch of its newest menu, “NEON LIT: A Light in Shadow Spaces,” launching September 1st. 

The Pontiac Neon Lit New Menu

But, why Neon Lit? We all miss the Neon signs of Hong Kong and the heritage behind it, and The Pontiac neon sign outside the bar still lights the way for those looking for a place to be involved, included and be themselves. The team is leaning into the new menu theme with brand new neon signs within the space to build on the ethos of being a guiding light within shadow spaces by celebrating the light inside every individual. The concept serves as a bold call to action which is owning your power, stepping out of the shadows, and remaining unapologetically true to who you are.

Today, the venue is guided by Partner and General Manager Jen Queen, an industry veteran bringing over 20 years of global experience spanning San Diego, Cambodia, and Myanmar, alongside Senior Bar Manager Nicole Slater, who together champion a space built on mentorship and self-expression with a female led team.

"The Pontiac has always been more than a bar; it’s a living, breathing community where everyone is welcome to step out of the shadows and shine," says Jen Queen, Partner & General Manager of The Pontiac. "With 'NEON LIT', we’re celebrating that energy. Whether you’re diving into our new releases or returning to iconic hits like the Hobnail that built our culture over the past 11 years, this menu represents the light, passion, and spirit of our team and everyone who walks through our doors."

MENU HIGHLIGHTS & BEHIND-THE-GLASS STORIES

THE PONTIAC NEON: GATEWAY (NEW RELEASES)

6 new elevated riffs on '90s club-style favorites that blend nostalgia with behind the glass stories that embody team members stories from their past:

• MIDNIGHT SUN: Compass Box Artist’s Blend, blackberry-shiitake cordial, angostura bitters. Named as a tip of the hat to queer history, this tipple honors the iconic Midnight Sun in San Francisco, the first gay club Jen Queen ever visited, where she learned foundational queer history.

• KICK AT THE DARK: Nuku Mezcal, ancho verde, jalapeño brine, lemon, cilantro, wonderfoam. A deeply personal creation for team member Sarah, this drink draws its name and spirit directly from music, bridging the bar's core rock-and-roll culture with high-energy flavors.

• TEACHES OF PEACHES: Planteray 3 Star, lime, minted peach, verjus, orange bitters, soda. Crafted by charring peaches and minting the scraps shaken with rum, this beverage pays homage to feminist activist Peaches, an essential influence in Jen Queen’s life and the artist behind one of the very first concerts she snuck into.

  
  

COMMIT TO THE LIT NEON: 6 PONTY’S GREATEST HITS

• PINKIES UP: Gin, Rum, strawberry-oolong cordial, lemon, aér. Crafted as a personal anchor by Senior Bar Manager Nicole, this drink reflects her journey balancing dual cultures through a Hong Kong and British upbringing. Featuring a split-base tea profile with gin, rum, strawberries, and roasted oolong tea, it gives a voice to inclusivity from day to night.

• 1•3•O.B. (“It’s where we stand”): PB Whiskey, Amaro Montenegro, hazelnut liquor, sesame dem, angostura bitters. A kick-ass 4-part "muddy buddy" drink inspired by neighborhood chocolate-peanut butter snack mixes, standing as a tribute to the community at 13 Old Bailey Street.

• HOBNAIL (Vol. 1, 2015): Whisk(e)y, rich bitch ginger, averna, lemon, orange oil. The defining cocktail of The Pontiac's discography, remaining at the core of its culture for 11 years strong.

  
  

ADDITIONAL MENU CATEGORIES

• CONTRABAND NEON: Rotated classics reinterpreted through The Pontiac lens, the true litmus test for bartenders to prove their craft while deepening relationships with guests.

• SHOTS SHOTS SHOTS NEON: Single shots and sixers.

• F*CK OFF NEON: High and dry zero/low-ABV options with CROSSIP for inclusive drinking.

• ES NEON: Curated house spirits, wines, and beers.

  
  

MEDIA & VENUE INFORMATION

• High-Res Imagery & Release: Available for download [HERE]

• Address: 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong

• Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM

• Instagram: @wearethepontiac

  
  

Press Contacts — Midnight Espresso Communications:

• Tiana Ludhani: tiana@midnight-espresso.com  +852 9516 6547

• Marcellia Debenoit: marcellia@midnight-espresso.com | +852 6702 0179

  
  

ABOUT THE PONTIAC Founded in 2015, The Pontiac is a legendary rock-and-roll dive bar nestled in the heart of Hong Kong. Consistently ranked among the best bars in Asia, it is a celebrated institution in the city's nightlife scene. Known for its rebellious spirit, world-class cocktails, and an atmosphere that seamlessly blends gritty charm with sophisticated mixology, The Pontiac stands as a movement, a vibrant hub where punk rock energy meets polished craft, challenging traditional notions of a high-end cocktail experience.