It's hip, it's hot, and it's coming to Hong Kong (hktdc.com)


	Australian entrepreneur Alistair Paton says M1NT Hong Kong, opening in September, will match Hong Kong society's sophisticated taste for service and luxury

M1NT, one of the hottest and most successful private members clubs in London, which counts celebrities, billionaires and royalty among its members, is to launch in Hong Kong in September this year.

"M1NT Hong Kong will offer the finest trappings of a luxury lifestyle in a city where premium service is widely delivered and appreciated," said 27-year-old Alistair Paton, an Australian-born entrepreneur who set up M1NT in London's trendy Knightsbridge area 18 months ago.

"We looked at New York and a few other places but decided that Hong Kong was the place to be. Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant, outgoing places in the world where people appreciate quality products and services."

Just like its London counterpart, M1NT Hong Kong will be a member's bar with a twist - its first 250 members collectively own the company that owns the club. These 250 shareholders have lifetime membership with no annual fees. They collectively share the profits of the business, can sell their shares and have reciprocal rights to M1NT London and all future venues worldwide. A second tier of 1,000 traditional members paying annual fees will have access to the club and form the waiting list for shares. "We believe this is a unique idea - members are not just buying a membership of a private club, but an actual stake in its success," Mr Paton said.

Better than London

"I think in terms of financial performance it could do better than London and in terms of design, I think it will improve on London," he added. The group is spending HK$25 million (US$3 million) to design a product that would be in keeping with Hong Kong's sophisticated taste for service and luxury.

The company has secured a 10 year lease on a 5,000-square-foot property located on Hollywood Road near the Central business district. A team of top designers is currently working on a fit-out that will include a dining and cocktail area, several private dining rooms, and secret hideaways for members who want privacy.

Mr Paton said unlike the London project which took months to get off the ground, completing the necessary Hong Kong regulation and licensing requirements had been simple and straightforward. "Not only can Hong Kong be truly termed a 24-hour city for around-the-clock wining and dining entertainment, it also has amazing infrastructure and a business regulatory system that is fast and efficient."

Mr Paton said Hong Kong designers, interior decorators, construction professionals and the local M1NT management team are among the best he has ever worked with. "Hong Kong people seem to have the knack of knowing what needs to be done and how to get it done properly. This is so stimulating and refreshing," he said.

Elite members' list

To ensure the club is formed with an eclectic mix, shareholder members will be selected from 10 professions - media, banking, fashion, music, law, sport, medicine, property, art and manufacturing.

"Probably like no other place on earth, Hong Kong has a diverse mix of people who are both at the top of their professions and regularly network with each other," Mr Paton said.

The club has plans to be a venue for product launches, cocktail parties, fashion shows and other activities linked to members' businesses. Hong Kong M1NT members will be entitled to reciprocal use of M1NT in London and all future venues worldwide. Other benefits include discounts and fast-track bookings to Gordon Ramsay restaurants, the Monaco Grand Prix, Wimbledon and Cartier Polo.

"M1NT is not just a bar, but a forum for bringing together individuals at the top of their respective professions to create an interesting and formidable network. It's a place where you can truly mix business with pleasure, whilst relaxing in a friendly environment," explained Mr Paton.