Entrepreneur F&B Specialist

Max Traverse

Versailles → Hong Kong Scroll

Max Traverse — Portrait, Hong Kong

01 / Profile

Entrepreneur
F&B Specialist

Max Traverse is a pedigreed Entrepreneur and F&B Specialist originally from Versailles, France, bringing over two decades of international experience to the table. A fine dining veteran in the high-end cocktail scene, his journey has travelled through the culinary landscapes of France, England, and finally, his current home in Hong Kong.

20⁺years of international
hospitality experience
1^sttiki cocktail lounge
in Hong Kong — 2012
2^×Asia's Best 50 Bars —
Honi Honi & Mahalo

02 / The Journey

Style Variation Sophistication

From serving European royalty and celebrities in Paris and the French Riviera before honing his skills in London at the likes of Monte's Club, The Library Bar in Lanesborough Hotel, The Cuckoo Club in Piccadilly, and the Hoxton Pony — Traverse's journey is an amalgamation of style, variation and sophistication.

Bartender working a dark wooden London cocktail bar

Green velvet lounge of The Library Bar, Lanesborough Hotel

2001 — 2008 London Years Monte's Club · The Library Bar · The Cuckoo Club · Meet Bar · The Hoxton Pony

03 / Selected Venues

A decade of defining
Hong Kong's cocktail culture

2024 — PresentCentral, Hong KongGeneral Manager

Art, elegance, and energy

The Stage
by Sophia Loren House

Max Traverse helms The Stage, a refined and vibrant bar inspired by the timeless elegance of Sophia Loren. This innovative lounge boasts a menu featuring signature Martini drinks and high-energy live performances for the weekends. The menu is designed to elevate the senses, offering a fusion of creativity, elegance, and energy in every dish and drink.

Overseeing every aspect of bar operations, Max ensures exceptional service, operational efficiency, and a memorable atmosphere for every guest. From leading and inspiring his team to managing budgets, inventory, and vendor relations, Max upholds the high standards of sophistication and hospitality that define The Stage. With a passion for the art of mixology, attention to detail, and the ability to cultivate an engaging, world-class guest experience, he is the driving force behind the bar's success.

General ManagementSignature MartinisLive Performance Programme

The Stage's blue velvet banquettes and gold accents

The Stage's cabaret room with red velvet curtains

Sophia Loren House street frontage in Hong Kong

2024Grand Hyatt Hong KongOperations Manager / Bar Consultant

Cocktails & Theatre

LIPS
@ Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

The LIPS Cocktails & Theatre concept breathes life into space, as stand-up comedians, magicians, singers, and live bands take the stage. From the first sip to the last laugh or smile, it's a place where cocktails and culture converge.

Led by Max Traverse, with performance-inspired design, LIPS' beverage program is built around the core concept of interactive cocktails, where each libation comes with an action or a story.

Interactive CocktailsBar ConsultancyMenu Development

LIPS' deep-blue bar with luminescent ceiling artwork

Bartender pouring a red cocktail at LIPS

Max Traverse holding a red LIPS cocktail pillow

2023H Code, Hong KongHead of Mixology / Bar Consultant

French speakeasy cocktail bar at H Code

La Suite
at Clarence

La Suite at Clarence, helmed by Michelin Chef Olivier Elzer, is a hidden gem among Hong Kong's vibrant nightlife scene, where classic cocktails are reimagined by Max Traverse. This enchanting French speakeasy cocktail bar takes you on a journey through time, offering twists of Classic Cocktails with a French artistry using Herbs & Spices.

French ArtistryHerbs & SpicesSpeakeasy

La Suite's circular bar wrapped in amber light

Classic cocktail reimagined with a cigar pairing

2021Tai Hang, Hong KongFounder / Managing Director

Tropical restaurant in Tai Hang

Maka Hiki
Bar & Grill

Located in Hong Kong's Tai Hang, Maka Hiki Tropical Bar & Grill is a culinary incursion to the tropics and an ode to island culture. It welcomes guests to an enchanting and transformative tropical escape like no other, from a wellness haven by day to the city's hottest restaurant and cocktail bar by night.

This urban oasis of tiki cuisine and jungle kitchen is the perfect tropical getaway from the city. The menu draws inspiration from tropical islands worldwide — Mauritian Tamarind Salad, Spicy Beef Salad, Grilled 'Seychelles' King Prawns and the signature Asian BBQ Beef Rib. Whether you're sipping on a signature cocktail or enjoying a glass of red, the space marries the urban with the tropical for a unique dining and luscious cocktail experience.

Island CuisineJungle KitchenDay → Night Concept

Maka Hiki bar with rattan pendant lights

Green tiki cocktail mug garnished with an orchid

2012 — 2018Wellington Street, CentralFounder / Managing Director

Tiki cocktail lounge — Asia's Best 50 Bars × 2 years

Honi
Honi

His experiences led him to the creation of his first venture at 30, launching Honi Honi — Hong Kong's inaugural tiki cocktail lounge in 2012. It swiftly became a renowned oasis for cocktail aficionados, earning a place in Asia's Best 50 Bars two years in a row in 2015 and 2016 and "Best Team" at The Bar Awards Hong Kong that same year.

These accolades marked Traverse as the first to achieve this prestigious recognition for two separate bars, Honi Honi and Mahalo, underscoring his influence on the industry.

“I wanted to create a little paradise —
a way out of the concrete.”
— Max Traverse, Mondo

Asia's Best 50 Bars — 2015 & 2016
Best Team — The Bar Awards HK, 2016
"The Word on Rum" — Hong Kong

110+ Premium RumsTropical Garden TerraceBeach Sundays

Honi Honi's carved bamboo bar in Central

Honi Honi's lounge looking onto the tropical garden terrace

Rum cocktail crowned with a purple orchid

2013Hong KongFounder

The word on rum

Hong Kong
Rum Festival

Known as "The Word on Rum" in Hong Kong, Max brought the first Hong Kong Rum Festival & first Rum Festival in Asia in 2013. Each year the festival brings together world renowned connoisseurs and rum brand ambassadors to share their experiences, partake in rum and grow the local love and knowledge of rum in Asia.

The Hong Kong Rum Festival was a great success with 5 editions, bigger each year.

First Rum Festival in Asia5 Editions

Guests and brands at the Hong Kong Rum Festival

Connoisseurs and ambassadors at the Rum Festival

Also in the repertoire

2015 · Admiralty · Co-Founder / Operations Manager

Maka Hiki Popup @ The Upper House

Following the continued success of Honi Honi, Traverse launched the Maka Hiki lounge at The Upper House — a "jungle in the concrete jungle" concept in the heart of Admiralty, marking his third entrepreneurial venture.

2015 · Hong Kong · Founder / Managing Director

Mahalo Tiki Cocktail Lounge

Opened in 2015, Mahalo earned 48th in Asia's Best 50 Bars 2016 and a Top 5 finish among Hong Kong bars — the second half of Traverse's unprecedented double.

2010 · Hong Kong · General Manager / Mixologist

Le Boudoir Top 3 Best Bars 2010

Traverse successfully spearheaded the opening and launch of Le Boudoir as general manager, earning the venue recognition as one of the Top 3 Best HK Bars that year.

04 / The Philosophy

In a world where every sip tells a story, every bite narrates an unforgettable culinary tale.

Traverse's narrative is one of unwavering passion, unparalleled expertise, and the relentless pursuit of excellent guest experiences.

Signature tiki cocktail crowned with watermelon, chilli and lemongrass

20⁺years in international
hospitality

1^sttiki bar in Hong Kong
& 1st rum festival in Asia

2^×Asia's 50 Best Bars —
two separate bars

Top 3Best HK Bars —
Le Boudoir, 2010

5editions of the Hong Kong
Rum Festival, bigger each year

05 / Highlights of Achievements

Highlights of Achievements

Asia — Hong Kong

2024 — Present

The Stage by Sophia Loren House

General Manager

Oversaw daily operations, ensuring seamless coordination across departments and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Focused on team management, cost control, and achieving revenue goals.

2024

LIPS @ Grand Hyatt Hong Kong

Operation Manager / Bar Consultant

Oversaw daily operations and delivered exceptional guest experiences. Provided bar consultancy, including menu development and staff training, to elevate the overall beverage program.

2023

La Suite @ Clarence by Olivier Elzer

Head of Mixology / Bar Consultant

Managed beverage operations, created innovative cocktail programs, and supported the overall success of the venue through leadership and operational excellence.

2021

Maka Hiki Tropical Restaurant in Tai Hang

Founder / Managing Director

Launched and managed his first restaurant and cocktail bar concept, overseeing all aspects of operations, from staff training to customer satisfaction.

2015

Maka Hiki Cocktail Lounge Popup @ The Upper House

Co-Founder / Operation Manager

Conceptualised and successfully operated a cocktail lounge popup, expanding brand presence and marking the third entrepreneurial venture.

2015

Mahalo Tiki Cocktail Lounge

Founder / Managing Director

Led operations of an award-winning bar, earning accolades such as Asia's Best 50 Bars in 2015 and Top 5 Best HK Bars. Focused on staff management, guest experience, and financial performance.

2012

Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge

Founder / Managing Director

Opened the 1st Tiki Bar in Hong Kong and achieved Asia's Best 50 Bars recognition in 2015 and 2016 and Best Team at The Bar Awards. Spearheaded all operational, marketing, and staff management initiatives.

2010

Le Boudoir

General Manager / Mixologist

Delivered distinguished service, elevating the venue to be named one of the Top 3 Best HK Bars in 2010 through operational expertise and guest engagement.

Europe — London, United Kingdom

2008

The Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch

General Manager

Successfully managed the bar, leading to notable achievements such as the 2009 CLASS Awards Best Bar Team runner-up and CLASS Best New Bar in 2009.

2007

The Cuckoo Club

Assistant Bar Manager

2005

Meet Bar, Farringdon

Bar Manager

Managed the first 24-hour licensed cocktail bar in the UK.

2004 — 2005

The Library Bar at The Lanesborough

Bartender

At one of the World's Best Hotel Bars from 2002 to 2005.

2002

Monte's Club, Knightsbridge

Bartender → Head Bartender

Gained experience as a Bartender and eventually became Head Bartender.

2001

The Capital Restaurant at The Capital Hotel, Knightsbridge

Chef de Rang

Europe — France

2000

The Miramar Beach Hotel, Théoule sur Mer

Head Bartender

1999

The Gold Plaza, Ste Maxime

Head Bartender

1999

The Village Montana, Ski Resort Tignes

Bartender

06 / Press & Media

In the pages of

The Times / Prestige Hong Kong / Lifestyle Asia / Bloomberg Business / Time Out Hong Kong / South China Morning Post / Boom / Drinks World Asia / Mondo / Tasting Kitchen & more