Leading Nation Hospitality Group Continues APAC Expansion Path with New Dining Concepts & Experiences

The dynamic hospitality group is developing new concepts at the highly anticipated Kimpton Hong Kong, adding new elements to Forty-Five in LANDMARK, and launching a new flagship Elephant Grounds in Jakarta

 (18 July, Singapore) Leading Nation, the dynamic Hong Kong hospitality group is continuing its rapid growth trajectory in Hong Kong and beyond. Despite turbulent times for the F&B industry in Hong Kong, the group is continuing to build its strength and is unveiling two exclusive new concepts at Forty-Five, as well as continuing to expand its pioneering café concept Elephant Grounds not only in Hong Kong but also throughout Southeast Asia – with the next one to open soon in Jakarta. The group is also developing exciting new concepts at the highly anticipated Kimpton Hong Kong including a new restaurant with Michelin-starred Chef Vicky Lau.

 Authentic New Japanese Dining at Forty-Five

 A groundbreaking lifestyle destination that blends culinary vision and creative arts, Forty-Five at LANDMARK is one of Hong Kong’s most innovative hospitality ventures. Set in an expansive space of over 20,000 square feet, it is the sophisticated home to a series of experiential dining concepts by Leading Nation. The latest evolution of Forty-Five will present two new Japanese restaurants. The first is the relocation of Sushi Mamoru led by Chef Chiba Hirofumi featuring a sustainable and seasonal approach to sushi. The second is Torikaze, an international outpost of highly acclaimed yakitori Master Chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa’s restaurant Torishiki in Tokyo.

 Sushi Mamoru and Torikaze bring a refreshed dimension to Forty-Five’s already stellar culinary repertoire, with an authentic Japanese flavour. Sushi Mamoru presents Chiba Hirofumi’s instinctive showcase of experience, as he prepares highly seasonally focused menus using the freshest available ingredients, with expert precision and a beautiful balance of flavour where every component shines through. The intimate Hinoki wood sushi counter is the true centrepiece of the space, adding a touch of Japanese heritage with the rare wood known for its natural aroma and calming appeal.

 Chef Ikegawa’s yakitori restaurants in Tokyo are insider favourites, where reservations are difficult to secure. The ‘Torishiki Ichimon’ group led by Chef Ikegawa represents the pinnacle of refined yakitori dining and is arguably Tokyo’s best.  He has exported his mastery to New York with One Michelin Starred Torien and most recently, Torikaze Shanghai. His exceptional culinary precision in every skewer can be experienced in Hong Kong from September, 2025. 

 Elephant Grounds Continues Regional Expansion in Jakarta, Indonesia with Flagship Roastery

 More than just a cafe, Elephants Grounds in Jakarta is a comprehensive lifestyle destination that embraces the brand’s inclusive, community-led ethos, where coffee culture meets creativity and collaboration. The space is designed to accommodate a range of lifestyle needs and features a full-service restaurant and café, bakery, a listening bar and a padel court.

 From its humble beginnings as a small coffee counter with ice cream on Gough Street in 2014, Elephant Grounds has risen to popularity as a favourite neighbourhood café, beloved for its locally roasted coffee, Japanese-inspired menu, homemade pastries, bread and ice cream but more importantly for ‘Coffee n Chill’ vibes.  With eight Hong Kong outlets and two in Manila - the Jakarta expansion is especially significant because the brand has been directly sourcing coffee beans in East Java for the past few years, deepening relationships with the local farmers and developing sustainable practices from crop to cup. 

 A Skyline Defining Collaboration with Kimpton Hong Kong

 In collaboration with the owners of Kimpton Hong Kong, which is operated by IHG, Leading Nation will bring to life an extraordinary rooftop bar and pool concept set to open in Q4 2025. This elevated destination combines iconic views of Hong Kong’s legendary skyline, a storied design concept developed with the Steve Leung Design Group, and a private listening room featuring vintage Braun Audio designed by Dieter Rams.

 An Exclusive Partnership with Michelin Star Chef Vicky Lau

 Leading Nation and Chef Vicky Lau have joined forces in an exclusive partnership to open “JĪJĀ,” a modern Chinese restaurant that will be operated independently by Leading Nation at Kimpton Hong Kong. With “JĪJĀ,” Chef Vicky Lau will present her first culinary concept bridging the worlds of bistros and tea houses, featuring lunch, afternoon tea sets, and dinner.