Hongkonger KT Lam Set to Shake Up Cambodia’s Cocktail Scene as New Bar Manager of Sora

Rosewood Phnom Penh is delighted to welcome the newest member of its F&B team, KT Lam, who has been appointed Bar Manager at Sora. KT will oversee Sora’s day-to-day operations, while adding new energy to the menu, events and collaborations.

An influential industry figure with over 10 years’ experience, KT has transferred from Rosewood Hong Kong, where he spent the past four years as Beverage Manager at DarkSide. Under his stewardship, the sultry jazz lounge received numerous awards and reached ninth place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023. Before DarkSide, KT was Head Bartender at Zuma Hong Kong, which was ranked 18^th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2018.

“I am honored to join the team at Sora – a bar I have long admired for its sophisticated atmosphere and creative approach to mixology. I look forward to telling Cambodia’s story through our cocktails and cementing Phnom Penh’s place on the map as a must-visit destination,” says the Hong Kong-born mixologist. “By working even more closely with local innovators and distilleries, we will show others what we already know: Phnom Penh is a vibrant city, full of unique flavors and friendly faces.”

One of the world’s most fascinating countries, Cambodia has long captivated visitors with its incredible ancient temples and French colonial architecture, remote jungles, beaches and rich Khmer traditions. In recent years, Phnom Penh has transformed into a 21^st century city and a culinary capital of Asia thanks, in part, to Rosewood Phnom Penh. When it opened in 2018, the hotel took the city’s drinking and dining scene to new heights with its world-class restaurants and bars.

The jewel in the crown is Sora, perched atop the hotel on the 37th floor. The bar, which is featured on the latest 50 Best Discovery list, boasts a stylish Whisky Library, home to the country’s largest selection of single malts, and a sophisticated sky deck where guests sip handcrafted cocktails while enjoying mesmerizing views of the Cambodian capital.

Building on Sora’s excellent reputation, KT plans to emphasize Rosewood’s ‘A Sense of Place’ philosophy with creative cocktails and collaborations celebrating Cambodian culture. He also intends to enhance the guest experience with his dedication to bespoke service and storytelling.

“I love getting to know every one of my guests and crafting drinks tailored to their taste or mood,” he reflects. “I am also extremely passionate about telling stories through my cocktails. When I craft drinks, each element adds a different layer to the story, whether it’s an unfamiliar local ingredient or a taste or aroma that stirs the emotions.”

When KT is not behind the bar, you might find him savoring his favorite drink - the Old Cuban (a refreshing mix of mint, lime, aged rum, Angostura bitters and chilled Champagne). “It’s perfect for Cambodia’s tropical climate,” he says.

To see the dynamic new Bar Manager in action and experience his creations, visit Sora on Level 37 of Rosewood Phnom Penh. For reservations or information, please call +855 23 936 888 or email phnompenh@rosewoodhotels.com

Sora is open daily from 5 p.m. to midnight, with last orders at 11:45 p.m.