{"id":58995,"date":"2024-04-04T14:16:32","date_gmt":"2024-04-04T06:16:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/?p=58995"},"modified":"2026-02-15T11:06:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T11:06:37","slug":"the-partys-finally-over-for-sevva","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hongkongliving.com\/the-partys-finally-over-for-sevva\/","title":{"rendered":"The party\u2019s finally over for Sevva"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It enjoyed a halcyon 16 years as one of Hong Kong\u2019s hottest dining spots, but Sevva shuts this month for the last time. Carolynne Dear caught up with its glamorous founder and owner Bonnae Gokson to find out what’s next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rumours of the closure swirled last year and were eventually confirmed during the autumn in a straight-to-the-point statement issued by the restaurant. \u201cHong Kong icon Sevva to bid adieu after 16 years of verve, boldness of vision and inimitable style,\u201d it read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sevva opened in 2008, the brainchild of Hong Kong entrepreneur Bonnae Gokson. Located on the 25th floor of the Landmark building and with a wraparound terrace boasting killer city and harbour views, the restaurant quickly became a favoured cocktail and dining spot, hosting royalty, celebrities and jet-setters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But all good things have to come to an end, or so the saying goes, and Sevva will close this month when its lease expires. In true Gokson style, the restaurant went out with a bang at a glamorous bash back in January, attended by prominent members of Hong Kong society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it took a lot of hard work to get Sevva to where it is today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn 2008 Sevva was a dilapidated, low-ceilinged office with very dark, small windows,\u201d Gokson recalls. \u201cI\u2019ve kept the photos.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The transformation, she admits, was huge. \u201cWorking with a seven foot ceiling in a 1960s building it took months to obtain government approvals and work around old architectural codes,\u201d she says. \u201cWe managed thanks to my brilliant architect, Calvin Tsao of New York\u2019s Tsao-McKown Architects and Team HC locally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Gokson decided she wanted a living, green, garden wall indoors, she was told it was impossible. Undaunted, she called on florist friends Daniel Ost and Patrick Blanc to help. \u201cAnyway, it\u2019s a long story, but our renowned, lush, beautiful green wall stood the test of time,\u201d she smiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She came up with the restaurant\u2019s moniker after a meditation class. \u2018Seva\u2019 is a Sanskrit word alluding to selfless service performed with no expectation of reward. \u201cI used to go to a meditation centre, Siddha Yoga on the 26th floor, and had goosebumps when our landlord awarded the venue to me,\u201d says Gokson. \u201cI just added another V to seva and it became Sevva. It also rhymes with \u2018savour\u2019, which is why our tagline has always been \u2018savour the moment\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The food concept, however, was a tougher challenge. \u201cHong Kong is one of the most vibrant, cosmopolitan cities. I grew up with many different cuisines, from Chinese provincial flavours, to British, American, Russian, French, Italian, Indian\u2026 You name it, Hong Kong had it! I wanted this to be reflected in the dishes that we served at Sevva and so, with the smallest kitchen space, we managed a global menu. I was brought up in a large home with grand parties, service in proper uniforms and fine cuisine using the best recipes from chefs, aunties, maids and so on. Sevva was an extension of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor sure Sevva had an amazing mix of guests,\u201d Gokson continues. \u201cThere were so many highlights, so many memories. We\u2019ve entertained royalty, tycoons, artists, celebrities, film stars, Nobel prize winners\u2026 But we\u2019ve always been discreet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All the best parties eventually come to an end, and Sevva was ultimately brought down by its landlord who wanted to tender the space for new concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cSo many businesses closed during Covid and the year of social unrest, but Sevva survived it all,\u201d says Gokson. \u201cWe even invested in a huge renovation. Rumours began to spread at the beginning of 2023 that Sevva was closing, but as the founder and owner I had heard nothing. I was shocked. We were so proud that despite the harshest of times, we\u2019d overcome everything and business was actually really good again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gokson says she was invited to retender. \u201cThen there was more gossip about this or that food and beverage group securing the Sevva site. But it was the landlord\u2019s decision in the end,\u201d she adds philosophically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what\u2019s next for Gokson? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, let\u2019s call it \u2018qui sait?\u2019 and \u2018que sera, sera\u2019,\u201d she says diplomatically, carefully not revealing anything. \u201cHong Kong Living, you\u2019ll be among the first to know\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Until April 17, a remarkable collection of art, furniture, porcelain, silverware, glassware, vintage wines and more, curated over the years by SEVVA’s founder Bonnae Gokson, will be available either for purchase or by online auction at sevva.oph.hk<\/a> from now until April17. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Amongst the iconic artworks being auctioned online are Martin Gremse’s 2015 “White Platinum Mimosa” and photorealist C.J. Hendry’s “Hermes Plate” series “50 foods in 50 days”. A portion of proceeds from the sale will be allocated to long-serving SEVVA employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sevva closes its doors later this month. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It enjoyed a halcyon 16 years as one of Hong Kong\u2019s hottest dining spots, but Sevva shuts this month for the last time. Carolynne Dear caught up with its glamorous founder and owner Bonnae Gokson to find out what’s next. 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