Charles H. and OUL Host Asia’s Top Bars for a One-Night-Only Companion Series at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

On Tuesday March 11, 2025, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul marks the 20th edition of its celebrated Companion Series with an expanded four bar takeover. For one night only, the Hotel’s intimate speakeasy Charles H. and late-night hotspot OUL welcome innovators from some of the world’s top bars. Bartenders from Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Bangkok gather in Seoul for a night of creative collaboration and exceptional cocktails.

Charles H. - named Best Bar in Korea and seventh in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 - takes its name from globe-trotting bon vivant Charles H. Baker Jr. In turn, it’s his 1939 travelogue and “drinking book” The Gentleman’s Companion that inspires the Hotel’s Companion Series, bringing together iconic establishments in appreciation of life’s finer pleasures.

From 5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight, each of the four bars will present a unique menu based on Tokki Soju and Sonbi Gin. Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 2016, Tōkki Soju is an artisan distiller fusing Joseon Dynasty traditions with modern style. Fresh glutinous rice from Chungcheongbuk-do and copper stills offer the purest of soju flavours. Premium dry Sonbi Gin is distilled in sunny California with ten botanicals including juniper, Schisandra berries, Chinese liquorice, green cardamom, coriander, lemon peel, and angelica root.

The 20th Companion Series line-up at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul

5:00 to 7:00 pm at OUL

Gabriel Lowe from Cat Bite Club, Singapore - #56 in the World’s 50 Best Bars 2024, Cat Bite Club celebrates the cat-like qualities of playfulness and intrigue through mischievous cocktails featuring traditional agave and rice spirits. Seasoned professional Gabriel draws on more than 15 years of bartending excellence in San Francisco, Bogota, and Bangkok.

7:00 to 9:00 pm at Charles H.

J Frank from Artifact, Hong Kong - Bar Manager of Artifact Bar, J Frank showcases his expertise at one of Hong Kong’s most acclaimed cocktail destinations. Recognized as “Best Transportative Bar" at the Time Out Hong Kong Bar Awards 2024, Artifact captures a moment, a place, and a culture, offering an evolving journey through aged spirits in an inviting underground setting. At this event, J Frank will present his refined yet adventurous cocktails.

8:00 to 10:00 pm at OUL

William Wu from The Public House, Taipei - An ode to the “good old British boozer,” The Public House was voted #44 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Founder and bar manager William Wu opened his craft cocktail establishment in 2020 after honing his skills at Le Petite Chambre and Side Bar.

10:00 pm to 12:00 midnight at Charles H.

Philip Bischoff and Ning Yodsuwan from BKK Social Club at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River - Voted #7 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and #12 on The World’s 50 Best Bars List 2024, BKK Social Club is all about celebrating a passion for life, inspired by Latin American drinking culture. Up-and-coming talent Chayanuch “Ning” Yodsuwan won Emerging Bartender of the Year on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars List 2023. Philip Bischoff, who is among the Top 100 Most Influential Bar Figures, will be closing the show alongside Ning for a truly memorable evening.

 “Charles H. Baker Jr. loved nothing more than sharing world flavours with like-minded enthusiasts,” comments Odd Strandbakken, Head Bartender at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. “It’s in that heartfelt spirit of collaboration that our Companion Series has brought together some of the finest in the industry. For this twentieth edition, we’re delighted to welcome a record four global movers and shakers to the heart of the city that never sleeps.”