Rosewood Phnom Penh is proud to announce that Sora has received the esteemed Ketel One Sustainability Award at this year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards, held in Macau on July 15th. Perched on the 37th floor of Rosewood Phnom Penh, Sora is known for its sweeping skyline views, bold cocktails and vibrant programming. This recognition, judged by The Sustainable Restaurant Association, now sits alongside Sora becoming Cambodia’s first ever bar to appear on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, where it proudly achieved 65th position this year.
In tandem with this award, Rosewood Phnom Penh announces the appointment of a new Director of Bars, Jonas Vittur to bring fresh expertise to the hotel’s vibrant bar programme and direction – and welcomes Nimol Leourng as the new Bar Manager of the iconic Sora.
Sustainability Rooted in Community
Sora’s initiatives focused on reducing food waste, eliminating single-use plastics, and prioritising the well-being of its team, are all integral to the bar’s operational philosophy. Cocktails featured on the menu have been intentionally created to showcase local produce, with over 70 percent of the bar’s ingredients sourced from the surrounding area, including from the hotel’s own hydroponic garden.
Highlighted by the judging panel for the Ketel One Sustainability Award, the SORA MARTINI is a zero-waste cocktail which uses the bar’s own vermouth created from leftovers from the hotel’s kitchens in collaboration with local distillers, paired with the entire orange, including the peel, and native Kampot pepper. Partnering with local producers, such as Seekers Spirits and Samai Distillery, ensures that the spirits available at Sora reflect Cambodian craftsmanship and suppliers who uphold sustainable agricultural practices and pay their workers a living wage – a priority for the bar and its commitment to ethical sourcing.
At Rosewood Phnom Penh, there is a strong focus on engaging with the community to promote local traditions and flavours through collaborations with local chefs. As well as investing in its local community through direct work with NGOs such as Smiling Gecko who provide educational opportunities and jobs for families in need, Sora recognises its role in the country’s progress within the global hospitality industry. Frequently hosting workshops for its own team, the bar also invites bartenders from across the locale’s growing drinks community to learn with Sora on topics such as waste reduction and showcasing Cambodian heritage and produce in cocktails.
“It was Sora’s focus on provenance that really got our attention,” said Managing Director of The Sustainable Restaurant Association Juliane Caillouette Noble. “Our team loved how it showcases local, native and heritage ingredients and designs menus that use every part of these. In teaming up with chefs to bring more Khmer dishes to charity dinners and special menus, it is doing a great job of bringing traditional flavours into a very modern offering.”
Nimol Leourng: New Bar Manager at Sora
Rosewood Phnom Penh is pleased to announce the appointment of Nimol Leourng as the new Bar Manager of Sora. Cambodian born, with over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, Nimol brings a wealth of knowledge and creativity to Sora as the bar continues its journey as a rising star in the Asian bar scene.
A graduate of the Pour un Sourire d’Enfant (PSE Institute) and prominent force in the Cambodian drinks scene, Nimol has previously held key positions at prestigious establishments, including Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision for Sora includes a refreshed cocktail menu that highlights local and organic ingredients, as well as immersive experiences such as guest bartender events and curated cocktail-pairing dinners celebrating Cambodian cuisine.
“I am truly excited to be joining the Rosewood Phnom Penh team and feel honoured to be part of such a talented and dedicated group,” says Nimol. “At Sora, I want guests to experience more than just a drink; I aim for a personalised, memorable journey. I believe in blending creativity, efficiency, and heartfelt hospitality to create an atmosphere that is both intimate and vibrant.”
Jonas Vittur: New Director of Bars at Rosewood Phnom Penh
Rosewood Phnom Penh welcomes the appointment of Jonas as the new Director of Bars across the hotel. Growing up in the heart of the Italian Alps, Jonas developed a passion for bartending during high school, inspired by the transformative power of hospitality. His global experience spans major cities including Australia, London, Hamburg, Japan, and India, where he has cultivated a diverse skill set that blends high-energy service, intense creativity, precision, and purposeful leadership.
“My vision for Sora is to shine a light on Cambodian creativity, culture, and flavour in showing the world that Sora isn’t just a bar, it’s a movement,” says Jonas. “A great bar is never just about the drinks; it’s about the stories we tell, the feelings we create, and the community we build.”
Jonas’s cocktail philosophy revolves around flavour and storytelling, viewing each drink as a narrative designed to connect with guests on an emotional level. He shares Sora’s vision and commitment to seasonality and sustainability, utilising local ingredients enhanced by global influences. Under his leadership, Sora will continue its journey to become a world-class cocktail destination that highlights Cambodian creativity and culture, inviting both locals and visitors to experience the unique stories behind each sip.
For more information or to make a reservation, please email phnompenh.fnbreservation@rosewoodhotels.com or call +855 23 936 860.
More info: https://www.rosewoodhotels.com
