Beckaly Franks

Hong Kong

Mentor, champion of diversity and slinger of simply awesome drinks

Born in Hawaii to bar-owning parents, hospitality is in Beckaly Franks’ blood. Driven, ambitious, eccentric and passionate with a sense of responsibility to build up and protect those in her tribe, she has blazed a trail from the US to Hong Kong leaving a legacy of innovation and inspiration on the respective bar scenes in which she has worked.

A born leader, the legion of acolytes who have received her mentorship, sampled her drinks or, simply, spent an evening in her consuming, intoxicating presence, will agree that she is well deserving of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award for Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023.

Franks began life behind the stick in a relaxed, dive-bar-style venue in Portland, Oregon. After finding her niche carving out bar-top dance routines and learning the art of a successful, volume-led drinks service, she soon ventured onto to craft cocktails at the legendary Teardrop Lounge, whom she credits with teaching her more nuanced technique and protocol.

Moving to Hong Kong in 2014, she launched The Pontiac, which has featured on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars on five occasions and is credited with pushing for female empowerment and creating an inclusive space where everyone is welcome. More recently, she opened venues Call Me Al and Artifact with her wife and fellow hospitality pioneer, Ezra Star.

As an inspiration and a friend to many all across the Asia, it is no surprise that Beckaly Franks has collected the ultimate peer-voted accolade in the continent’s bar scene.

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