Team

The Maka Hiki team is led by Max Traverse, a pioneer of the Tiki culture in Asia and a seasoned F&B professional with a successful international track record.

MAX
TRAVERSE

A veteran in the high-end cocktail scene. Over 20 years of experience in Hong Kong, France and England. Spearheaded the opening of the famous speakeasy “Le Boudoir”.

In October 2012, Max opened the First tiki bar in Hong Kong “Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge” which became a staple of HK’s nightlife until today.
Opened “Mahalo Tiki Bar” in 2015 and “Maka Hiki Lounge” in 2020.
Asia’s Best 50 Bars 2015, 2016 and 2017.
World Top 10 Tiki Bar Imbibe 2016, 2017.

One of the most respected authorities on anything “RUM” in HK, Max brought the first Hong Kong Rum Festival, first of his kind in Asia in 2013, gathering world renowned connoisseurs and brand ambassadors to grow the local love and the knowledge of rum in Asia, each edition since being bigger than the year before.

RUSSELL
DOCTROVE

THE SECRET INGREDIENT

Hong Kong born from British & Dominican parents. Russell is a renowned chef internationally with an impressive track record at legendary venues. trained at the 3-stars “Waterside Inn” & having served the royal family, he later developed his culinary skills with Gordon Ramsay in his flagship restaurant under the lead of Clare Smyth.

He served in Hong Kong as Sous-Chef at 2-stars fine dining “Amber” (Landmark Mandarin Oriental) and as Head Chef at “Fish & Meat” before creating the iconic “Limewood”. As the Maximal Group Executive Chef he oversaw famous venues as “Mercedes Me”, “Blue Butcher”, “Brickhouse”, “Stockton” and “Sip Song”.

Instrumental in the success of many of the most famous and respected restaurants in Hong Kong, Russell’s exceptional experience and deep knowledge of Hong Kong’s hip restaurant scene makes him an ace card in this exciting project.