Ella
Get ready to be whisked away to the birthplace of jazz with a visit to Ella, Central’s brand-new live venue inspired by the music of New Orleans. With authentic American cocktails and indulgent southern bar bites alongside serenades of soul, R&B and Latin music, this will not be a night to forget: sip on a ‘Louie Sazerac’ – a homage to Louis Armstrong himself- or a juicy ‘Hurricane’ with notes of orange, lime and passionfruit, and munch on classic favourites such as the baked Rockefeller Oysters and New Orleans Muffuletta.
45 Pottinger Street, HCODE, 26th Floor, The Trilogy; @ellaxoxo.hk
Qura
Qura, the newest addition to Regent Hong Kong, is the epicurean’s dream. Guests are invited to sample rare, aged spirits and feast on decadent bar bites from truffle fries and oysters to wild Scottish salmon and caviar. Qura’s signature drinks embrace the innovative, with the ‘Bright Side’ showcasing an intriguing mix of melon, aloe vera and cinnamon; meanwhile, their ‘The Collector’ series feature gin-based blends with internationally loved flavours. All this is accompanied by brilliant views of Victoria Harbour from the bar, which is decked out in antique items and vintage furniture and equipped with an opulent yet cosy cigar lounge.
Lobby Floor, Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong; @qurahongkong
Kinsman
Looking for a burst of Cantonese nostalgia? Kinsman is buzzing with local Hong Kong influences, visible even from the venue’s very entrance, which is adorned with wooden frames and traditional floor tiles. Inside, you’ll find a warmly-lit, intimate setting, with the sounds of acoustic Cantopop being performed live on Tuesdays, and the smells of classic soul foods with an inventive twist. Their shrimp toasts are reminiscent of dim sum favourites, alongside their savoury cured lap cheong platter and decadent ox tongue rice baked with cheese. Try out the ‘Gulu Fizz’ monkfruit wine and hawthorn cocktail, or the ‘Of Rice and Men’ white glutinous rice wine with truly local experience.
65 Peel Street, Central; @kinsman.hk
Takumi Mixology Salon
At Takumi, your drink is one of a kind. Rayven Leung and his team of bartenders curate an authentic artisanal experience at this Japanese mixology salon, where the guest is involved in every stage of the creation of a personalised cocktail and the exploration of new flavours. If you would prefer to taste some of Takumi’s own concoctions, try their ‘Zen’, an innovative, luxurious hojicha-spirit blend, or the ‘Bartender’, packed with the essences of yuzu and pink grapefruit. Complete your culinary journey with a visit to Takumi’s sister restaurants on the same floor, where luxurious teppanyaki and omakase experiences await.
3/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay; @takumihk
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Bar Leone
With famed bartender Lorenzo Antinori at its head, Central’s Bar Leone has reached the top of the ranks, being awarded Best Bar in Asia 2024. A hotspot for those seeking a sense of Roman neighbourhood nostalgia, it’s home to football fanatics, with team flags and framed photos adorning the walls, exuding a welcoming and friendly vibe. Pair one of the signature Italian cocktails, perhaps the Leone Martini or yuzu negroni, with a decadent mortadella sandwich, or opt for a whiskey sour crafted with extra virgin olive oil.
15 Bridges Street, Central; @barleonehk
Maggie Choo’s
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Maggie Choo’s is the brainchild of internationally renowned designer Ashley Sutton, also the mastermind behind the fantastical vintage setting of the Iron Fairies bars. This charming, dimly-lit nightlife destination derives its inspiration from the story Maggie Choo, a fictional Shanghainese orphan whose dream to establish a cabaret and bar garnered her wild success amongst high society. Traditional-turned-modern cocktails form the bar’s signature drinks; be ‘Driven by her Dreams’ with a zingy jalapeño-infused tequila, or delve into the ‘Remains of Mystery’ with its Sichuan pepper-infused vodka and citrus blend. Let Maggie’s story guide you through an immersive evening accompanied by choreographed dancers and live blues numbers, transporting you on an immersive theatrical journey.
G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, Hollywood Rd, Central; @maggiechooshk
La Suite
French culinary royalty Olivier Elzer’s latest endeavour in Hong Kong is La Suite, a contemporary speakeasy with the opulence and charm of a private hotel room. Painstaking detail is put into the crafting of each cocktail, with the signature ‘The Missing Key’ intertwining the creamy texture of egg whites and a zesty lemon-packed gin mixture; meanwhile, the eponymous ‘La Suite’ is a rich berry-filled blend enhanced with crème de cassis. Stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline from the bar’s outdoor terrace and delectable ‘Yakifrenchy’ skewered bites curated by Chef Elzer make La Suite the perfect treat for the senses to unwind to after a long day.
25/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; lasuitehk.com
The Savory Project
Jay Khan and Ajit Gurung, masterminds behind COA, have teamed up once again for a riveting bar concept that spotlights the endless possibilities of savoury cocktails. Nabbing 19th place on this year’s Best Bars in Asia 2024, drinks at The Savory Project are layered and adventurous; founders Jay and Ajit take on a culinary approach to crafting recipes that feel at once familiar and unprecedented. Divided into three ever-evolving categories, the menu features a selection of signature cocktails, reinventions on classics, and a full range of non-alcoholic beverages that are just as complex as their alcoholic counterparts. Unpack the various flavours of a Thai beef salad with their liquified milk punch-style take on the dish, or sip on a refreshing glass of their Gari Gari, a blend of Japanese pickled ginger or gari-infused whiskey, passionfruit, ponzu, and soda water. With interiors specially designed to promote interaction, guests can take a seat at their custom hexagonally shaped bar for an enlightening conversation with The Savory Project’s team of bartenders.
4 Staunton Street, Soho, Central; @thesavoryproject_
The Green Door
Talk about hidden gems. Aptly named for its unassuming location amidst a bustling wet market, The Green Door is the brainchild of mixologist Arlene Wong, formerly of Awa-Awa, and Dabi Chin from OBP. With cavernous interiors reminiscent of an underground cistern, this chic New York-style speakeasy offers an intimate space to enjoy a refreshing selection of cocktails such as the tropical Julia, made with Batanga tequila, Amaro Lucano, apple brandy, and passionfruit, or the inventive Dominicana, a combination of chilled Plantation 3 stars rum and cold brew topped with a mint Hokkaido cream and shavings of dark chocolate. The Green Door also boasts a delectable range of dishes including classics like fish fries and prawn cutlets, or opt for heartier plates of ribeye steak with scallion butter, wasabi cured threadfin with bisque butter and citrus, or a winning slice of what may be the city’s best apple pie. The Green Door takes walk-ins only, however those looking to sink their teeth into some food will need to make reservations via the bar’s Instagram.
LG/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central; @thegreendoor.bar
Sam Fancy
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Chinese-American lounge and cocktail bar Sam Fancy transports the heritage of San Francisco’s Chinatown to the heart of Lan Kwai Fong. Spanning two floors, this multicultural haven is home to electrifying music nights and free-flow Monday to Saturday happy hours, with a large outdoor terrace providing an oasis to get away from the bustle. Treat yourself to bar classics such as the ‘Aku Aku’, a minty blend of fruit and rum, or try out innovative fusions like the signature ‘The Way of the Dragon’ which spotlights Pei Pa Koa, a traditional medicinal syrup. Bring the night to a flavourful finish with the Chinatown takeout-style General Tso’s Chicken and a side of crispy crab rangoon in duck sauce.
3-4/F, The Plaza, D’Aguilar Street, Central; @samfancylkf
Argo
Four Seasons Hong Kong is home to 2024’s No.9 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Argo, an exciting bar concept directed by beverage manager Federico Balzarini and supported by head bartender Yvonne Chan. The intriguing cocktail menu is themed “combinations”, with 12 unique drinks spotlighting a range of flavours from “grape!” to kumquat. The bar also carries a wealth of liquors from around the world, spotlighting innovative creations with intriguing origin stories, including Argo’s very own gin, crafted in collaboration with Never Never Distilling Co.
Argo, G/F, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central; fourseasons.com
The Mixing Room
Award-winning Australian designer Ashley Sutton adds a new chapter to his Iron Fairies trilogy with The Mixing Room. Taking a page from the recipe of ore-born fairies, the new bar venue is rife with mythical lore. Rugged brick-textured walls, dark timber countertops, and a low ceiling that bears thousands of vintage bottles come together in a show of woodland sophistication. The cocktails too, are essential to the narrative. Helmed by industry veteran Tom Egerton, the cocktail program features drinks inspired by the playful characters of Sutton’s enchanting fairy tale. ‘A Fairy’s Fantasy’ is both fruity and floral with hits of liquid nitrogen and peach soda, whilst ‘Marshall, The Grumpy Miner’ is loaded with buttery pandan bourbon.
1-13 Ezra’s Lane, Central; @themixingroomhk
Bianco & Rosso
Bianco & Rosso, a self-proclaimed house of vermouth, is the brainchild of mixologist Luca Andrei and Chef Ban Jee Min. Inspired by the humble roadside bodegas and hole-in-the-wall bistros synonymous with Italian, French and Spanish towns, LC Studios (also behind Tell Camellia and The Daily Tot’s interiors) are responsible for the gastropub’s modern take on Roman architecture. Sip on reinvented classics such as the ‘Adonis’ sherry-based cocktail, the ‘Gemini’, or the ‘Nestretto’ espresso martini. Meanwhile, Chef Ban Jee Min’s menu is designed to bring the best of seasonal ingredients, as well as perfect pairings to the vermouth. Highlights include the beef tartare with gaufrette chips, as well as the salt-baked sea bass and the signature vanilla cheesecake.
29 Gough St, Central; biancoandrosso.com (Under Renovation)
COA
Get a taste of the city’s largest agave spirits collection at COA, Asia’s no.4 bar in 2024. Mixologist Jay Khan is the mind behind the 41-page menu dedicated to agave spirits. We’re partial to the Horchata de Pistachio, which mixes tequila blanco, rice, pistachio orgeat, whey and lemon, and is finished with a sprinkling of sweet potato dust and a pistachio biscuit. Otherwise, a selection of more obscure Mexican spirits such as raicilla, tuxca, bacanora, sotol and charanda are also on offer those who know their way around Mesoamerica.
Shop A, LG/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing St, Central; 2813 5787, coa.com.hk
DarkSide
No.17 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars of 2024, Rosewood Hong Kong’s hotel bar DarkSide makes a worthy case for the city’s most Instagram-worthy bar thanks to harbour views, a sultry interior decked out in plush armchairs and bronze window casings, as well as a show-stopping ceiling installation comprised of rotating hourglasses from Murano, Italy. The drinks convey the same indulgent spirit, with the house negroni being a contender for best in the city. Rare and dark spirits are the focus here–vintage cognac is served straight from the cask, while rum, whisky and Normandy calvados from the early 19th century are also available. Settle back with a glass in one hand and cigar in the other to absorb the live jazz performances for one of the best bar experiences in town.
Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; 3891 8732, rosewoodhotels.com
Mostly Harmless
It seems that since their marriage in 2020, award-winning bartenders Beckaly Franks and Ezra Star (both also of The Artifact and Call Me Al) have been destined to make waves in Hong Kong’s bar scene, starting with Mostly Harmless. Tucked away in Sai Ying Pun, this omakase cocktail bar and now No.45 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list makes the most of local produce, resulting in a constantly revolving drinks selection. Take their celebratory Chinese New Year cocktail from 2023, a sour that explores the beloved chestnut through a concoction of gin, vermouth, peaches and bitters made from chestnut shells itself.
2/F, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun; @mostlyharmlessbar
Thirsty Shaker
From Tell Camellia to The Wise King, Sandeep Hathiramani brings us Thirsty Shaker. Created in collaboration with Himson Lam and located in the heart of Soho, this bar and cocktail lounge enjoys a spacious outdoor terrace overlooking the bustling streets of Central, where one can kick back with drinks and shisha. Thirsty Shaker’s drinks menu arrives in the form of two key concepts— revived cocktails and punch bowls meant for sharing. Gather around a bowl of Bombay Royal Punch, a refreshing mixture of oleo-saccharum, gin, fresh fruit juices, kaffir lime leaf and rose firewater tincture, or reminisce on the past with a Double or Nothing, a cocktail that adds a mascarpone cheese foam twist to a quintessential Hong Kong classic, the Nothing.
3/F Hilltop Plaza, 49 Hollywood Road, Soho, Central; @thirsty.shaker
Quinary
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A regular fixture on Asia’s 50 Best Bars, taking 26th place in 2024, Quinary is an old hand when it comes to the city’s cocktail bar scene, having opened way back in 2012 and establishing founder Antonio Lai as a pioneer in local mixology. Since then, it has been the driving force behind many a cocktail trends. The sense of touch lies in the heart of their ‘texture series’ where poetic riddles clue to niche textures from delicate cotton to gleaming gold.
56-58 Hollywood Rd, Central; 2851 3223, quinary.hk
The Aubrey
A trip to the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental brings you to The Aubrey, a contemporary Japanese izakaya that ranks 10th place on Asia’s 50 Best Bars for seasonal libations as exquisite as the food. Hotel Beverage Manager Devender Sehgal, brings forth a profoundly Japanese experience with The Aubrey’s current seasonal drinks menu centres around the Japanese apple with the Aomori cocktail marrying Stranger & Sons gin with Avallan and a touch of citrus, while the Orin mixes Japanese whisky with flavours of cinnamon and awamori. While these are among the highlights of the Main bar, the champagne and sake bar is perfect for simpler pleasures.
25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central; @theaubreyhk
Foxglove
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Dim sum and aviation may be an unlikely combination, but at Foxglove, they are perfectly married through a fusion of retro and the modern. The bar’s sleek, aeroplane-themed interior and modern round-tiled ceilings, coupled with a jet engine replica, make for the perfect happy hour atmosphere. Travel in time and enjoy a velvety ‘American Old Pal’ with the perfect mixture of bitter and sweet, or a ‘White Punch’ full of light, fizzy tastes. Round it all off with Foxglove’s dim sum selection, from classics such as the har gow prawn dumplings and beef cheung fan to new takes on the originals like the mozzarella and shrimp spring rolls.
2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong; @foxglove.hk
The Pontiac
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Inclusivity, culture and cocktails— the golden self-appointed trio to define this grungy New York-style dive bar. The Pontiac is a breath of fresh air amidst Hong Kong’s high-end bar scene—it’s the place to be for boisterous late-night fun; think trivia nights, rock n’ roll anthems and lots and lots of shots. From an almost all-female team led by bar manager Jen Queen, the drinks here vary from classic tipples to some pretty wacky slushies (there’s a fruity iteration topped with pop rocks). A special mention is needed however, for the Hobnail made with scotch, house-made ginger syrup, bitters, Amaro averna and orange oil aka the cocktail to try at The Pontiac.
13 Old Bailey St, Central; @wearethepontiac
Lobster Bar
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The cocktail bar of Island Shangri-La’s Lobster Bar and Grill is a perennially classy place to see and be seen. The bartenders flex their creativity in a menu that celebrates the rich legacy of bartending. Themes include “The Flowing Bowl”, “The Golden Age”, “The Roaring Twenties”, “Tiki Couture”, “Revival”, and “No/Lo”, each section with plenty of drinks to choose from. Come for a whole bowl of “Rocks Petals”—comprising Mancino sakura vermouth, honeydew melon, pandan, bitter scuro, citrus and rosé—and stay for the live jazz music and people-watching.
6/F, Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Rd, Admiralty; 2820 8560, shangri-la.com
The Last Resort
The Last Resort is a no-frills dive bar that offers a pared-back and straightforward menu aiming to transport the guest to simpler times. Their delectable array of eats include his famed fried chicken made with a top-secret blend of spices, whilst the drinks are classic and simple yet expertly executed – and all at an affordable price-point. The retro aesthetics bring forth sentiments of nostalgia whilst classic tunes add to the warm and lively atmosphere.
52B Peel Street, SoHo; thelastresort.com.hk
Avenue 75 Bar and Eatery
Avenue 75 Bar and Eatery is part of a growing subset of chic bars and cafés in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood. The brainchild of Shane Siu, the cocktail bar offers a host of beautifully-crafted cocktails and food. Their signatures are like a map of the world, transporting visitors to a different place with every sip. Served in a tea cup, “Lady Grey” blends sherry wine with lemon, whey and Twinning’s ‘Lady Grey’ black tea, while “Ankara” (the capital of Turkey) mixes hibiscus, rooibos tea, lemon verbena and a kick of peri peri chilli. The food is equally tantalising, with a tapas selection including honey mustard baked quail eggs, and herb butter escargot with mushroom mashed potatoes.
Shop 36-41, G/F, South Seas Centre, 75 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; facebook.com/avenue75.bar.eatery
The Daily Tot
This Cuban-inspired bar is named after the 300-year-old navy tradition of handing out rum ration ‘the daily tot’ to royal navy sailors between 1850 and the 1970s. The menu features 5 rum-based cocktails, as well as a vast collection of rums from independent distilleries around the world. Located in Felicity Building on Hollywood Road, the space itself is huge, with a terrace, long bar, low-lounge seating and tropical decor that brings the outside in.
Shop E, LG/F, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central; thedailytot.com
Tell Camellia
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From award-winning bartender Gagan Garung comes this millennial-friendly haven of tea-based cocktails in H Code. Interiors are retro-inspired with a modern twist, lots of curved edges, bottle-green tiled walls, and velvet diner stools. But it’s the ‘teatails’ that stand out. Ingredients are varied, ranging from duck fat to locally sourced shiso, although flavour combinations always seem to work. For something a little more straight forward, Tell Camellia’s “Teaspresso Martini” blends hojicha with malted cacao, pistachio dust and haku vodka, giving the classic expresso martini that, you guessed it, tea twist.
LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; @tellcamellia
Caprice Bar
Caprice Bar – adjacent to the three-Michelin-starred Caprice of Four Seasons Hong Kong – has debuted a streamlined, seasonal cocktail menu to better match the culinary offerings of its sister establishment. Currently, the menu dedicates a cocktail each to select terroirs of France in different seasons. Highlights of which include the Old Caramel, blending bulleit rye with salted caramel and butter in an ode to a windy August in Nord-ouest; as well as The 3 Musketeers, which is a “tasting fight martini” of lemon, olive and onion. Complement with a selection of decadent bar bites, including imported French cheeses and apple tart tatin.
6/F, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance St, Central; 3196 8888, fourseasons.com
Draft Land
Who said cocktails can’t be served just like a beer? That was the question mixologist Antonio Lai asked when he partnered with Taiwan’s Angus Zou to bring the latter’s concept of “cocktails on tap” to Hong Kong for the first time. The cocktails pre-mixed and stored in vats, injected with nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and dispensed at the pull of a lever and served sans flourish with the utmost efficiency. Among the two dozen cocktails on offer, the best are the Oolong Tea Collins and the Rum Stout, while low and non-alcoholic options are on offer too – Antonio doesn’t see the mocktail as a compromise, but in the right hands can be equally complex as a real cocktail.
63 Wyndham St, Central; 2711 8809
Terrible Baby
The revamped Eaton Hotel is an island of cool in the rough-around-the-edges Kowloon neighbourhood of Jordan, and Terrible Baby is the beach upon which the hipsters who frequent it congregate. The outdoor bar patio is one of the largest in Hong Kong, although the numerous planters, quirky sculptures and plush garden seating carve out plenty of intimate spaces to imbibe in. The indoor bar is even more indulgent, thanks to chic mid-century-inspired interior design and furniture pieces that resemble a ’70s-era gentlemen’s club. The coup de résistance can be found in the soaring glass atrium, where exposed elevators shoot up and down the hotel facade. The cocktail menu does not disappoint either, our recommendations being the reinvented negroni Thyme For Buko and their Lassi for Adults, a creamy, tropical blend of chai-infused dark rum, mango puree, and lime leaves. Showcased in the bar’s Music Room, a robust music programme featuring underground acts locally and from abroad gives many reasons for a return visit.
4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Rd, Jordan; 2710 1866, terriblebaby.com
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Vogue Hong KongCredit
Lead image: Samantha Sin for Vogue
