From rooftop cocktail bars with amazing views to basement hideaways, Hong Kong has a sleek and sophisticated bar scene like nowhere else. Here’s a mix of new bars in Hong Kong and some older noteworthy ones too for you to try.
ARGO
This cocktail bar opened its doors in mid-July 2021 in the Four Seasons Hotel. The name comes from the ancient myth of Jason and the Argonauts, hence the adventurous drinks list. In particular, the bar celebrates six staple ingredients that may be endangered in the future: honey, cacao, vanilla, coffee, rice and apple.
G/F, 8 Finance Street, Central
fourseasons.com/hongkong
Iron Fairies
With a garden of 10,000 butterflies hanging from its ceiling, Iron Fairies has a luxe, dramatic feel. The fit-out pays homage to designer Ashley Sutton’s childhood near the goldmines of Western Australia. Expect boutique beers, crafted cocktails, great food and more.
LG/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central
2603 6992
The Old Man
It’s no secret that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed a tipple, so he seems fair game as the theme of a cocktail bar. This one in Central has picked up a bunch of awards since opening in 2017, not least for its inventive drinks, including many named after Hemingway stories.
LG/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Soho, Central
theoldmanhk.com
The Aubrey
Located on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental, and with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, this all-day drinks and dining space has three distinctive bar experiences, including an Omakase Cocktail experience that explores the world of Japanese spirits.
5 Connaught Road, Central
mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong
COA
After featuring high up on Asia’s Best 50 Bars list previously, COA grabbed top spot for 2021. The Mexican inspired bar highlights traditional 100 percent agave tequila and mezcal cocktails (“coa” is the word for the blade used to harvest agave).
Shop A, LG/F, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central
coa.com.hk
Sevva
An oldie but a goodie, this Central venue is great for special occasions. The rooftop bar offers a stunning 360-degree view of Hong Kong, which also means you should make a point of booking! It also has a highly-regarded restaurant.
25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
sevva.hk
The Wise King
This bar’s name pays tribute to a 13th-century Spanish monarch, Alfonso X, who allegedly decreed that no alcoholic drink should be served without the country’s renowned tapas. Relax in the comfy lounge-style vibe and enjoy tasty dishes and creative cocktails.
Basement, 25 Staunton Street, Soho, Central
thewiseking.com
Frank’s Library
If you’re looking for a cocktail with a distinct Asian edge, try Frank’s Library, hidden within the depths of Foxglove. The bar is an ode to Frank Minza’s adventures around the world and his lifelong appreciation of exotic spirits.
18 Ice House Street / 6 Duddell Street, Central
mingfathouse.com/franks-library
Tell Camellia
With a name derived from Camellia sinensis, the plant whose leaves give us tea, this bar aims to communicate the story of tea through modern experimental cocktails. And it clearly does a brilliant job, hence claiming 23rd place in Asia’s Best 50 Bars for 2021
H Code, L/GF, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
tellcamellia.com
Quinary
This speakeasy-style bar has been named among the world’s best bars on plenty of occasions, with its cocktails singled out for creating a pioneering and exciting experience by playing with perception, flavour and science.
LG/F, Felicity Building, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central
quinary.hk
Penicillin
Launched in late 2020 and already picking up a swag of awards, this bar is all about eco-friendly principles and sustainability. Recycling and upcycling ingredients is a focus here, and there’s a lab and fermentation room for the team to do exactly that.
L/G, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Road, Central
penicillinbar.com
Darkside
The flagship bar in the Rosewood Hong Kong takes Kowloon’s nickname as its own, and honours the district in its cocktail list. There’s also a comprehensive line-up of rare and vintage Armagnac, port and more. A live jazz band completes the sultry scene.
Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
darkside.hk
The Daily Tot
Rum fans, rejoice! Opened on Hollywood Road in 2020, this place is all about the Caribbean dark spirit, with 11 rum cocktails the centrepiece of the menu. Don’t expect a tiki vibe though – more of a stylish Cuban feel.
LG/F, Shop E, Felicity Building, 58 Hollywood Road, Central
thedailytot.com
Ozone Bar
Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton is officially the highest bar in the world, and if you can stomach the dizzying 118-floor views – and the smart-casual dress code – it’s certainly a place to celebrate. International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon ritzcarlton.com/hongkong PDT There’s a secluded secret bar through a secret door at MO Bar (Landmark Mandarin Oriental). Every evening after 5pm, duck through the telephone box and enter PDT (Please Don’t Tell) for a New York vibe.
The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central
mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/the-landmark
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2021/22 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
