Been inside too long? Head out to somewhere special, whether it’s sleek and sophisticated, trendy in design or quirky (like a cocktail bar with no bartenders, for example)! Here’s a mix of new bars in Hong Kong and some older noteworthy ones too for you to try.
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. The ‘Travel Diary” cocktail menu will take you from Japan to Thailand, with a few nods to Paris in between.
18 Ice House Street / 6 Duddell Street, Central
2116 894 | mingfathouse.com/franks-library
Draft Land
Located on Wyndham Street, Draft Land offers Hong Kong’s first menu of draft cocktails on tap. Yep, there’s a not a bartender shaking or stirring in sight. It may sound counterintuitive at first, but the bar’s enormous success in Taipei (that outlet came 26th on the recent list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars!) makes it worth a visit, even for the sceptics.
63 Wyndham Street, Central
2711 8809 | draftlandhk
Kytaly
With the opening of Kytaly, Hong Kong welcomed the world’s best pizza to the city. Now, the world’s best pizza has a new partner – a brand new cocktail program spearheaded by gifted bartender, Giancarlo Mancino. Using fresh seasonal ingredients, Giancarlo Mancino has crafted 10 new cocktails.
5/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central
2808 1961 | fb.com/kytalyhk
The Dispensary
Sitting on the top floor of the transformed Central Police Headquarters, the Dispensary is nestled between The Chinese Library and Statement, cleverly linking East and West. While it’s not brand new, it’s worth highlighting for those who haven’t been to the newly re-furbed grounds. It offers a great range of cocktails and respectable wine list. Drop by on the way to or from dinner at either restaurant and make sure to have a look around Tai Kwun while you’re there.
Shop 1 – 1/F, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
2808 1961 | The Dispensary
All the old favourites…
Ophelia
This moody interior will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into an opium den. Since it opened in 2016, Ophelia has quickly established itself as a go-to Hong Kong bar. Aside from innovative cocktails, Ophelia pegs itself as a place for the sophisticated and mischievous. Enjoy.
Shop 39A–41A, 1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Ave, Wan Chai
2520 1117 | fb.com/OpheliaHongKong
Ozone Bar
Ozone Bar is officially the highest bar in the world, making it a Hong Kong must-do. It’s a great place to take guests. Savour a drink amidst the clouds at this sky bar and lounge located atop The Ritz-Carlton.
International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon
2263 2263 | ritzcarlton/hongkong
The Old Man
This Earnest Hemingway-themed cocktail bar in Central made its mark by being the highest-ranked Hong Kong bar at number five on the list of Asia’s 50 best bars in 2018.
LG/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Central
2703 1899 | theoldmanhk.com
Sevva
This Central venue is great for special occasions. Its rooftop bar offers a stunning 360-degree view of Hong Kong, which means it might be necessary to book. It also has a highly-regarded restaurant.
25/F, Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central
2537 1388 | sevva.hk
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 regular jazz and blues acts.
LG/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central
2603 6992 | diningconcepts.com
Feather Boa
A local secret, this bar has seen the start (and end!) of many good nights. Find the green doors with the curtains, knock and wait patiently for a member of staff to let you in. Once inside, comfy sofas and bar stools await, along with the best chocolate-covered strawberry daiquiri in town! A stalwart of Hong Kong bars.
38 Staunton Street, Soho
2857 2586
Lilya Moroccan Lounge and Bar
This new bar adds an exotic touch to Hong Kong’s late-night scene. Guests are greeted by a wall of more 400 traditional slippers sourced from a Marrakesh souk. Drinks feature Moroccan ingredients and homemade syrups served in engraved glasses and traditional teapots, served under the glow of 70 lamps and with the scent of musk and amber wafting through the bar.
2/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central
2526 2578 | diningconcepts.com
Quinary
This speakeasy-style bar has been named among the World’s Best Bars, 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
2851 3223 | quinary.hk
Honi Honi
“Kiss Kiss”, or Honi Honi, was last year named among the 50 best bars in Asia. This little bamboo shack may be tucked away in an office block, but once you’re inside it’s a haven for tiki bar fans. Indulge in an extensive array of Polynesian rum cocktails, and food is also available.
3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central
2353 0885 | honihonibar.com
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
This newcomer to the gin bar scene was named #48 on the 2017 list of Asia’s 50 best bars within months of opening. Enter through a door styled to look the entry to an old-fashioned apothecary’s consultation room (the eponymous eccentric Dr. Fern) and indulge in gins mixed with fresh local herbs and botanicals, all said to be antidotes to stress!
B31A, 1 Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road, Central
2111 9449 | fb.com/DrFernsHK
Ping Pong 129
Visitors are usually on the lookout for somewhere not too crowded, a big enough area to sit, a great drinks list and a cool atmosphere. Ping Pong has this plus more. Head here and wow your friends with huge gin and tonics in a secretive location.
Nam Cheong Lau, 135 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun
9158 1584 | pingpong129.com
This article first appeared in Expat Living’s City Guide. Subscribe now to get your free copy!
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