One thing you’ll quickly learn about Hong Kong: this place does a sleek and sophisticated bar like nowhere else! Here’s our pick of some of the newest and the best Hong Kong bars.
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
Ophelia
There’s been a huge buzz about Ophelia since it opened in 2016, with it quickly establishing itself as one of the go-to Hong Kong bars. Aside from innovative cocktails, tasty tapas and regular entertainment, the moody interior will have you feeling like you’ve stumbled into an opium den, and the hints of Hong Kong’s past are reinforced with waitresses wearing traditional cheongsams.
Shop 39A–41A, 1/F, The Avenue, Lee Tung Ave, Wan Chai
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
Aberdeen Street Social
With a large outdoor area on the ground floor and a more formal outdoor balcony on top, this venue’s British-inspired drinks menu with creative twists consistently ranks it among the city’s best cocktail bars.
G/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
2866 0300 | aberdeenstreetsocial.hk
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
OZONE
Savour a drink amidst the clouds at this sky bar and lounge located atop The Ritz-Carlton. It’s officially the highest bar in the world, and if you can stomach the dizzying 118-floor height, it’s certainly a place to celebrate.
International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon
Honi Honi
Honi Honi (“kiss kiss”) 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
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
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
This article appears in Expat Living’s City Guide’s 2017 edition. Subscribe now to get your free copy!
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