There is something special about Hong Kong: a city that offers a slick mix of top-end Western lifestyle, vivacious energy of the East and friendly people from all around the world. The city’s food and drink culture is amongst the finest in the world with quality as high as those towering structures all around. You have to be really unlucky to walk into a place that didn’t do a super job. No matter how often I visit this city, I am always surprised by just how many bars there are and how busy they all get on most nights. Here are a few of my favourites:
Sevva: Modern equivalent of traditional diyas wow guests as they
enter this rather fashionable destination situated in the penthouse
of the iconic Princes Building in Central. The bar is swish and the
outside deck offers brilliant views of the city. sevva.hk
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA: Head to the three Michelin-starred
Italian restaurant for great food, tasty cocktails and its fantastic
wine offerings. The bar is headed by one of India’s top mixologist,
Devender Kumar whose popular drink—Optimist is a must-have.
It is an exhilarating mix of Bacardi Carta Blanca, ginger and honey
syrup, lime juice and basil, which goes well with the authentic Italian
flavours served here. ottoemezzobombana.com
Stockton: Thanks to its extensive whisky collection, this space is
ideal for whisky aficionados, but its menu also features great cocktails that are named after some of the greatest writers of our time. The Persian rugs and deep sofas add to its classic charm. stockton.com.hk
Quinary: Helmed by ‘Diageo World Class Hong Kong’ and ‘Macau
Champion,’ Antonio Lai, this bar has made it to ‘Asia’s top 50’ and
the ‘World’s 50 best bars’ list multiple times. It showcases a rotary
evaporator and other equipment used for redistilling and slow cooking their own flavoured spirits. quinary.hk
J.Boroski: Give your adventurous side a treat at this invitation-only
bar hidden away off Hollywood Road. A brainchild of New York
mixsultant Joseph Boroski, the bar does not have a cocktail menu.
Here the bartender asks for your preferences and creates a cocktail in front of you. Ezra’s Ln, Central, Hong Kong
Iron Fairies: Designer extraordinaire Ashley Sutton’s highly
anticipated bar is also perhaps the most whimsical place I have
ever been too. It is inspired by Sutton’s experiences in iron
ore mines in Western Australia. The décor transports you to the
set of Mad Max Fury Road with countless iron butterflies floating
over your head. I go there for a couple of drinks before
wandering down the rabbit hole. LG, 1 Hollywood Road, Central,
Hong Kong
Lily & Bloom: The two-storey restaurant and bar has consistently
been awarded dining and cocktail accolades. This is the city’s hottest
modern American restaurant that turns into an intimate lounge on
the weekends. The cocktails are fantastic and the bartenders are at
the top of their game. lily-bloom.com
La Cabanne: I chanced upon this cosy wine cellar & bistro when our
group of sommeliers decided to go in after a long day of tasting. The
bar focuses on wines from all over the world. While the spotlight is on French wines, drops from small artisan growers throughout Georgia, Australia, Chile, Spain and Italy are also scattered throughout the list. lacabane.hk