The reopening of Hong Kong’s bars and pubs, with new measures such as maximum table seatings of four, has been met with great anticipation. Us included. In response, we’ve gathered five of our favourite cocktail bars that we are excited to return to and sip on that well-deserved drink.
The Old Man
As Asia’s number one bar (according to Asia’s 50 Best Bars list), The Old Man is considered the hero of Hong Kong’s bar scene, and for good reason. The Ernest Hemmingway-inspired speakeasy offers some of the best cocktails we’ve tried, thanks to top mixologist Agung Prabowo. My cocktail of choice —A Moveable Feast #1964— is resplendent with flavours of the sea with consommé-esque characteristics I could never say no to. The bar itself is an intimate space with handsome qualities throughout.
The Old Man, Lower G/F, 37 Aberdeen Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2703 1899
DarkSide
Not only was the Rosewood one of Hong Kong’s top luxury hotel openings of 2019, but they also opened one of the city’s best new bars; DarkSide. An homage to Kowloon’s fondly-known moniker, the bar also dedicates itself to a selection of dark spirits including some rather rare labels of rum, whiskey, calvados, cognac and more. In addition, the concise but stellar cocktail list goes down extremely well with the live jazz sessions. There are also vintage cigars and an array of dark chocolates and snacks to pair with your beverage of choice.
DarkSide, 2/F Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3891 8732
Tell Camellia
Inspired by our beloved beverages of tea and cocktails, it’s no wonder we frequent this somewhat hidden bar. Tucked away in Central’s H Code building, Tell Camellia is the drinking den that satisfies both cravings. It’s also headed by bartender and industry experts Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands. Meanwhile the menu showcases a rotating list of Teatails and T&Tonics, which either blends tea in the cocktails or uses tea redistilled with gin.
Tell Camellia, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; +852 9821 5501
The St. Regis Bar
Another luxury hotel The St. Regis Hong Kong opened in 2019, there was one particular thing — other than the stunning André Fu-designed suites — we were all excited to visit; The St. Regis Bar. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. Quite the contrary, it exceeded many of our expectations and offered us some solid, and rather spirited, cocktails that we were happy to sip on. The St. Regis’ signature service is also apparent and makes for an indulgent evening of cocktail drinking.
The St. Regis Bar, 2/F The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai; +852 2138 6800
The Diplomat
We are definitely heading back to this speakeasy pub concept by acclaimed mixologist John Nugent for all the fun and flavourful cocktails they offer, not to mention the impressive pub grub we sampled too. The space, which feels like a hidden gem, is worth visiting for a pre/post/or any time drink with favourites including the signature pandan-infused Tarling cocktail, clarified English milk punch and super indulgent Irish coffee.
The Diplomat, LG/F, High Block, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; +852 3619 0302
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