Peter SchimkeThe trend of craft cocktails and speakeasy-style bars has taken over the urban landscape of Hong Kong. On your next vacation, set off on a mission to check out these best and unmapped bars of the city.
1. Ori-Gin
Image credit: Origin Bar
The name of the bar gives the hint. Should you be a lover of gin, this bar might become your new favourite spot in Hong Kong. Highlights of the bar are 12 different and homemade gin flavours, including orange, grapefruit raspberry, basil and lemongrass. The bar is rather hidden, located across the Tazmania Ballroom on Wyndham Street. It has a dim-lit atmosphere and brick wall interior. The easy lounge music and the craft cocktails make Ori-Gin an ideal hideout for comfy conversations.
Location: 48 Wyndham Street
2. Speakeasy 001
Image credit: Speakeasy 001
Perfectly themed, this bar is decorated in the 1930’s style and takes the speakeasy culture seriously. For a long time, their address was extremely secret, and knowledge of the bar’s location spread only through word of mouth. To get here, you have to follow a little path off Wellington Street and then go through an unmarked door close to the intersection of Graham Street and Queen’s Road Central. What you will find are some of the best cocktails in town.
Location: 97 Wellington Street
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3. Feather Boa
Image credit: Marcus Sjöström
Hiding behind some curtains on the ground floor of Staunton Street is Feather Boa. When entering this bar, you will be surprised by the classy interior, complete with chandelier and fluffy cushions. This vintage treasure offers drinks that are out of this world – they can even be classified as liquid dessert. Although it’s a hidden bar, it can get crowded, so head early to this hideout.
Location: 38 Staunton Street
4. Jaa Bar
Image credit: JaaBar
Just off Peel Street is this precious bar. Filled with comfort and charm, Jaa Bar is furnished with Chinese antiques and has a custom-made wooden bar as an eye-catching centrepiece. Drinks can be very fruity, such as the Obama, which comes with blackberry liqueur flavoured vodka, some mint and fresh blackberries. The mirrors on the wall and the dim-lit atmosphere make Jaa Bar cosy to hang out all evening. If you are looking for a place to have a cosy chat, the Jaa Bar it will be.
Location: Pak Tsz Lane
5. The Blck Brd
Image credit: The Blck Brd
Head over to Lyndhurst Terrace and make your way up to the sixth floor and the rooftop. Get dressed up before you arrive, but not too much, because both flip-flops and ties are forbidden around here. Smart casual is the way to go. Cocktails are available, but you can also enjoy treats from the whiskey shelf or the long wine list.
Location: 6/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace
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6. Stockton Bar
Image credit: Stockton Bar
Flavoured with the glamour of the old world, the Stockton Bar is based on the idea of London’s famous gentlemen’s club. Tucked away on Wyndham Street, the mystery surrounding this bar reminds me of the Victorian era. The antiques are charming and some seating is private, while the cocktails are all in all luxurious. It is also one of the prime spots for whiskey connoisseurs in Hong Kong.
Location: 32 Wyndham Street
7. Mrs Pound
Image credit: Mrs Pound
One should never judge a book by its cover – the same holds for Hong Kong’s cocktail bars. Mrs Pound is an old stamp shop on the outside (or so it seems), but inside, it is one the best cocktails bars in town. Mrs Pound can be found on Pound Lane and also serves tasty Asian food, in case you should get hungry while drinking. The specialty around here is their Tripple Time, when you will get a hoisin burger for free with any purchased drink.
Location: 6 Pound Lane
8. Life Cafe
Image credit: Life Cafe
This isn’t a bar to get really drunk at, but rather to chill and relax. Hang out on their rooftop and taste your way through the range of organic wines and beers, while you watch what’s happening on the streets below. Situated right in the centre of SoHo on Shelley Street, Life Bar also serves tasty salads and homemade breads.
Location: 10 Shelley Street
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9. Blind Pig
Image credit: 賴亦宣
Search for the pig wearing an eye patch and you have found another secret drinking spot in Hong Kong. The Blind Pig serves not only classy old fashioned cocktails, but also a fine selection of cigars which you can smoke inside. Can it get better than that? This cigar lounge isn’t stiff at all and has some surprises for you. How about ordering your drinks through an old antique telephone? You’ll feel like a Victorian king.
Location: 6/F, 33 Wyndham Street
10. Discovery Forest
Image credit: Openrice
This bar might come in handy next time you miss the ferry. Located on top of pier three, the Discovery Forest is a fine beer garden, in which you can soak up some sun while drinking a few beers with your buddies. Unlike other bars on the list, the Discovery Forest has no fancy interior or decoration – simply good drinks and beer. I don’t know about you, but I am convinced.
Location: Pier 3 Garden
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