Description
Hong Kong is the true ‘city that never sleeps’. Its ‘work hard, play hard’ reputation has earned it a place at the top of the list of 24-hour full-on cities. With more restaurants and bars per square metre than almost any other city in the world, gastro lovers and seasoned clubbers alike will find something to suit their needs. The only problem is finding time to fit it all in …..
Bars
From sleek minimalism to lush colonial splendour, Hong Kong’s choice of bars is seemingly never ending. A book could be written on the subject, but just to mention a few of the best and most unusual… Aqua Spirit
No list of Hong Kong bars would be complete without a mention of Aqua Spirit – the bar in One Peking Road that is part of the achingly hip Aqua Restaurant Group. Located on Kowloon side, Aqua is the place from which to view the Hong Kong skyline. Get there before 8pm and watch the laser show ‘A Symphony of Lights’ framing the famous buildings and marvel at a city that buzzes in neon and light.
Aqua, 30/F 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Tel +852 3427 2288
www.aqua.com.hk
Club Feather Boa
The bijoux boudoir bar with the most luscious cocktails in town. For lovers of vintage chic, this jasmine scented haven tucked away in deepest SoHo is just divine. Plush sofas and candles set the scene for a romantic drink for two or the fun start of a girls’ night-out.
G/F 38 Staunton Street, Soho, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2857 2586
Felix
Created by world-famous avant-garde designer Philippe Starck, Felix sits on the 28th floor of The Peninsula Tower and is one of Hong Kong's most glamorous dining and drinking experiences. Offering exhilarating interiors plus the most incredible sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong's skyline, Felix draws a glamorous crowd and is a great place to people watch.
The Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Tel +852 2920 2888
FINDS
Perched above the top end of Lan Kwai Fong FINDS is an ice cool hangout based on influences from Finland, Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden. Ideal for a taste of Scandinavian food or for sipping Absolut cocktails, FINDS is another great people watching spot
Level 2, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2522 9318 www.FINDS.com.hk
Lobby Bar – Intercontinental Hotel
Acclaimed for one of Hong Kong's most dramatic panoramic views, and as one of the places to be and be seen. Open throughout the day and evening for snacks, afternoon tea and cocktails, plus some fabulous martinis. "Nine Dragon Cocktails" are mesmerising at sunset as the skyline of Hong Kong changes from golden hues to a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours at the twilight hour.
The Intercontinental Hotel, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Tel +852 2721 1211
www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.comMink
You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in New York in this super chic but still laid-back bar. Resident DJs are in the house from Wednesdays and build up to a party mad frenzy by Friday nights. Saturday night sees top international DJs in the guest spot to please the dancing crowd. Mink also offers delightful food and cocktails to sustain the party.
G/F 19 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 3171 1989 www.mink.hk MO Bar
Just one step from the city’s haute couture and with a thrilling design this is a cosmopolitan catwalk of a bar. Fashionistas shop and drop, party -goers meet for a sip of effervescence, night birds mellow with the last vibes, others simply watch Hong Kong’s colourful glamour.
MO Bar is dominated by a huge red light circle the height of one wall, the Big ‘O’ is a Chinese symbol for shared experience. Whether you are the scene or are enjoying the scene, MO Bar is an event.
The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2132 0077 www.mandarinoriental.com 1/5
One of the classiest bars in Hong Kong, 1/5 is set in the up and coming Sun, Moon and Star Street area in Wan Chai. The well stocked bar reaches to the towering heights of the ceiling. Cocktail making is a serious business here – the owners even have their own Crème de Coco brewed in the Philippines. That’s dedication.
Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2520 2515 www.elite-concepts.com Red
Located in the futuristic ifc mall, Red has the advantage of having a large outdoor area with ample comfortable seating. One of the best spots to relax over a bottle of wine with friends. Has great food - the warm chocolate pudding is a must – as well as a champagne brunch at weekends.
Podium level 3, 2 ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 8129 8882 www.ifc.com.hk The Fringe Club – Roof Garden
One of the lesser-known alfresco venues in Hong Kong, the Fringe Club’s roof with its twinkling fairy lights and barbecues on Friday and Saturday nights recreates the feeling of hanging out on a (wealthy) friend’s roof terrace. The rest of the club is worth a visit for its photo exhibitions in the gallery downstairs as well as the revolving schedule of plays, live music acts and comedians.
2 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2521 7251 www.hkfringeclub.com.
Clubs
A unique feature of Hong Kong is the blurred line between bar, café, restaurant and nightclub. A venue can be all four incarnations over a 24-hour period. If you pace your evening meal in some of the city’s hotspots you can see the space around you metamorphose from a chilled restaurant into a banging club! Dragon-i
Located at the foot of the increasingly hip Centrium Building, Dragon-i is a magnet for models, celebrities and socialites. Buzzing into the early hours of the morning, Dragon-i is also a great spot for Dim Sum by day (a little known fact). The famed red decorated VIP room can also be booked for an early dinner. Post 11pm dress to impress as the door policy toughens up.
UG/F 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 3110 1222 www.Dragon-i.com.hk Drop
The place where Jay Kay got down to some serious dancing after his Hong Kong concert, Drop has firmly established itself as the place to go for late-night dancing. Operating a members’ only policy after 11pm, get to Drop dressed for the occasion and ready to hear some of the best funky house in town.
Basement, On Lok Mansion, 39-43 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2543 8856 www.drophk.com Kee Club
Guests of The Mandarin Oriental or The Peninsula get automatic temporary membership to the exclusive Kee Club. With the financially favoured, discerning night lover in mind, Kee was established as a members’ club offering the best of food, wine and music. As one of the only clubs in the world that hangs genuine Picassos on its walls, it never fails to impress.
6/F Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong Island , Tel +852 2810 9000 www.keeclub.com M1NT
A newcomer to the Hong Kong night scene, swanky private members’ club M1NT’s UK counterpart is already a huge success in London with celebrities, billionaires and royalty alike. Targeted at the jet-set billionaire crowd – you’ll need to know a member to get through its hallowed doors.
108 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong Island
Tel +852 2261 1111 www.M1NT.com.hk Volar
A deeply funky bar and club in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, Volar operates a tough door policy so get there early to avoid disappointment.
Basement 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong Island, Tel +852 2810 1272 www.Volar.com.hk |
