Bars

'I knew it when I first walked through the door,' says violinist Sarah Curro. 'A friend of mine took me there and I thought 'I just have to make music here'.' Curro is talking about a bar, not a concert hall - Club Feather Boa (G/F, 38 Staunton Street, Central. Tel: 2857 2586), to be precise. She was obviously taken with its draped, comfortable couches, chandeliers and paintings. As part of the Fiorini Trio - alongside Richard Bamping (cello) and Jeremy Williams (viola), all from the Hong Kong Philharmonic - Curro was looking for a place to practise when she happened upon the Feather Boa.

The Trio - named, simply, after the make of viola Williams uses - will shortly record a recital for RTHK and are planning a warm-up session at the bar before they do so. What's more, the are hoping to turn the little concert - showcasing some Mozart and Beethoven - into a regular gig.

'There's not too many places in town, or opportunities, to do something like this,' says Brisbane-raised Curro, who has been playing with the Philharmonic for two years. 'It is just the perfect setting for that type of thing. So we want to make the most of it.' And that's fine by co-proprietor Philip Spruce, who with Stella Leung helped transform the Feather Boa from its original incarnation as a antique store. In fact, some of the unsold antiques remain, and various extras such as the cherub-dotted toilet ceiling and draped ceilings have been an ongoing project since doors opened just before Christmas. 'The idea is half-living room, half-bordello,' says Spruce, referring to the antiques and general decor of the place.

Although the Feather Boa is, like the majority of Hong Kong bars, a touch on the small side, it has fast become another popular SoHo haunt; ideal for before- or after-dinner drinks or even a night lazing around. And it does afford some degree of comfort, even when the couches are fully occupied. Drinks remain in the 'very affordable' range ($35 for standards) and little glitches - such as a limited CD collection - are also being addressed. And, as Leung is quick to point out, there's nothing wrong with bringing along your own beats. The overall atmosphere is of a private club. And that's another thing that pleases management.

'We're happy with the type of customer we're attracting,' says Spruce. 'But, no matter, as I always have Mojo here [his ever-present, and sometimes vocal, bar mascot and pet dog], just here to keep people in line.' The heat is definitely on in Hong Kong and sometimes air-conditioning can also become too much to bear. For those looking to escape the heat in cool surroundings, check out the new Secret Roof Garden at the Fringe Club (2 Lower Albert Road, Central. Tel: 2521-7251). Ice drinks and yakitori snacks are on offer and it opens tonight. Hours are Fri-Sat from 6:30pm and Fringe Club members get priority entrance.