7 Mee Lun St, Central Tel: 2815 9005
The vibe: this gay-friendly bar brings style and playfulness to the cosy cobblestone stretch of Mee Lun Street. On the outside, a full-length glass door and eye-catching front signage draw customers in. Inside, the intimate surrounds, soft smooth jazz and seductively subdued lighting make it the perfect place to linger.
The owners have made good use of the limited space. The narrow room is outfitted with a long bar table at the front. A scattering of high tables and sleek wooden bar stools near the back of the bar makes for an even more private setting. Stainless steel details and dangling Edison lights lend an edgy, industrial chic vibe. Soft wooden accents and the proudly displayed handwritten blackboard of bar specials show Stroll is a friendly, unpretentious watering hole.
The drinks: the extensive drinks list is impressive, particularly given the tiny size of the place. The cocktails are eye-catching, with a substantial part of the list dedicated to Stroll's speciality mixed concoctions. The Rusty Ladder (HK$85) combines bourbon with Drambuie and cola, finished off with a splash of Chinese wine. For a summery cocktail, try The Pond (HK$85), which combines tequila with triple sec, blueberry liqueur, strawberry, mint and ginger ale, or Loft (HK$85), which puts together vodka, strawberry liqueur, blue curacao, apple, lime and white wine.
Stroll also has killer deals throughout the week, from 25 per cent off house wines on Tuesdays, to two-for-one for special drinks on Wednesdays.
The verdict: stylish decor combined with a laid-back, welcoming vibe makes Stroll a popular hangout for those looking for a quiet spot to unwind.