18 Wo On Lane, Central. Tel: 2167 7244. Its tucked-away alley location and cool, minimalist decor make this the perfect spot for a quiet drink before hitting SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong. Recommended: Around the World cocktail, a combination of gin, scotch, brandy, rum and vodka masked under fresh fruity flavours of orange, lemon and pineapple.

The Chapel

27 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley. Tel: 2834 6565. Happy hour: 4.30pm-8.30pm. Whether for a pre-race warm up or post-win celebration, The Chapel's broad range of beers will satisfy anyone in Happy Valley. Recommended: the Chapel's curries are well-known in Hong Kong, and are also a great way to soak up the booze after the races.

Cinecitta

G/F, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai. Tel: 2529 0199. Tucked away at the somewhat quiet end of Star Street, Cinecitta has long been a bar for those in the know, and for those looking for a refined drink away from the crowds. Recommended: the Negroni (HK$78) - an easy drink to get wrong, but Cinecitta's version hits the spot.

Eyebar

30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2487 3988. This impressively expansive space so rare with Kowloon bars takes advantage of the 30th-floor locale, turning the stunning harbour view into the bar's backdrop. Recommended: the more than 100 international wines or Chinese spirits.

Hush

G/F, 2 Gleanealy, Central. Tel: 2537 2281. This chill-out bar away from the hubbub of nearby Lan Kwai Fong and Wyndham Street offers a casual place to unwind. Recommended: the impressive molecular cocktails such as the Mr Grey (HK$110), a refreshing martini made of crushed cucumber, apple juice, Earl Grey tea, gin and elderflower syrup.

Hyde

2-3/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2522 2608. Spread over two floors, this New York-loft-style venue incorporates a lounge, club and terraces spread over 12,000 sq ft. Classy but unpretentious. Recommended: the premium whiskies including vintage Macallan.

Lily

6/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central. Tel: 2810 6166. Modelled after the salons and supper clubs that flourished at the turn of the century, this slice of old-school cool comes courtesy of the people who brought us Volar and Halo. Recommended: the Elderflower Paloma, combining tequila, lime, grapefruit and soda water infused with elderflower.

Sevva

25/F Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2537 1388. Indoor and (spacious) outdoor seating gives Sevva a nice edge. Particularly given the incredible skyscraper views. Recommended: at Sevva it's the desserts which will steal your heart.

Shore

3-4/F, L Place, 139 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 2915 1638. Spread over two floors, Shore showcases an interesting dual-concept theme: upstairs is the Onshore fine-dining area, downstairs is the Offshore bar with a 1,800-sq-ft terrace that exudes warmth and originality. Recommended: put your choice in the hands of mixologists with the Surprise Me! (HK$90) cocktail.

Sugar

32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road. Tel: 3968 3968. One of the few bars in the area to have an outdoor terrace, the chic Sugar at the boutique East Hotel is a rare escape from the city's Central-Causeway Bay hip-zone. Recommended: the music, with resident DJs Eric Byron and P. Grant spinning lounge, soul, electro and chill-out.

Tazmania Ballroom

1/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2801 5009. Sun-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri-Sat 5pm-3am. The coolest, sleekest pool hall in Hong Kong, this lounge bar is straight out of Hoxton. Recommended: The 'F*** Me Up', a cocktail with a serious alcohol kick.