Barco
G/F 42 Staunton St, Central Tel: 2857 4478
The vibe: in an area where bars seem to open and close in the blink of an eye, Barco in SoHo has stood the test of time by becoming the closest thing the area has to a friendly neighbourhood watering hole. Its regulars keep returning to this cosy hideaway for the convivial atmosphere, reasonably priced drinks and lounge-like atmosphere.
The drinks: Barco was one of the first Hong Kong bars to serve the lovely Belgian white beer Hoegaarden on tap (HK$60 a pint). Owing to its Australian ownership, it remains one of the few bars in town selling popular Down Under brew Tooheys (HK$55 a bottle). The cocktail menu adheres to the principle 'if it ain't broke don't fix it', and comprises mixed berry and lychee martinis, and an espresso martini (HK$80 each). Wines by the glass start at HK$66, and the Le Choix d'Edmond series of Bordeaux has proven popular.
The verdict: January 10 was Barco's 10th birthday, and there's a reason it's survived a decade in business: old-fashioned good service and fuss-free booze will never go out of style, regardless of whatever trends sweep through SoHo. Make it a regular haunt and - just like the clich?from television series Cheers says - it'll be where they always know your name.
