29-30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3427 2288. Too many turn their noses up at Kowloon, but there is one thing you need to come here for: an unmatched view of Hong Kong. Aqua does this better than all other bars, hands down. Recommended: the signature 'Aquatini' is the icing on the cake while enjoying the famous view.

Captain's Bar

Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd, Central. Tel: 2825 4006. Despite its location next to the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, the Captain's Bar has a relaxed atmosphere, with comfy brown leather chairs and plenty of room around the bar. Recommended: the signature Royal Blush (HK$168) is a smooth combination of vodka, lime, mint and cherry puree, topped with champagne.

The Chapel

27 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley. Tel: 2834 6565. 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.

Dada Bar and Lounge

2/F The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3763 8778. Bold leather couches and dim lighting make for a swanky and impressive destination. Recommended: the eponymous Dada cocktail of pomegranate, light rum and lime, with a touch of spearmint.

Dragon-I

UG/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 3110 1222. Dragon-i has the strongest reputation for late-night clubbing and as a place to see and be seen. Book ahead and sample the high life. Recommended: any of Dragon-i's cocktails or enjoy a bottle of 10-year-old Chinese rice wine, to see if it is any better than the rest.

The Globe

Garley Building, 45-53 Graham Street, Central. Tel: 2543 1941. The Globe is a smart English pub, with one of the widest and best selections of beers in Hong Kong, as well as excellent pub fare. Recommended: Typhoon T8, which is brewed on Lantau Island.

La Piola

G/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2851 2281. This Italian restaurant and bar brings the taste of the Piedmont region to Lyndhurst Terrace. There is an extensive wine list (mostly by the bottle, with select varietals by the glass starting at HK$65). The cocktail list features an eclectic range of spirits and flavours. Recommended: the Mint Breath (HK$82) is a refreshing mixture of kiwi, green apple schnapps, vodka, pineapple juice and apple juice topped off with a mint garnish.

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.

The Living Room

6/F W Hotel, Kowloon Station. Tel: 3717 2222. It is easy to kick back and feel right at home in this sprawling, beautifully designed bar complete with board games and bookcases. Recommended: the awesome lychee martinis and the HK$198 deal for all the New World wine you can possibly drink.

Psychic Jack

1/F, 30-32 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2868 6102. This deliciously decadent addition to the Wyndham Street scene is all comfortable relaxed hues. Recommended: the lemon drops (HK$76) and the Long Beach Iced Tea (HK$102).

Salon de Ning

B/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2315 3355. Hidden away in the basement of the Peninsula is this glamorous slice of 1930s Shanghai, inspiring a feeling of intrigue and mystery. Recommended: the Manhattan (HK$115).

Tazmania Ballroom

1/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2801 5009. 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.