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Bars

001

LG/F, 97 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2810 6969. So exclusive it's almost secretive, this club's black wooden floors and secluded booths lend themselves to privacy. Recommended: its premium spirits.

Alfie's by Kee

M18-19, M/F Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2530 4422. With its dark wood, dimmed lights and leather lounges to sink into, Alfie's more than matches the Dunhill boys' club aesthetic. Recommended: Pimm's by Kee and the lemon grass martini.

Angel's Share

2/F Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd. Tel: 2805 8388. Whisky has always transcended all notions of class and the people behind Angel's Share have rightly put this lovely drop back in its rightful place, with more than 100 varieties on offer. Recommended: the 20-year-old Macallan.

Armani/Prive

2/F Chater House, 8 Connaught Road, Central. Tel: 3583 2828. The 5,000-sq-ft terrace is the star of the show at the sister bar to Armani/Aqua restaurant; take in the views from cosy, candlelit seating. Not so impressed by the signature cocktails, the classy wine and spirits selection more than compensated. Recommended: Dom Perignon Oenotheque 1996 (HK$5,200 a bottle).

Biergarten German Bar and Restaurant

G/F 5 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2721 2302. This convivial, raucous institution has an inviting if kitschy atmosphere. Stick to the German beers and usual cocktails as its dry riesling was off-putting. The sausages are pretty good. Recommended: the Thai Sunrise (HK$68), a twist on the tequila sunrise.

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 are a great way to soak up the booze after the races.

Dharma Den

2/F The Workstation, 43 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 9813 1579. The curious inclusion of a pole dancing area and a great terrace with outdoor grill in a Tibetan-themed bar makes up for a lacklustre drinks list. Recommended: the 12-year-old Glenfiddich (HK$75).

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. The East-meets-West theme look stylish instead of cheesy. Recommended: the more than 100 international wines or Chinese spirits such as Wuliangye.

Fly

G/F, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central. Tel: 2810 9902. A sleek interior, bass-heavy sounds and eye-catching visual effects make for a serious clubbing experience but also mean spending serious money. The small number of beers is made up for by the ever-changing range of premium spirits and house-infused vodka based cocktails. Recommended: the Sawaadini lemongrass and kaffir lime vodka with ginger and chilli.

Lei Dou

G/F, 20-22 D'Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Tel: 2525 6628. Yes it's in the middle of Lan Kwai Fong but still manages to feel like a hidden gem, with its low lighting and down-tempo jazz. Recommended: the espresso martini cannot be missed.

Linguini Fini

G/F The L Place, 139 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 28571333. This dark bar with booths that act like time machines is sure to be the cause of many an entertainingly lost night. Recommended: the bourbob, lemon and mint combo Whiskey Smash (HK$58).

Nest bar

Prudential Hotel, 222 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 23118222. This hotel lobby lounge experience left us cold. The drinks were limited and unimpressive. Recommended: the house red wine (HK$78) was drinkable.

Ozone

118/F Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon. Tel: 2263 2263. The highest bar in the world doesn't disappoint with its bird's-eye view of the city. Prices here are as steep as the venue, but then you're paying for that view. Recommended: wines are the main attraction, with a choice of several by the glass (HK$90-HK$170).

Pastis

G/F 65 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2537 5702. Bars don't get much Frencher than this temple to anise-based drinks. As well as pastis, there is an interesting selection of French spirits. Recommended: the Pastis Henri Bardouin (HK$70).

Ra Restaurant and Lounge

Shop 1, G/F Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East. Tel: 2721 3600. The Egyptian theme includes the smell of shisha as much as the ancient relics used for d?cor. The drinks may be underwhelming, bar some minty cocktails, but the place is unpretentious and friendly. Recommended: the pint-sized lychee mojito (HK$95).

Racks MDB

M88, 7/F, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2868 3762. An East Village-style pool bar, this members' club remains the coolest place in town to shoot a few balls. Recommended: when in a Manhattan-style bar, one must order the Manhattan.

Rayne

43-55 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2840 1955. Settle in for a chat if you're early enough and watch the passing parade on Wyndham Street. Later on, the lounge or house music amps up and this part of town becomes a place in which to see and be seen. Recommended: the Chocolate Rayne (HK$85), which blends house-made chocolate sauce with vodka and whiskey and then tops it off with Frangelico and chocolate liqueur.

Red Bar

4/F Two IFC, 8 Finance Street, Central. Tel: 8129 8882. With an open rooftop, Red has a consistently good DJ and an atmosphere which suits afternoon coffees or evening cocktails. Recommended: despite priceless views and rooftop cool, the area is also a public space, so crack open a 7-Eleven can of Tsing Tao.

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), using Jim Beam rather than rye whiskey.

Sevva

25/F Prince's 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.

Solas

The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 3162 3710. This upbeat bar is packed at the weekends, when people come for dancing, cocktails and shooters. The bar handles the classics well and that makes for a full-on night out. Recommended: the Mud Slide, a HK$80 mix of vodka, Kahlua, Baileys and vanilla ice cream.

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.

Tott's and Roof Terrace

34/F The Excelsior Hotel, 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2837 6786. A glamorous hotel rooftop bar as suitable for business entertaining as for romantic soirees. An extensive drinks list with many cocktails and wines. The happy hour is good value. Recommended: moonlight lychee blossom, a mix of vodka, elderflower, lemon and champagne (HK$98).

Vibes

5/F Mira Hotel, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2368 1111. The secluded alfresco bar is very relaxed. A few twists on classic cocktails enliven a list that is heavy on whiskies but also includes premium vodkas and rums. Recommended: the S&M (Scotch and mint, HK$90).

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