Bars
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.
Aqua Spirit
29-30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3427 2288. Too many turn up their noses at Kowloon, but there's 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.
Baby Buddha
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 lethal combination of gin, Scotch, brandy, rum and vodka masked under fresh fruity flavours of orange, lemon and pineapple.
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. The sausages are pretty good. Recommended: the Thai Sunrise (HK$68), a twist on the tequila sunrise.
Castro's
1/F, 16 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2957 8041. This cigar smoke-laden Latin-vibe bar offers generous pours of margaritas, daiquiris and mojitos, and one of the best pina coladas in town. There's little point in drinking beer and wine when the cocktails are this good. Recommended: the ginger mojito, packed with freshly crushed mint and ice (HK$65).
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.
The China Bar
G/F Ho Lee Commercial Building, 44 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2526 5992. The cavernous space goes heavy on the red and dragons for its decorative motif but is comfortable and has a good dance area. The cocktails were the most eye-catching on the menu, especially the Passionate Kiwi containing crunchy, zesty green bell pepper segments. Recommended: the Merry Berry cocktail of Bombay Sapphire gin, fresh mint, raspberry, strawberry, cranberry juice and lime (HK$89).
Eivissa
77 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2520 5818. This slightly dark but definitely cosy nook moves from escape to midnight dance floor. Take advantage of excellent happy hour offers on champagne and cocktails such as the Penicillin (Scotch, lemon, honey and ginger). Recommended: Grimbergen draught (HK$65), an orangey, toffee-flavoured Belgian beer.
Fringe Club
2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. Tel: 2521 7251. The ground-floor bar is a hip hangout for the city's arty crowd, regularly offering great live music, while the roof bar is a bit rough around the edges but offers a casual alternative for those wanting to enjoy the nighttime sky. Recommended: the evening tapas menu offering chorizo, Thai fish cakes and braised wings.
Hard Rock Cafe
LG/F LKF Tower, 55 D'Aguilar St, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2111 3777. The Hard Rock Cafe's return to Hong Kong is music to the ears of local rock fans. Recommended: the Hurricane, with Bacardi Superior rum, Captain Morgan dark rum and Disaronno Amaretto plus grenadine, orange, mango and pineapple juice.
Hive 101
Shop A, 101/F International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon. Tel: 2972 2666. Once found, this quiet bar with glorious views is a tranquil spot for conversation. Cocktails blend Canadian ice wines with Japanese spirits and plenty of fruit, while the wines and shooters are pretty good too. Recommended: the blend of ice wine, Yoichi whisky, cranberry juice and lemon called a Maple Route.
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) and scores of reds and whites by the bottle.
Phonograph
2 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tel: 2730 6622. Phonograph isn't a music venue but is one frequented by musicians. Staff don't mind plugging your iPod into the sound system while you sip a Yakult cocktail. Recommended: any of the Yakult cocktails.
PJ Murphy's
Basement, Imperial Hotel, 32 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2782 3383. A friendly crowd and helpful, pleasant staff create a calm atmosphere in hectic Tsim Sha Tsui. The bar offers excellent spirits, limited but good wines and an interesting list of beers, perhaps a better choice than the cocktails. A good choice for a laid-back evening. Recommended: the Casa La Joya Merlot 2009 (HK$81).
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, while the Central nightlife bursts into life around you. Recommended: the lemon drops (HK$76) and the Long Beach Iced Tea (HK$102).
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.
Sky Lounge
18/F Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2369 1111. A welcome relief from the bustle below, the bar has a glamorous 1950s feel and is an elegant eyrie to recharge batteries. Recommended: the kiwi martini ((HK$95), a show-stopping blend of vodka, kiwi liqueur and kiwifruit syrup.
Vibes
5/F Mira Hotel, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2368 1111. The secluded al fresco 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. There are also shisha and cigar menus. Recommended: the S&M (Scotch and mint, HK$90).
Vida Rica
2/F Mandarin Oriental Macau, Avenida Dr Sun Yat Sen, Outer Harbour, Macau. Tel: (853) 8805 8928. A chic, sophisticated bar with views over the Macau Tower and Nam Van Lake, the bar serves manly cocktails designed by a New York mixologist and has great nooks and crannies to hide in. Recommended: the Lagavulin 25-year cask-strength single malt whisky (HK$490 per shot).
W52
G/F, 52 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 6768 5252. Our favourite bar on Wyndham Street is chic and sophisticated, as long as you stick to spirits and cocktails and don't bother with the wines and beers. Aside from the signature and Grey Goose-based cocktails, standouts include Patron Anejo tequila and cask-strength vintage rum. Recommended: the W Spice, a buttery concoction of butterscotch schnapps, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and freshly ground black pepper (HK$98).
Yumla
Lower Basement, 79 Wyndham St, Central. Tel: 2147 2383. This popular bar attracts the music obsessives and is best known for its ear-bleeding sound system and top-quality DJs. Recommended: the mojito (HK$85) is one of the best in town.