Advertisement

Bars

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
0

The Chater Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, is many things to many people. 'We seem to attract a different crowd at each different time,' says the hotel's director of public relations, Christine Smith-Mann. 'What they all seem to be after is a place where you can sit down and be comfortable while you talk.' And comfort here is the key - large, soft seats and couches and plenty of space with a classic, well, Ritz-y decor.

Open from 10am to 1am, the mornings, says Smith-Mann, attract businessmen meeting over coffee or over the light lunch buffet. From there is the afternoon tea from 3-6pm - heaven for tai-tais - and live music with a local band and cocktails from 6-8.30pm. There's also a champagne and caviar promotion at the moment. They're offering three Iranian caviars served up in 30-gram portions, plus a choice of 14 champagnes. Late-night entertainment comes via the soulful jazz of Hawaiian singer Bonet (pictured). Bonet will be in residence from 8.30pm onwards.

Regular drinks kick in at around $50 for your standards and there's tasty bar snacks, including taro chips, to munch on - free of charge (Causeway Bay bar owners should take note).

So, what of The Chater Lounge's reputation around town for being the safest place to take your 'bit on the side' for a few drinks? 'Well that's a surprise to me,' laughs Smith-Mann. But it's obviously no surprise to the business type sitting nearby during a recent visit. As his younger - much younger - female companion left for the restroom, he was overheard talking into his mobile phone: 'No dear, I'm still at the office'.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Select Voice
Choose your listening speed
Get through articles 2-3x faster
1.1x
220 WPM
Slow
Normal
Fast
1.1x