Beers, cheers and dirty low-down blues venues

In the heart of Wan Chai amid a sea of after-hours bars and topless clubs, The Wanch has been a haven for local rockers for decades.

On the surface, The Wanch seems an unlikely hub of rock'n'roll. Home to Hong Kong's wacky Hash House Harriers, the tiny venue barely has enough room to fit the people around the bar, let alone a band and an audience. Getting a band set up is an art form in itself, as there is no stage and the amps and a battered drum kit are huddled tightly together against the wall.

Despite its humble and somewhat seedy surroundings, bands that frequent The Wanch are among Hong Kong's most successful and long-running local performers outside of the Canto-pop arena. Almost all the city's hottest bands drop in for gigs, with the likes of Papa Jack, Thinking Out Loud and Ninth State regularly belting out their unique brands of rock.

But, come Wednesday night, the stage is thrown open to all comers. Jam night at The Wanch has reached an almost legendary status. Over the years, the weekly ritual has seen the birth of immensely talented acts, and the quick deaths of shockingly painful amateurs.

Regardless of quality, everyone who plays two or more songs gets two tokens for cheap drinks at the bar.

Across the harbour, at 48th Street Chicago Blues, Jam Night on Mondays is a great time to catch the club's signature blues style, played by some of Hong Kong's top musicians. Club founder and blues master Tommy Chung, along with fellow blues hounds such as Jason Ho and Koya Hisakazu, is always on hand to provide back-up to whoever wants to sing.