We live in a relatively small city and our homes, offices and lifestyles are restricted by the size of our metropolis. But when it comes to our nightlife, a trend has emerged - one that's seeing many escape the confines of enclosed bars to embrace the night air.
Outdoor bars have proliferated throughout the city and, unlike many fads, this trend looks like it might be here to stay.
'Outdoor bars have always been popular all over the world, and Hong Kong is catching on,' says James Gannaban, marketing and public relations manager of FINDS Group, which runs the bar of the same name in Lan Kwai Fong and is soon expanding to the Luxe Manor hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui.
'People live in such contained conditions that we need to offer our guests some relief from cabin fever.' When pushed, however, Gannaban offers another reason for the sudden increase in outdoor venues: 'Quite simply, the smoking ban is why outdoor bars have increased in the past few years.'
Many bar managers might be reluctant to admit it, but it makes perfect sense to migrate your business outdoors because, like it or not, cigarettes and alcohol go hand in hand.
Christian Talpo, general manager of restaurant Zuma, says: 'People have changed their habits and many spaces are now thought out with outdoor seating in mind. More people are finding out why it is so cool to be outdoors.'
Talpo is speaking figuratively, of course. During the summer, day or night, the last thing you feel is 'cool' outdoors, and the heat and humidity is why many bars have long kept their doors firmly shut and their air conditioners at full blast.