6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2810 6166
The vibe: the crew at Buzz Concepts - also responsible for Volar and Halo - revive old-school luxury with this sophisticated new bar. Nestled in the cosy comforts of LKF Tower, Lily is modelled after the salons and supper clubs that flourished in Paris, London and New York at the turn of the 20th century. The space is decked out with wooden floorboards, low tables and comfortable banquettes of plush brown leather. A beautiful cast-iron frame acts as a full-length backdrop to the bar counter, and extends into a staircase leading down to adjoining restaurant, Bloom.
The atmosphere is lively yet refined with the ambience music being a medley of big-band swing and modern funk and soul tracks. Lily's old-time elegance is fortified by fantastic service, courtesy of the team of sharply outfitted staff.
The drinks: the cocktail menu is an innovative list of reworked classics. The Old-Fashioned (HK$110) is made with Ron Zacapa Centenario rum instead of the standard bourbon. An inventive take on a south-of-the-border classic, the Elderflower Paloma (HK$95), is a combination of Don Julio blanco tequila with lime, grapefruit and soda water, infused with the refreshingly grassy taste of elderflower. If you don't want too many flourishes in your drink, the mint julep (HK$90) sticks close to the traditional formula but is made with premium Woodford Reserve bourbon.
Lily also offers a well-thought-out wine and liqueur menu to accompany the impressive cocktails. The menu focuses on the good stuff such as Cristal and Suntory Yamazaki.
The verdict: excellent service and innovative drinks offered in what is perhaps one of the most laid-back and stylish spaces to open this year. And when you consider that the supper menu - consisting of glammed-up classics such as foie gras torchon and the 'Bloomberg-er' of gruyere, bacon and truffle mayo - runs until 2am (3am on weekends), what's not to love?