Salon de Ning

B/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2315 3355

The vibe: many bars in Hong Kong claim exclusivity, whether through membership, high prices or a tight door policy. Salon de Ning does it by being the most secluded, hidden bar in the city with a perfectly welcoming attitude.

If the location in the basement of the Peninsula doesn't already inspire a feeling of intrigue and mystery, then walking through the doors will. Salon de Ning (right) replicates the glamour of 1930s Shanghai and offers the choice of perching on a small bar to watch the live blues band or, for those with entertaining to do, cosying up at one of the many tables hidden away in niches.

The drinks: in keeping with the theme of 'Paris of the East', Salon de Ning's drinks range is both well varied and elegant. The staff's suggestion of a Manhattan (HK$115) was much appreciated, and the classic cocktail arrived with no fuss in a sharp martini glass. The bartender uses Jim Beam rather than rye whiskey which offers a sweeter take on the drink and is in keeping with the bar's vibe of celebrating all things naughty. A Hendrick's gin and tonic with cucumber (HK$125) rather than lemon tasted dangerously good. The glass came accompanied by a bottle of Q Tonic, a fairly recent addition to the tonic market and one which, despite its high-quality ingredients, gives way nicely to the gin and cucumber.

The verdict: Salon de Ning is designed around the fictional Madame Ning character - a well-travelled, wealthy Shanghai socialite of the 1930s. The decor certainly evokes old-world Shanghai and the service leaves customers feeling like they've been invited by Ms Ning herself.