208 Duecento Otto G/F, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2549 0208. One of the most talked-about new additions to the Hollywood Road scene is a former meat storage warehouse transformed into a slice of New York cool by a team who were named the best young designers of 2004 by Wallpaper. Recommended: the extensive wine and cocktail list. Alfie's by Kee M18-19, M/F, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2530 4422. With its dark wood, dimmed lights and leather lounges to sink into, Alfie's more than matches the Dunhill boys' club aesthetic. Still a hidden treasure, but try to visit before the word gets out. Recommended: 'Pimm's by Kee' and the lemon grass martini. Angel's Share 2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd. Tel: 2805 8388. Whisky is the drink that has always transcended all notions of class and the people behind Angel's Share have rightly put this lovely drop back in its rightful place, with more than 100 varieties on offer. Recommended: the 20-year-old Macallan drawn straight from the barrel and the Croftengea 1995 (HK$130). Aqua Spirit 29-30/F, 1 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3427 2288. Too many turn their noses up at Kowloon, but there's one thing you need to come here for: an unmatched view of Hong Kong. Aqua does this better than the others. Recommended: the signature 'Aquatini' is the icing on the cake while enjoying the famous view. Baby Buddha 18 Wo On Lane, Central. Tel: 2167 7244. Its tucked-away alley location and cool, minimalist decor make this the perfect spot for a quiet drink before hitting SoHo or Lan Kwai Fong. Recommended: Around the World cocktail, a lethal combination of gin, Scotch, brandy, rum and vodka masked under fresh flavours of orange, lemon and pineapple. The Blck Brd 6/F and roof garden, No 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2545 8555. With no DJs, no cocktails and no televisions, this bar has a unique focus: top-quality booze. And it's all served up in an elegant, almost industrial environment. Recommended: the 14-year-old Oban whisky (HK$138 a shot), and the Ardbeg, Talisker and Glenmorangie (all HK$88 a shot). Captain's Bar Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd, Central. Tel: 2825 4006. Despite its location next to the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental, the Captain's Bar has a relaxed atmosphere, with comfy brown leather chairs and plenty of room around the bar. Recommended: the signature Royal Blush (HK$168), is a smooth combination of vodka, lime, mint and cherry puree, topped with champagne. The Chapel 27 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley. Tel: 2834 6565. Whether for a pre-race warm up or post-win celebration, The Chapel's broad range of beers will satisfy anyone in Happy Valley. Recommended: the Chapel's curries are well-known in Hong Kong, and a great way to soak up the booze after the races. The Chinnery Bar 1/F Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central. Tel: 2825 4009. First opened in the 1960s, the Chinnery has the air of a traditional gentlemen's club. Everything about the bar spells sophistication, from the dark-wood decor to the silver-haired staff in perfectly tailored white dinner jackets. Recommended: the more than 100 different single-malts from around the globe. Club @28 28/F, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 8 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay. Tel: 3980 3300. The vibe: this rooftop bar is sleek, stylish and far from understated. Inside it's bright and glitzy, with a circular bar and glass windows on either side, one of which leads to the venue's real gem - a wood-decked terrace. Recommended: the J-Cube cocktail, made with vodka and crushed strawberries. Dada Bar and Lounge 2/F The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 3763 8778. Bold leather couches and dim lighting make for a swanky and impressive destination in Tsim Sha Tsui. Recommended: the eponymous Dada cocktail includes pomegranate, light rum and lime, with a touch of spearmint. Dragon-I UG/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 3110 1222. Dragon-i has the strongest reputation for late-night clubbing and as a place to see and be seen. Book ahead and sample the high life. Recommended: any of Dragon-i's cocktails or enjoy a bottle of 10-year-old Chinese rice wine, to see if it's any better than the rest. Eyebar 30/F, iSquare, 63 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2487 3988. This impressively expansive space so rare with Kowloon bars takes advantage of the 30th-floor locale, turning the stunning harbour view into the bar's backdrop. The East-meets-West theme look stylish instead of cheesy. Recommended: the more than 100 international wines or Chinese spirits such as Wuliangye. Fringe Club 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. Tel: 2521 7251. The ground-floor bar is a hip hangout for the city's arty crowd, regularly offering great live music, while the roof bar is a bit rough around the edges but offers a casual alternative for those wanting to enjoy the nighttime sky. Recommended: the evening tapas menu offering chorizo, Thai fish cakes and braised wings. The Globe Garley Building, 45-53 Graham Street, Central. Tel: 2543 1941. The Globe is a smart English pub, with one of the widest and best selections of beers in Hong Kong, as well as excellent pub fare. Recommended: Typhoon T8, which is brewed on Lantau Island. Hush G/F, 2 Gleanealy, Central. Tel: 2537 2281. This chill-out bar away from the hubbub of nearby Lan Kwai Fong and Wyndham Street offers a casual place to unwind, particularly on the outdoor rattan lounges. Recommended: the impressive molecular cocktails such as the Mr Grey (HK$110), a refreshing martini made of crushed cucumber, apple juice, Earl Grey tea, gin and elderflower syrup. Hyde 2-3/F Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2522 2608. Spread over two floors, this New York-loft-style venue incorporates a lounge, club and terraces spread over 12,000 sq ft. Classy but unpretentious. Recommended: the selection of premium whiskys including vintage Macallan. Kila Upper Basement, 79 Wyndham Street, Central. Tel: 2522 8118. Hong Kong is not short of Irish bars, with two large chains and a host of independent Irish-themed pubs. Kila's owners, however, have done their best to actually feel Irish. Recommended: the Guinness, of course, and the Asahi on tap. La Piola G/F, 8 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: 2851 2281. This Italian restaurant and bar brings the taste of the Piedmont region. There's an extensive wine list (mostly by the bottle, with varietals by the glass starting at HK$65). The cocktail list has an eclectic range of spirits and flavours. Recommended: the Mint Breath (HK$82) is a refreshing mixture of kiwi, green apple schnapps, vodka, pineapple juice and apple juice topped off with a mint garnish. Le Boudoir B/F, 65 Wyndham St, Central Tel: 2530 3870. This atmospheric basement bar modelled on 19th-century Parisian salons is dark and lovely, with one of the best cocktail menus in town: Recommended: the Unconventional martini (HK$95), blending gin, lemon juice, mint and kaffir lime syrup. Le Jardin 1/F 10 Wing Wah Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Tel: 2877 1100. Here you can gather round a table and enjoy the atmosphere rather than being bombarded by pop music, as is the norm in LKF. Recommended: Hoegaarden. Le Jardin remains perhaps the best place to enjoy a pint of the luscious Belgian brew. The Living Room 6/F W Hotel, Kowloon Station. Tel: 3717 2222. It's easy to kick back and feel right at home in this sprawling, beautifully designed bar complete with board games and bookcases - just help yourself. Recommended: awesome lychee martinis and the HK$198 deal for all the New World wine you can possibly drink Mamoz 27-28/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Rd, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2890 3182. Occupying roughly 5,000 sq ft in Cubus, Mamoz offers a panoramic view of the area, as well as glimpses of Victoria Harbour. Forget the crowds on street level while you sit in a comfy leather armchair, snacking on cashews. Recommended: the Southside Fizz (HK$88), a mix of Tanqueray No. Ten, fresh lime, mint and soda. MO Bar G/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 2132 0077. This fashionable hangout spread over two levels offers some impressive signature cocktails. Recommended: the Asian Mind MOtini, with premium gin, muddled ginger, pink grapefruit and fresh lime juice. Phonograph 2 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Tel: 2730 6622. Phonograph isn't a music venue but is one frequented by musicians. Staff don't mind plugging your iPod into the sound system while you sip a Yakult cocktail. Recommended: any of the Yakult cocktails -drinking on an empty stomach never felt so healthy. The Pawn 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2866 3444. Relax at the beautifully restored historic building with natural light, low leather couches and a beautifully calm atmosphere. Recommended: Leffe Brune, a beer not often available elsewhere and a good one at that. Racks MDB M88, 7/F, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 2868 3762. An East Village-style pool bar, this members club is the coolest place in town to shoot a few balls. Recommended: when in a Manhattan-style bar, one must order the timeless Manhattan. Republik 108 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2261 1111. With its subtle opulence and eclectic charm, Republik exudes a character intentionally in line with the surrounding Sheung Wan vibe. Recommended: the Ohh La La La (HK$120), a refreshing mix of peanut-infused Havana Club, mint, Asian herbs, lime and palm sugar. Sevva 25/F Princes Building, 10 Chater Road, Central. Tel: 2537 1388. Indoor and (spacious) outdoor seating gives Sevva a nice edge. Particularly given the incredible skyscraper views. Recommended: at Sevva it's the desserts which will steal your heart. Sugar 32/F, East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road. Tel: 3968 3968. One of the few bars in the area to have an outdoor terrace, the chic Sugar at the boutique East Hotel is a rare escape from the city's Central-Causeway Bay hip-zone. Recommended: the music, with resident DJs Eric Byron and P. Grant spinning lounge, soul, electro and chill-out. Woolloomooloo 31/F The Hennessey, 256 Hennessey Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2893 6960. Amazing views through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the breathtaking rooftop bar. Woolloomooloo is bringing a new kind of cool to Wan Chai. Recommended: everything tastes pretty good when you're already on top of the world.
