The vibe: this Czech-themed bar and restaurant is lively and bustling, if a tad noisy and short on east European atmosphere. Staff are friendly and helpful, and judging by how packed the place was on a weekday evening, it has scored a hit with locals working nearby. There are tables and chairs inside for those who want to eat, while the bar section opens up in fine weather so you can do your drinking alfresco.

The drinks: “pivo” is Czech for beer and lovers of the amber nectar will revel in an array of draught and bottled beers which prove that the land which gave birth to pilsner still knows how to brew. The draughts were outstanding. The Buduar  Budvar (HK$75) was rich, complex and popping with hops, the Pilsner Urquell (HK$78) drier, lighter and well-balanced. Two bottled beers from the family-owned Bernard brewery (founded in 1597), the Amber and especially the Dark (HK$79 each), were smooth and elegant with just the right touch of bitterness.

Vodka lovers are also well catered for with an impressive selection of premium brands and shots are served properly chilled. We tried two of Poland’s finest: the Snow Leopard (HK$88) was delicate and velvet soft, the potato-based Chopin (HK$85) more full-bodied.