Bar review: Red Sugar – a sweet experience with friendly staff and impressive drinks list

The vibe: the spacious outdoor terrace is one big attraction, but the lone barfly can take in a perfectly acceptable harbour view, nicely interspersed with interesting bottles, just sitting at the bar and chatting with the very friendly and knowledgeable bar staff. For couples and larger groups there are plenty of comfortable chairs and tables. By day the atmosphere is intended to have an “urban resort” atmosphere. When the sun goes down, the indoor space becomes more of a sophisticated cocktail lounge and the music, some of it live, gets a little louder.

The drinks: a serious drinks list, which, given the surroundings, is surprisingly reasonably priced. It is divided into sections which cover most current trends – barrel-aged cocktails, modern classics and light or zero-alcohol cocktails. There is also a decent wine selection, and a good choice across a range of spirit categories, including mezcals and piscos.

The Asian Delight (HK$98) made with silver tequila, yuzu lime juice, guava juice and a house-made “Asian syrup” which adds a little spice, is a good early evening sharpener.

The Plymouth gin, Campari and sweet vermouth in the Barrel-Aged Negroni (HK$108) have spent eight weeks getting to know each other, and get along splendidly. Just the right degree of bitterness.