Bar review: Los Sotano in Central – a cool taste of Mexico where you can enjoy a late drink
This surreal hideaway has more than 80 tequilas and mescals to choose from at all prices, but stick to the house margaritas – they are by far the best value
The vibe: You enter via a concealed doorway in the shape of a barrel on Wo On Lane. Press the red illuminated button on a skull attached to the barrel, and descend a dark staircase to a Mexican Day of the Dead-themed room, with a striking mural featuring a couple of cheerful looking skeletons.
A neon sign proclaims “Tequila Makes My Clothes Come Off” – the name of one of the margaritas – and underlines the tequila and mescal bar theme. It’s a party room.
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The drinks: Agave spirits are the point of the place and more than 80 tequilas and mescals are listed, many of them specially imported. The range extends from modestly priced silver tequilas starting at HK$70 for a shot of Ocho Blanco going up to HK$3,000 for the same measure of Clase Azul Ultra Anejo.
Mezcals start at HK$90 and go up to HK$400, and flights are available for both categories. The cocktail list is the creation of head bartender Rob Kariakin, and that too has an agave emphasis. The Bad Hombre (HK$140) is made with beer, 123 Reposado tequila, and Cynar, served in a beer bottle, covered with a brown paper bag.
A pineapple wedge is stuck in the top where you might expect lime, and a little chilli adds an agreeable touch of spice which lingers on the lips. La Negra (HK$160) is a tequila-based variation on the Negroni with Casamigos Anejo replacing the gin, and repays leisurely sipping.
