Bar review: Breeze in Causeway Bay – be Paul Newman in this pool hall, good value for money
With friendly staff, a long happy hour, the usual spirits and a few Japanese whiskies, and well-made if limited cocktails on request, this venue focuses on the pool tables, but is also good value for money and well worth a shot
The vibe: classic pool hall, with a few modern twists in the form of video screens and beer pong tables. If you have fantasies of being Paul Newman in The Hustler or The Color of Money, this is certainly the best place in Causeway Bay to play them out. It was quiet in the early evening when I dropped in, but it is probably schooling with pool sharks later on. I was told by a friendly patron that a tournament was scheduled, and offered a preliminary game. Staff are friendly and accommodating.
long happy hour, when drinks are two for one. Pours are generous. This, however, is a pool hall with a bar in the corner, not a bar with pool tables. No cocktails appear on the drinks list, but they will make the obvious classics on request. I ordered a dry martini (HK$88) with Bombay Sapphire gin which was professionally made, although I had to ask the bartender to go easy on the vermouth and no olives were available, leaving a lemon twist as the only garnish option. The spirits selection is sparse, and consists entirely of obvious brands. Scotch single malts are all from Edrington with a Macallan 12 Year Old (HK$98), 18 Year Old (HK$385) and Highland Park (HK$113).
The verdict: no surprises here for barflies, but pool players should find something to their taste to slake their thirsts.