The vibe: PDT (Please Don’t Tell), a pioneer of New York’s “secret” speakeasy-style bars and frequently ranked as one of the world’s best bars, has opened its first permanent overseas branch in the Landmark Mandarin Oriental hotel in Hong Kong. Like the original, it’s accessed through a phone booth (up a flight of stairs inside the MO Bar) and there’s a weird Man From Uncle feel about it, especially when you find yourself stuck inside a curtained cubicle waiting for the door to open. Once inside the bar, the atmosphere is intimate, relaxed and agreeably unpretentious – the only unusual note is the various stuffed animals and birds which decorate the walls. The place is small and booking is recommended, especially if you want one of the cosy booth tables; while there are bar stools for walk-ins, they aren’t the most comfortable seating. The feel of a classic American bar was personified by our host Malaika, a member of the New York team who did an outstanding job of making guests feel at home and introducing the drinks. The casual feel is enhanced by a menu of gourmet hot dogs (the original PDT is located next to a celebrated hot dog restaurant) which are good value at HK$98.

The drinks: The cocktails are made with premium spirits and cost HK$158, which compares favourably to other Landmark bars.

PDT founder and noted mixologist Jim Meehan pioneered the fat-washing technique for spirits and Benton’s Old-Fashioned (bacon-infused rye whisky, maple syrup, Angostura bitters) is a fine example, with the sweetness and richness of the traditional Old Fashioned tempered by the salty, fatty bacon. Pear of Pères (rye whiskey, St George pear brandy, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Génépi des Pères Chartreux) offers a creative twist on a Manhattan, strong and complex, with the intense pear brandy dominant. Stop Light (Tanqueray, Dolin white vermouth, Campari, Strega) is an elegant version of the classic Negroni – extremely smooth with a gorgeous glowing colour.