The Captain’s Bar
It underwent a facelift during the Mandarin’s 2006 renovations, but the famous Captain’s Bar has stayed true to its roots with the familiar red walls and chessboard screens having been restored to their former glory. Favored by traveling bankers as well as mad old colonials, the bar is perfect for a post-work cocktail. Throw in a spot of live music and a rather expensive tipple of whiskey, and you’ll be feeling mature (in a Sean Connery kind of way) in no time.
The Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd., Central. 2522-0111
Dickens Bar
This is the place to go if you want to sit back, enjoy some sports and not be interrupted by them damn pesky kids. The timbered walls of Dickens Bar are adorned with autographed sports memorabilia from throughout the ages, including Ian Botham’s cricket bat and Boris Becker’s tennis racquet, while a curry buffet every Monday to Friday lunchtime separates the boys from the men. The cozy pub feel ensures that this establishment draws a regular crowd of mature gentlemen as well as hotel guests.
The Excelsior, 281 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay. 2894-8888
The Old China Hand
Want to see some true relics of Hong Kong’s colonial past but can’t get into the FCC? The Old China Hand has been faithfully serving regulars since 1977. The bar is held dear by so many, that when it was scheduled for closure in 2000, loyal drinkers clubbed together to save their beloved watering hole. Just as you would expect from a traditional English pub, food includes steak-and-kidney pies, sandwiches and fish-and-chips. Quiz night is on Wednesday.
104, Lockhart Rd., Wan Chai. 2865 - 4378