Club 71
One of the few bars in the area not to play an annoyingly loud soundtrack, Club 71 is filled with artists, hippies and people of a political bent. If you’re plotting to take over a heartless monarchy, you’ll want to swing by here first and order a draft beer from the no-nonsense bar staff. With Tsingtao, Carlsberg and Tetley on tap and several more bottled beers in the fridge, you can forget about Rose and Orange revolutions – this one’s going to be Amber! Plus, the walls are decorated with retro items and DIY impressionism – the perfect surroundings in which to map your impending bohemian utopia.
B/F, 67 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2858-7071.
Bohemian Lounge
Tyrannical despots got you down? Try the Bohemian Lounge for some Middle Eastern snacks, a few drinks and some underground political scheming. The velvet couches and carpeted floors not only absorb the sound of your machinations, they’re pretty comfy as well. With plenty of dark spaces to hide in, you may as well settle in for the long haul. Plotting on a Monday? Try one of the tarot card sessions. At $100 for a 10-minute session, it could be an economical way to see if the plebeians really will side with you.
3-5 Old Bailey St., Central, 2526-6099.
Empire Bar
A good plotting session requires privacy, peace and sufficiently dark surroundings. This darkened little bar is great for clandestine meetings, and though people often meet here for the ambience slash meat market, it’s still a safe house ideal for setting the wheels of revolution turning. The bathrooms are tucked away in a tiny corridor and though teeny, are a good place to go if any secret blueprints or black market currency need to be quickly and quietly exchanged. Try not to look suspicious, though the bar staff are so nice and chilled out, they probably won’t squeal on you.
11 Staunton St., Central, 2522-2808.