28 July, 2016
a lit up neon sign
a lit up neon sign
Eat & Drink

Hong Kong’s Hidden Hideaways: Off the Beaten Track Bars in Central

28 July, 2016
a lit up neon sign

Secret Sips

With a thriving nightlife to cater for the work hard, play hard philosophers; Central Hong Kong is certainly not short of bars. Whether it’s date night, girly cocktails or after work drinks, there will always be a busy bar for you to huddle into. However, if you’re pining to escape the hustle and bustle, break the mould and venture into the unknown, there are a bevy of quirky hideouts with your name on them.

hidden bars in central le boudoir

Le Boudoir
Although this Parisian inspired bar is located in one of the most popular places for drinks and nightlife in Hong Kong, it can be a tricky one to find! From an inconspicuous entrance on Wyndham Street, venture down a dark, winding stair case and you’ll find the intimate, Moulin-Rouge-esque ‘Le Boudoir’. Expect an eclectic mix of furnishings that include masks, paintings and vintage knick knacks as well as the occasional jazz singer… you’ll feel a world away from the bright noisy lights of Wyndham Street!

Where: Le Boudoir, Basement, 65 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2530 3870, www.facebook.com/LeBoudoirHK
Tasty Tipple: Spicy Fifty – a fiery mix of Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Lime, Elderflower Cordial and Honey Syrup with Thai Red Chilli

shk-hidden-bars-foxglove-central-27072016

Foxglove
Hidden behind what appears to be an umbrella store on Duddell Street, Foxglove oozes old-school luxury and charm. With regular live jazz nights, a decadent menu with European and Japanese flavours and a refined atmosphere, this is the place for dapper gentlemen and elegant ladies looking for something a bit more exclusive.

Where: Foxglove, 2/F, Ice House Street/Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.foxglovehk.com
Tasty Tipple: Camellia & Daisy, a sweet combination of Oolong Milk Tea-Infused H by Hine Cognac, Homemade Orange Cordial, Egg White and Orange Bitters.

hidden whiskey bar I Know John

I Know John
This recently opened whiskey bar is hidden on the 9th floor of ‘The Loop’ building in Central, overlooking Wellington Street. If you’re looking for something secret, the speakeasy vibe of this cosy bar will be right up your alley… think a cool, industrial vibe with polished concrete, exposed lightbulbs as well as wooden and leather details. Don’t expect standard drinks here – I Know John offers a specially curated selection of high-end whiskeys and wines, and their expert mixologists sure know how to craft a creative cocktail. They even serve house-made bottled cocktails – perfect for washing down one of their speciality hot dogs or a plate of charcuterie and cheese! This is the place to go for incredible drinks and an intimate vibe away from the chaos of LKF.

Where: 9/F, The Loop, 33 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tasty Tipple: We like the sound of the Fog Cutter, a signature cocktail at I Know John that includes cognac, gin, rum, sherry, amaretto, orange, lime, pineapple juice syrup, mint and ice
!

shk-hidden-bars-brickhouse-27

Brickhouse
If you’ve not already been to this buzzing Mexican bar and resto, then you’ve been seriously missing out. Since opening in 2012, Brickhouse has cemented itself as one of the hippest spots in town, with an energetic atmosphere, delish tacos, killer drinks and great hip hop tunes. Hidden down a side street in Lan Kwai Fong (past a small handbag stall), Brickhouse is close to the action but maintains a sense of privacy from the

Where: Brickhouse, G/F, 20A D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/brickhousehk
Tasty Tipple: We’ve got our eye on the new ‘Rojo Lena’ cocktail – a blend of mezcal, strawberry, pink pepper corns and absinthe… cheeky!

Sumac Restaurant & Lounge
Looking for a quiet corner that’s not too far away from the action? Sumac Restaurant & Lounge is definitely worth a try. This Lebanese resto, bar and shisha lounge is tucked away down a leafy green lane on Glenealy Road. The french windows, quaint terrace and all round chilled out vibe is perfect if you’re looking to escape the madness of Wyndham Street, and you can’t go wrong with a colourful mezze platter and a glass of vino here.

Where: Sumac Restaurant & Lounge, 9 Glenealy Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tasty Tipple: A glass of rose wine goes down a treat here!

shk-hidden-bars-stockton-central-27072016

Stockton
If a sophisticated speakeasy is what you’re after, look no further than Maximal Concepts’ Stockton. Next to their restaurant Fish & Meat, you’ll find a hidden alleyway with stairs that lead up to this atmospheric whiskey bar (look out for the hanging lightbulb!). Dark, broody and mysterious, this secluded spot is the perfect place to while away the hours… with great music (look out for their themed nights on Facebook), old-world glamour, specially crafted cocktails and of course, high quality whiskey, Stockton is one of Hong Kong’s best hidden bars.

Where: Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.stockton.com.hk
Tasty Tipple: Feeling adventurous? Try the Athole Brose, a rich mix of Blended Whisky, Wild Heather Honey, Oatmeal, Drambuie, Luxardo Amaretto di Saschira and Double Cream.

shk-hidden-bars-the-envoy-central-27072016

The Envoy
Away from all the obvious watering holes in Central, the stylish Pottinger Hotel on Stanley Street houses The Envoy, one of our favourite places to grab a cocktail with the girls. Situated on the third floor of this colonial inspired hotel, this sophisticated establishment is known for its whimsical, creative cocktails (great for the ‘gram!). This stylish bar also has a pretty terrace – perfect for balmy evenings under the city lights.

Where: The Envoy, 3/F, The Pottinger Hotel, 74 Queen’s Road Central (the entrance is located on Stanley Street), Central, Hong Kong, www.theenvoy.hk
Tasty Tipple: Birds of a Feather – a sweet blend of Talisker 10 Years, Ballantine’s Finest scotch, Dilmah Blueberry & Pomegranate tea syrup, blueberry purée, malt essence and lemon juice, served in a unique bird shaped glass… this could be the most Instagrammed cocktail in HK!

pi02_main_boa

Feather Boa
Hidden behind an uninviting, velvet curtain, you would never expect to discover the treasure that is Feather Boa. Bringing a quirky, vintage theme to Hong Kong, it is the perfect venue for visitors, provided you can nab a seat! Don’t be fooled by its size, the strawberry daiquiri’s are larger than life with a delicious mix of fruit and chocolate frosting – a liquid dessert! One word of advice, avoid sampling these delights on a ‘school night’, my friends and I certainly found this out the hard way!

Where: Club Feather Boa G/F, 38 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2857 2586
Tasty Tipple: Strawberry Daiquiri

Speakeasy 001
Transporting you back to the 1930’s New York streets, this concealed and mysterious speakeasy oozes class from every one of its dark corners. Hidden beneath the trodden path of Wellington Street, 001 offers clandestine wining and dining, a refined food and beverage menu whilst casually wooing you with classic jazz tunes. Dubbed a secret saloon, with no signage and a doorbell to enter, it brings a touch of class and relaxed exclusivity to Hong Kong. The cocktails are known for being some of the best in town; get there early to bag a booth!

Where: That’s for you to find out – we’re sworn to secrecy!
Tasty Tipple: The Earl Grey Martini

Want to know where 001 is? Shhh… we’ll email you the address if you promise not to tell!

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