Djiboutii – a hip, hidden bar in Wan Chai

Still looking for that cool hangout? Dijboutii, probably one of the coolest and coziest bars I’ve ever set foot in, is definitely a great shout. Located just beyond the somewhat insane Wan Chai Wednesday circuit, you’ll have to nip into an alleyway to find this refreshing bar – look for the wall of lovers’ locks and you’re golden.

As one of our Sassy Girl Sammy’s favourite places to chill out, we were expecting big things and weren’t disappointed. Think effortless ambiance with purple mood lights, repurposed vintage furniture and even a cheeky splash of jungle themed wallpaper (from Hermes, the manager told us proudly). While there’s not a great deal of table seating, there are a couple of tables that spill out into the alley and the bar’s big enough for a comfortable conversation over the smooth sounds of a reggae/ska soundtrack.

Aside from the décor, the drinks are certainly something to write home about as well. They’ve got a constantly evolving menu so we tried out their signature Djiboulini, a fun reinvention of a traditional bellini. With a consistency almost like freshly squeezed juice, the splash of pear puree along with the Prosecco adds a hit of sweetness that’s levelled out by surprisingly welcome peppercorn and hibiscus water. We were also treated to a couple of sneaky off-menu drinks, a mellow fusion jasmine tea cocktail as well as a gingerbread shooter that burned so good. This is definitely somewhere to keep coming back to to try the talented bartender Seb’s latest creations.

Fancy a bite to eat to go with your one, two, ok – three, cocktails? Djibouti serves a range of healthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspired dishes to keep you going. We tried the Djiboutii Platter ($138), which comes with a selection of delicious dips (think creamy hummus and baba ganoush) with homemade Za’atar Flatbread from the hand built brick oven. The spiced Handcut Fries with Homemade Garlicnaise ($50) were absolutely moreish and definitely went down too easily with a cocktail in hand, whilst the Grilled Haloumi with Homemade Tomato Jam & Fresh Mint ($65) was just what you crave when you’re looking for something to whet your appetite.

Djiboutii also serves up a range of delicious skewers – from Lamb with Muhamarra Sauce and Beef Koftas, to Fish and Caper Kebabs with Tzatziki. They all look delicious and we’re definitely keen to try them out, along with the Roast Chicken which they marinate in lemon, garlic and spices… yum!

Although it might be hidden, Djiboutii is everything you’d want from an after work hangout; a laid back vibe, dangerously delicious drinks and a team with no shortage of charm. Just be prepared to fight the hipsters for a seat.

Dijboutii, G/F, 2 Landale Street, Wan Chai, 9449 0777, www.facebook.com/Djiboutiisanctuary