We’ve all been there, just minutes after decking yourself out, the first-date jitters start to creep in. You’re fretting and have a range of emotions swirling inside you. You can’t help wondering if that person who’s been flirtatious over WhatsApp is real. And even worse, you’ve got the added pressure to choosing the perfect bar for the date. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best bars for a first date to help put your nerves at ease…
Foxglove
Disguised as an umbrella shop (reminiscent of the Kingsman movies!), the mysterious speakeasy Foxglove can almost guarantee your date will take a shine to. After venturing down the mysterious aisle bursting with vintage silver-handled umbrellas, you’ll see the sculptured white ceiling, marble tables and upholstered seats with deep blue leather. Foxglove serves delectable cocktails, namely the New York Sour made with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, lemon, sugar, egg white and claret float. While you sip on your tipples and marvel at the glamorous interiors, the jazz music will set in and you’ll know the date will be a hit…
Foxglove, G/F, 18 Ice house Street, www.foxglovehk.com
Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge
Meeting your date at a classy bar is romantic, but can also be nerve-wracking. If fancy is not your thing, and you want to steer clear of the rowdy bunch in LKF, Honi Honi is your best bet for casual dates. Located slap bang in the heart of Central, but away from the cluster of bars and nightspots, Honi Honi gives off a beachy, laid-back vibe with its funky shelves filled with tiki mugs, thatch roofs and tiki torches. And the cosy outdoor patio is where you can get more intimate with your date. We recommend the Passion Water (made with passion fruit purée, watermelon juice, lemon juice and apple juice) as your poison of choice if you like fruity cocktails.
Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge, 3/F Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central, 2353 0885, www.honihonibar.com
Sumac
Tucked away on top of the hill on Glenealy street, Sumac is perfect for first dates as it’s invariably tranquil and cosy. Getting there is a tad tricky as you need to walk down the hidden staircase, but the whiff of mystery spices things up a bit. Once you’re inside, you’ll be stunned by its mysterious and dark vibe. The friendly bartenders also love to chit chat, so they might be able to help you to diffuse any awkward silences!
Sumac, 8 Glenealy, Central, 2628 7645, www.sumac.com.hk
Mavericks *This business has now closed*
Got an itch to elope to a place of oasis of peace and tranquillity? Make a beeline to Mavericks in Pui O! Mavericks is a lush bar and board shack situated on the beach which is full of hip surfers and paddlers. Just imagine soaking up to the sun as you chow down on fish and chips; feeling the warm breeze on your skin, and the water washing up the soft sand as you enjoy the splendid view.
Mavericks, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island, 5402 4154, www.mavericks.hk
Tikitiki Bowling Bar
Gone are the days of sipping drinks in awkward silence. In are the days of bars with games to help build bonds. With that in mind, head on over to Tikitiki Bowling Bar for some friendly competition. Downing the pins is sure to give you a rush, and even if you’re inept at bowling, you may find yourself flirting over a clumsy toss of the ball! Tikitiki bar is garnished with Hawaian ornaments and palm trees, giving off a tropical vibe – take your pick from the myriad of exotic cocktails to choose from, like the Stormy Tiki (made with Myer’s Dark Rum, fresh lime wedges, ginger liqueur, brown sugar, coriander and ginger ale), served at Sea Dogs & Mermaid Bar.
Tikitiki Bowling Bar, 4/F, Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, 2657 8488, www.tikitiki.hk
Featured image courtesy of Getty. Image #1 courtesy of Foxglove via Facebook, image #2 courtesy of Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge via Facebook, image #3 courtesy of Sumac via Facebook, image #4 courtesy of Mavericks HK via Facebook, image #5 courtesy of Tiki Tiki Bowling Bar via Facebook