Mimosas to Martinis: Where to Drink in Hong Kong this August

From the latest bar openings, to happy hours, new drinks menus and more, cheers to these drink specials in the 852!

A new month brings new bars, happy hours and drinks in Hong Kong. And with more new openings in Tai Kung, along with new speakeasies popping up in the 852, we have plenty of reasons to hit the town and let our hair down. Friday, 3 August also just so happens to be International Beer Day, if you’re looking for an excuse to try out a brew or two from the best craft brewers in the city…

New Openings
New Menus & Drinks
Happy Hours

New Openings

Hugger Mugger

Hot on the heels of Madame Ching and Chifa, Hugger Mugger is the latest new concept from Pirata Group. Set to open this month, the new bar is slated to be a “sophisticated British salon”, which can be found by entering an unassuming door on Wyndham Street. Adding to the 852’s growing number of speakeasys, continue down the staircase to find the bar, and enter into a world inspired by 1970s London, complete with cocktails that have been carefully crafted around British cultural legends; such as Pink Floyd, William Shakespeare, and Ian Fleming.

Hugger Mugger, Basement, No. 43-55, Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.huggermugger.hk

The Wise King

Now open on Staunton Street, The Wise King is a new cocktail bar, inspired by the indulgence of the 13th century. Known as the golden age of culinary and mixology exploration, The Wise King is sure to take Hong Kongers on a journey back in time; promising opulence fit for a king, along with contemporary cocktails and a substantial tapas selection. Guests can expect to sip on drinks such as the Turrón Sour ($118), made with a spiced peach and pineapple wine reduction and Cava; and feast on sharing plates that include Scarpetta, Patatas Bravas, Pollo Kebeb and a varied Spanish charcuterie and cheese selection.

The Wise King, 25 Staunton Street, Basement in Tsung Wing Lane, Central, Hong Kong, www.thewiseking.com

Behind Bars

One of the latest openings to hit Tai Kwun, Behind Bars is the first bar to officially open in the complex (until Ashley Sutton’s Dragonfly opens later this summer), and has found its home within a series of former interlinked jail cells within E-Hall of the former Central Police Station. Describing itself as “a place for people”, Behind Bars intends to bring people of all walks of life together, and banish any connotations with its history, despite the ironic setting. Open daily from 4pm, guests can expect a range of cocktails on offer, along with an artisan coffee program powered by specialty roasters Redback. 

Behind Bars, G/F E Hall, Tai Kwun – Centre for Heritage and Arts, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/behindbars.hk

New Menus & Drinks

The Old Man

Tucked away on a corner of Aberdeen Street The Old Man is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s “The Old Man and the Sea”, and it’s a bringing a new cocktail menu for summer. Ranked as number five on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, The Old Man’s new the “Best of the Old Man” menu features some of its most popular drinks (priced at $120 each), such as the Garden of Eden #1985, which infuses rotovap honeydew rye whiskey with goat’s milk bourbon, caramelised sauterne, cordial and orange-phosphate bitter; and the In Our Time #1924, which consists of an eclectic combination of ingredients, such as clarified banana ghee and celery, salted tequila and spiced banana skin tincture.

The Old Man, Lower G/F, 37-39 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.theoldmanhk.com

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Hours 2018

Veuve Clicquot’s legendary Yellow Hours are back and hitting bars across the 852 from now until Wednesday, 31 October. This year’s theme is “French Bread” or “Du Pain”, and will see talented and innovative chefs across Hong Kong’s various restaurants and bars take on the likes of bread, bruschetta, pizza and take them to the next level. Served along side a chilled glass of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label, 208 Duecento Otto will be offering a Pecorino and Porcini Pizza ($308), while Bib n Hops have a created a tempting Short Rib Katsu Sando ($160), and Komune Above are bringing a Mango Hamachi Sushi Brioche ($158), with more to be announced.

Various locations across Hong Kong

Armani/Privé

More new drinks this month are being served up at Armani/Privé, with its fresh summer cocktails menu. Available from now until 30 September, the drinks are priced at $155 each, and are all inspired by either Italian affogato, or Japanese yakigori, in true Aqua Restaurants fashion. Opt for the Coco Matcha, a heavenly blend of Cacao, pineapple, rum and condensed milk, served in an exotic coconut bowl and dusted with matcha and (more) cacao; or go for the more refreshing Art Basil, a blend of Vodka, basil, lime and pineapple, presented in a coffee dripper with velvety green tea ice cream.

Armani/Privé, 2/F, Landmark Chater (Chater House), 8 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.armaniprive-hk.com

Happy Hours

Stazione Novella

All summer long Stazione Novella has been serving up Aperol Spritz to help us beat the heat, but now the SoHo favourite is turning it up a notch! In honour of its third birthday, the bar will be putting on a trio of block parties (on Monday, 6 August, from 7pm; Monday, 3 September, from 7pm; and Monday, 1 October, from 4:30pm). Guaranteeing that all party-goers will get the very most from the festivities, there will be a mobile Aperol Spritz station parked across the road – making it even easier to enjoy an alfresco aperitif as the Italians do. What’s more, hard-core Spritz fans can take advantage of the new ticket packages, which offer 10 Spritzes for $500. These can be shared with friends, or rolled over to the next month’s block party, and are valid at both the mobile bar and inside Stazione Novella for non-stop access to our fave tipple. As always during Summer of Spritz, Stazione Novella will also be serving a generous spread of savoury aperitivo bites, available on the house until closing.

Stazione Novella, 52-56 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.stazionenovella.com

Papi

Truffle fans get ready, as Papi is offering up a brand new happy hour, just for you this month. Celebrating the best of Italy’s premium ingredients, on Monday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm, you can enjoy free-flow sparkling wine and unlimited truffle-laden bites for just $118. Tuck into moreish dishes such as the Crispy Sandwich with Black Truffle and Parma Ham, the gourmet Truffle Dusted Fries, or the mouth-watering Pizza al Tartufo Nero, with black truffle and gorgonzola cheese, and wash it all down with a glass of chilled Italian sparkling wine.

Papi, 8 Cleveland Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.papi-hk.com

Portico

Make the most of your weekend and brighten up your Sunday afternoon with free-flow at Portico! Happening every Sunday from 12m to 3pm, laze in the relaxed outdoor bar and enjoy two-hours of free-flow sparkling wine for $180, or go premium for $280. The perfect Sunday treat.

Portico, 3/F, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/PorticoHongKong