With the new year comes a whole host of new bars… That’s right, we’ve got another line-up of Hong Kong’s hottest watering holes for the start of 2014, so it’s time to get out there, try somewhere different and start celebrating the Year of the Horse! Night owls, this one is for you!
Rock this party
The latest go-to bar to hit Lan Kwai Fong is Rockabilly. This two-floor venue packs a punch with its retro American-inspired décor and vintage elements inspired by car repair shops and tattoo parlours (designed by Ben McCarthy, who also worked on Brickhouse, Linguini Fini and Fish & Meat). Meanwhile, the menu sees HK’s current craft beer trend continue apace, accompanied by deliciously moreish comfort food like burger sliders and seven types of fries – perfect for those tipsy hunger pangs! Rockabilly also boasts yummy spiked slushies, great deals throughout the week ($10 sliders on a Tuesday… you can’t say no!) and tonnes of attitude to boot, so go check it out on your next Lan Kwai night adventure!
Rockabilly Rockabilly, 12 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong
2869 0099 www.rockabilly.com.hk/…
Staying up late…
Nocturne is an understated, Japanese-inspired whiskey bar tucked away quietly on Peel Street – if you’re looking for a bit of privacy, this is the place to come! The bare concrete walls and minimalist décor only further add to its mysterious vibe and hidden gem appeal, whilst the whiskey selection is as enormous as you’d expect; with over 50 different types on offer, from Japanese to Scottish and everything in-between, simply take your pick! Soft jazz music and dimmed lighting make for a relaxing atmosphere – the perfect place for a good old catch-up with friends into the twilight hours.
Nocturne 35 Peel Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong
5406 9979 www.facebook.com/…
Champagne sipper
Have you recently come into some cash over Christmas? Then you might want to consider splashing out on Hong Kong’s premiere Cristal champagne bar and restaurant, Le Dome de Cristal! This enormous space (we’re talking 10,000 square footage!) is just as luxurious as it sounds. With plush cream décor set beneath the dome ceiling, renowned architect and interior designer Steve Leung has really pulled out all the stops to make Le Dome de Cristal feel as indulgent and exclusive as possible. With the finest European cuisine on the menu and, of course, an exquisite selection of champagnes and champagnes cocktails to choose from, this is the ideal place to come for a celebration! Don’t be too intimidated though – the wraparound terrace and undemanding atmosphere make this a great spot for some fancy after-work drinks or a night out with the girls.
Le Dôme de Cristal 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
2116 4688
Itch that beer craving
Looking for a new hip hangout? Of course, Sheung Wan has got another laidback trendy bar gracing its streets! Itchi is a relaxed little joint serving up a neat selection of beers on tap and a menu full of easy foodie favourites – plus a prime people-watching, open-front location on Hollywood Road! With craft beers and different ‘textured’ walls, Itchi should definitely climb its way up the hipster bar list. The low-key atmosphere and cool location make a great place to hang out with friends and down a couple of cold beers after work… time to unwind, girls!
Itchi 186 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Central, Hong Kong
2857 9838 www.facebook.com/…
Zoom into 2014
International contemporary Japanese eatery Zuma has upped the ante in Hong Kong – a night of serious partying awaits you on their revamped sixth floor! Gone is the lounge of old and in its place is a snazzy new bar, designed with luminous walls and light effects for the ultimate clubbing experience. The sophisticated furnishings (courtesy of amazing interior designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu) coupled with a slick DJ booth and fab array of exciting cocktails (hello ‘Tokyo Rose’!) make this one of the hottest partying spots in Hong Kong for 2014. If you haven’t heard of their epic ‘Dead Not Alive’ Halloween party, then where have you been? Save that one for the diary this year!
Zuma 5 & 6/L, The Landmark, 15 Queens Road Central, Central, 12-16 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
3657 6388 www.zumarestaurant.com/…
Art Deco drinking
Vintage lovers, you might want to try out ICON, a new Art Deco themed bar on Wyndham Street. From the same people who brought us Insomnia and Dusk Till Dawn, this is a place that’s sure to deliver on fun! With funky Art Deco touches like intricate wrought iron designs and lavish ornaments and a menu full of European beers, fine wines, French champagnes and the usual spirits and cocktails, whatever your tipple is, you’ll be happy here! With all-day and all-night dining in an ultra convenient location, you’re sure to have some memorable times at ICON.
ICON G/F Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
www.liverockmusic247.com/bar-icon.html
Time to get crafty
Beer, beer and more beer! If you’re into your beer, then you should definitely check out The Roundhouse. With 25 types of craft beer on draft (plus even more in bottles and cans too!) and lots of scrummy Texas barbeque food to balance out the booze (courtesy of former Brickhouse chef, Texan boy Austin Fry), this is your new go-to place for great comfort food and drink. Boasting the only ‘taproom’ in Hong Kong (which has been designed to keep and serve beer in its best possible condition), The Roundhouse might just be the best place for craft beers in the 852; they’ll also be changing up the selection regularly with new and limited-edition beers – variety is the spice of life, after all! With delish pulled pork and beef brisket to munch on too, if this place doesn’t have you feeling chilled out, where will?!
The Roundhouse Taproom G/F., 62 Peel Street, 香港島, Hong Kong
2366 4880 www.facebook.com/…
Don’t be cagey
Sometimes you can get a bit bored of the same old nights out (Stormies again?!), which is why it’s always fun to try a brand new club – and Club 18 might be just the place! Not too far away from all the action on Lyndhurst, Club 18 fulfils all your clubbing desires; the illuminated bar, giant glittery lips on the wall and cage (yes, this place has a cage!) promises a crazy night of fun. Sip on some strong cocktails as you sit in the red leather booths – we recommended the light and refreshing watermelon cocktail, but watch out for the absinthe one… it will blow your head off! Try out Club 18 if you’re up for a night of high-energy dancing with friends, and look out for their ladies night every Thursday with free entry and an open bar!
Club 18 Club 18, 18 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong
5182 4918 www.facebook.com/…
Beach bum bar
In case you haven’t spotted it, the Tommy Bahama store in Wan Chai actually has a cool little watering hole, The Marlin Bar, hidden inside! In an unusual half-shop half-bar setting, this place has a relaxed atmosphere that brings a beachy feel to your drinking and dining – think soft yellow and wood decor, laidback tropical melodies in the background, and a heady pineapple and coconut scent throughout! Expect a menu full of similarly tropical cocktails and bar bites (we’ve heard they do a mean lobster roll!) – definitely one to try if you’re craving the return of summer already!
The Marlin Bar at Tommy Bahama Shop No. 1G, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road Wan Chai
3543 0119 www.facebook.com/…
…and after the party, it’s time for Sharkie’s!
You’ve gone out in LKF, tried some of these cool new bars and are feeling a little bit tipsy and in need of some mid-party/end-of-the-evening sustenance… time to soak up that alcohol and banish those food cravings with Sharkie’s! Sharkie’s is the only real, local, fast food joint that’s open late in Lan Kwai Fong, with fish balls, siu mai, egg waffles and fried chicken making it the perfect post-bar, late-night eat spot! Who knew local Hong Kong snacks could make such great drunk food?!
Sharkie’s Snacks Shop C, G/F, Wo On Building, 8-12 Wo On Lane Street Central
2530 3232 www.facebook.com/…