Top 8 New(ish) Bars in Hong Kong you’ve got to try…

2015 is nearly here and now’s the time to make sure you’ve enjoyed 2014 to the fullest! With so much going on in HK, it can be hard to keep up, so we’ve rounded up our favourite Top 8 New(ish!) Bars from 2014 for you to try this month. There are new bars popping up all over town, so if you’ve haven’t been able to get to all the latest openings, here’s our pick of ones to try. Celebrate the holiday season in style and end 2014 on a high!The Woods
Molecular mixology cocktails are popping up all over town, but The Woods is our number one place to go when we want a cocktail with a twist. The experience at The Woods is altogether different from your regular bar, especially when it comes down to the drinks. It’s all about the attention to detail here, from the well-thought décor to the creativity of the cocktails. Inconspicuously hidden on Hollywood Road, The Woods can be easily missed, but we guarantee that after one visit you’ll want to return for more! Just take a look at our review here. Using artisanal spirits from small batch distilleries and market-fresh ingredients, each drink is meticulously crafted. This is truly an experience that taps into all the senses – make sure you try out their new Prix Fixe menu this month for some magical winter flavours… you even get to smoke your own rosemary for the ‘Campfire’ digestif cocktail!

The Woods, L/G, 17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 -0281, www.thewoods.hk

The Envoy 
Ever since its opening this summer at the Pottinger Hong Kong, The Envoy has been the talk of the town and we can see why! Antonio Lai and Charlene Dawes are the brains behind this new hot spot, and with some of the city’s most sought-after bars already under their belt (Quinary, Origin and Angel’s Share), you know that the drinks are going to be on point. The luxe interior of Envoy is enough to get jaws dropping, but the quirky presentation of their crafty concoctions are sure to prompt a couple of Insta pics or two. Satisfy your visuals and taste buds with True Blood #2, which is served in a hospital-style blood bag, or their award-winning tea inspired cocktail, Honey Me Honey Tea, which comes in a bird-shaped glass with a rolled up message. Take a look at these beauties here and pop down to Pottinger Street for some festive and fun drinks!

The Envoy, 3/F The Pottinger Hong Kong, 74 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong, 2169 3311, www.theenvoy.hk

Rummin’ Tings
Hollywood Road comes to life as the sun sets, with a plethora of bars and restaurants providing great drinks and bites to eat. The latest offering to this already busy, central location is Rummin’ Tings, which manages to bring something completely different to street. This Caribbean inspired bar and resto serves up island flavours in a funky, chilled-out location. We love the wall art, twinkly fairy lights and warm and welcoming atmosphere of the this little getaway which is perfect for soaking up a bit of island charm. Expect deliciously strong cocktails with the key ingredient being rum (of course!), along with fresh fruit juices… If you get peckish, you won’t be disappointed by the snacky menu which includes delicious Jerk Chicken and our favourite ‘Double Dutty’ with chickpeas – delish, especially with the kick of spice! Unfortunately, a golden beach and luscious palm trees don’t come with any of your orders, but for now, we think this will do!

Rummin’ Tings, G/F, 28 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, 2523 7070, www.rummintings.hk

Mrs Pound
Hong Kong’s restaurant scene has been heating up ever since the start of summer this year, especially with big international names like Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver hitting the 852 recently. It seems like it’s not planning to cool down just yet! Currently at its ‘soft opening’ stage, Mrs Pound is finally making its debut after selling out in mere hours at the PMQ pop-up this July. This neighbourhood bar is filled with retro 60s pinup wall art décor and their impressive stamp collection will make you wonder if you are at the right place! They serve Asian street favourites, but with a creative twist to it – shiso bulgogi pork belly skewers, beef rendang poutine, lemongrass meatballs, oxtail nuggets and mala wings, to name but a few. Pair these delicacies with creative cocktails like the Tom Yum Cooler, Prince Charles’ Affair or a Kyoto Deflower to freshen up your palate. Need we say more?

Mrs Pound, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 3426 3949, www.facebook.com/MrsPoundHK

Street Meat
Fashioned after the Big Apple’s iconic century-old Prince Street Station, Street Meat is conveniently located on Wyndham Street and is an easy to get to spot for afterwork drinks. This  ‘no reservations’ hipster spot features an interesting take on New York street food, but we have to admit that they drinks definitely out-shine the food. The hidden bar has limited space and only serves a selection of specialty cocktails… all of which taste pretty delicious (from what we can remember!). The Diller-von Furstenburg ($130) is a sweet and fruity drink that’s perfect to start the night off with, and the Chelsea Grassland ($160) is ideal for one for lavender and earl grey lovers!

Street Meat, 50 Wydham Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/streetmeat.hk

Little L.A.B
Little L.A.B. is a homegrown concept, with much of its inspiration coming from local ingredients, flavours and dishes. If you were brought up here, then many of the drinks will give you a burst of nostalgia, although there are a few refreshing surprises here and there (you won’t be disappointed)! The Newborn ($110) is supposedly inspired drink from the ginger and pork knuckle dish new mothers in Hong Kong eat after giving birth – the gingery, rum and beer-based drink will refresh the palate in no time… and don’t worry, there’s no pork in it. If you are looking for a more subtle drink, then the velvety Siphon Ramos ($110) – a creative tweak on every kid’s favourite ice-cream and soda drink – will be a delight! If you haven’t tried this place yet, get there ASAP and see out 2014 in HK style.

Little L.A.B. , Shop B, G/F, 48 -50 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2858 8580, www.facebook.com/littlelab50 

Ku Dé Ta
We were super excited when we found out that Ku Dé Ta, one of Asia’s top bars will be opening at the prime duplex plus rooftop-terrace space in the new California Tower. After taking what feels like forever to be revamped, this lively spot in the middle of LKF is almost ready to open and we can’t wait! Following its success at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, Ku Dé Ta has now taken this popular alfresco lounging experience to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Keep an eye open for the opening and don’t forget to check out Sassy Instagram for any updates!

Ku Dé Ta, Rooftop, California Tower, 30 – 36 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.californiatower.com

Topiary
If you’ve run out of bar choices at SoHo, then fear not as Topiary is here to save the day. This French-inspired bar’s décor focuses heavily on the early French Industrial and Arts age, which is well reflected in its lounge area. It’s worth exploring their terrace space, a very green and carefully sculpted geometric garden – perfectly matching the bar name. While you’re there, make sure you order your shim cocktails and veggie canapés to share with some friends. For those of you who don’t already know, shim cocktails (aka low in alcohol drinks) are currently a big hit in the mixology world. They can give you the kick you need without knocking you down – perfect for those with a low tolerance or for weeknight catch-ups after work when you don’t want to go crazy!

Topiary, 3/F, Hilltop Plaza, 49 – 51 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2866 6485, www.facebook.com/topiaryhk

Cheers to the end of 2014!