New bars to try in Hong Kong

Another addition to the flourishing cafe scene in Sheung Wan is Mrs. H’s Coffee House on Hollywood Road. This cafe, which opened in April, offers a cosy setting for artisan coffee and pastries, with a touch of intrigue tucked away inside. Within the cafe lies The Holywell's, a speakeasy-style bar inspired by an English residence. Created by Andrea Mak and Richard Tam, guests can enjoy lattes during the day and venture into the family's home at night for specially crafted cocktails and mocktails celebrating classic British flavours.

Despite its suggestive name, Lips isn’t what you’d typically come across in Wan Chai's more notorious areas. It's the latest addition to Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, injecting a dash of flair and fun into Wan Chai’s nightlife. Created by Maison Rouge's founders, Nicole and Benoit Lavaud, the space offers lively entertainment from 7 pm onwards, including live music, DJ sets, rollerskate dancing, and magic performances. At the helm of the bar is mixologist Max Traverse - previously of La Suite and the owner of Tai Hang's Maka Hiki Tropical Bar & Grill - serving up an array of interactive and Instagram-worthy cocktails. Feeling peckish? Snacks are on offer until late into the night.

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Staunton Street's latest addition is a bar that marries great taste with doing good. Founded by seasoned bar professionals Amir Javaid (formerly of VEA Restaurant and John Anthony), Max Bajracharya (co-founder of Finding Daisy), and Elton Sherchan (formerly of Tiffany’s New York Bar), Socio spotlights flavours from the Asia Pacific region. The bar incorporates modern techniques into classic cocktails, using ingredients and spirits from across the Asia Pacific, as well as utilising upcycled ingredients sourced from neighbouring restaurants. Sip on well-crafted drinks infused with flavours from India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Hong Kong, and more, and discover new and unique ingredients that may be unfamiliar to you. 

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Apart from DarkSide, you can now include Rosewood Hong Kong's newly reopened bar XX in your next bar-hopping adventure in TST. The bar originally opened in 2019 as Hong Kong's first ladies-only speakeasy-style bar. Unfortunately, it closed during the pandemic but has reemerged as Maison Le Cercle, a members-only bar in partnership with Pernod Ricard. XX has transitioned away from its exclusive atmosphere and has once again opened its doors to the public. No passwords, no fuss - just walk right in. Now, individuals from all corners can relax in a stylish setting, surrounded by antique mirrored tables, plush velvet couches, and the dazzling skyline of Hong Kong.

Jazz enthusiasts will revel in the latest addition to the Singular Concepts family – The Trilogy's new jazz venue. The new space pays tribute to the legendary Queen of Jazz, Ella Fitzgerald, and embodies the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. With a curated selection of cocktails inspired by the classics like Roasted Boulevardier ($120) and Loui Sazerac ($130), as well as New Orleans-style bites like Rockefeller oysters (starts at $90) and Boudin arancini balls ($98), the ambience transports you to an era of classic bars where you can enjoy soul-stirring jazz music. Catch live jazz performances that bring the place to life every Wednesday through Saturday, starting at 8pm. 

One of the new venues at the recently opened Regent Hong Kong, Qura, is all about the good stuff – rare spirits, wines, and cigars. It's the perfect spot to entertain your VIP guests, woo your significant other, and tease your taste buds with classic cocktails – all while taking in one of the most spectacular views of the harbour. They've got a solid selection of classic and creative cocktails, and if you're feeling spendy, you can opt for vintage options like a Negroni, sazerac, or El Presidente made with spirits and amaros from the 1950s to the 80s, priced at $900 to $950 each. When it comes to munchies, they've got you covered with a delicious offering, including oysters and caviar on ice, fish and chips, truffle french fries, aged cheese and cold cuts, and roasts.

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Before wrapping up 2023, Mondrian Hong Kong opened up shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, bringing along some new F&B offerings for everyone to check out. The hotel launched Avoca on the 38th floor, which you can get to from Hart Avenue using a dedicated lift. This fresh spot is a modern bar with stunning views of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour. You can look forward to creative cocktails inspired by local delicacies, accompanied by a carefully crafted food menu and live DJ performances. Some standout drinks include the Lap Yuk Old Fashioned ($148), which puts an umami spin on the classic with Chinese Bacon-infused bourbon, cantaloupe melon molasses, and upcycled Chinese bacon milk chocolate. Also, check out the 3:15pm Martini ($118), a nod to nostalgic Hong Kong drink that blends coffee and milk tea, served with a mini pineapple bun, as well as the Lotus Manhattan ($128), made with Rebel Yell Bourbon, Ratafia Rossi, chocolate bitters, macerated over lotus leaves.

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Adding to the array of drinking spots on Wyndham Street is the stylish hideaway, The Mansion. With seating for 40, this cosy venue offers up contemporary cocktails and Pintxos-inspired food, all amidst artsy decor and lively DJ sets as well as immersive entertainment curated by Maria Mayorova. It's an Instagram haven for trendsetting party animals, with every nook practically begging for a pic. The walls are decked out with works from local artists, which change with the seasons to showcase different art pieces. Guests can feast their eyes on themed artworks that change depending on the season's rotation of artists. When it comes to drinks, you'll find a mix of classics and signature concoctions perfect for those with a sweet tooth. Literally everything about this place screams ‘snap a photo’, including their attention-grabbing gold toilet bowls in the restroom that'll make you feel like a rebel royal while taking care of business.

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Another hidden gem in TST is the Red Room, a speakeasy-style bar that adds to the city's ever-growing array of Prohibition-era-inspired joints. Nestled within K11 Musea, the bar is concealed behind a wall of lockers, boasting an oriental-themed decor complete with plush velvet sofas and a striking red interior. Inside, patrons can indulge in various spirits, including vintage whiskies, Cognac, wines, handcrafted cocktails, and gourmet bar snacks. Alternatively, guests can retreat to the breezy balcony to savour a fine cigar and soak in the breathtaking city skyline. The cocktail menu combines classic favourites with a unique twist, starting with the Whisky Sour called Tea Fist, made with whisky-aged tangerine puer tea, lemon, honey, and egg white. For those after a stronger kick, there are punchier options like their signature Hong Kong Island Iced Tea with vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and umeshu, and Flame, an Old-Fashioned style cocktail with rye whisky, ginseng, and chocolate bitters – each priced at $158.

Central's cosy cafebar on Aberdeen Street has ventured into new territory with an offshoot all the way in Lai Chi Kok. Their latest venue is situated in the lobby of Townplace and represents a slight expansion from their intimate first location to a fresh, inviting setting. Patrons can look forward to the same cafe offerings in the morning, while transitioning to a selection of boozy libations from afternoon till late at night.