The 50 best bars in Hong Kong

It’s easy to be sniffy about hipsters and their craft brews, which is why it’s such a joy that Drunkerland is so unpretentious about its offerings. And what offerings! Roll up and enjoy more than 100 brews from across Belgium, Japan, the UK, the US and our very own SAR.

An osteria and enoteca, with a greater focus on the wine bar side of things, 121BC is a Sydney import that’s adapted well to Hong Kong. The extensive wine list is curated by Giorgio De Maria, who was awarded Gourmet Traveller’s sommelier of the year for his work with 121BC Sydney, so you know you’re in good hands.

A gastropub serving ‘molecular mixology’, Assembly is one of the more upscale bars along Knutsford Terrace, even if it doesn’t provide Heston Blumenthal levels of scientific innovation. The drinks lean towards being more lighter and fruity, perfect for Hong Kong’s drawn out summers.

A friendly neighbourhood joint on Peel Street (now with a second outpost on Wyndham) that offers a decent selection of IPAs alongside the usual cocktail suspects and a fairly robust whisky selection. For an unpretentious drink in Central and Sheung Wan, Bobby’s Rabble is one of the best value spots available.

Aptly named for its blue colour scheme and cool feel, Blue Bar sits within the Four Seasons, providing first class service and harbour views. Hotel bars don’t usually inspire much confidence but the classics, especially the martinis, are done particularly well here.

A small spot on Hollywood Road beneath the escalator, what Rummin’ Tings lacks in space it makes up for in raucous spirit. Speaking of which, the rum selection is here is ace. Whether it’s dark, white or gold you’re hankering for, you’re sorted here.

After a recent refurbishment Q88 is now a sleek place to chill. The lineup of cocktails is sound but the main attraction is the ability to order some 40 choices of wine by the glass and nearly 200 by the bottle, making it one of the top spots in town for some vino.

A cunningly hidden Lan Kwai Fong hideaway, Brickhouse is also one of the area’s best bars. The short list of cocktails, pisco sours and all, might not be much to write home about, but the extensive list of tequila on the other hand...

With bars like Kowloon Taproom, T.A.P, and The Oak Crafted, Yau Tsim Mong is officially the place to be in Hong Kong for craft beer. Best of the lot is this place, a cosy, modern and robustly stocked little beer joint that requires no gimmicks to succeed. If you’re keen on good brews in a pleasant, unfussy atmosphere, make The Madhouse your regular.

The departure of former bar manager Ryan Nightingale to sister establishment Aberdeen Street Social has meant a complete revamp of the menu at Back Bar. Gone are all the old movie-themed favourites like Ron Burgundy and Reservoir Grogs. Instead, there’s a new menu of more Chinese-themed tipples like the Don’t ‘Lai Cha’ Me, a mix of vodka, amaretto, tea, vanilla and evaporated milk. Good, but not as great as before.