Situated between Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, among the gruff furniture and hardware stores off Jaffe Road, is a shining beacon of sophistication – the Mira Moon Hotel. With a stunning view of Victoria Habour and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, this boutique hotel is where weary home decorators probably go to seek out a bit of finesse in the area.
On the fifth floor across from the reception area is where the hotel’s Crystal Lounge used to be. Serving coffee, tea and snacks, the limited floor space felt restrictive and the concept never really took off. Not to waste a good area with panoramic views of the harbour, the Mira Moon has made the sensible decision to turn this spot into a bar by revamping the décor and furnishing it with cushy chairs to facilitate a more comfortable setting. The menu boasts a small selection of champAgnestarting with Moët & Chandon by the glass at $120 and going up to Krug Grande Cuvée that goes for $1,470 a bottle. We’re told by the waiter that the bar is going to increase the variety on offer very soon. We select the popular Moët & Chandon Imperial ($120); it’s flavourful with fruit notes of apple and peach, and goes down a treat. Next, we opt for a glass of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs ($135). It’s crisp, full bodied and comes with a slight acidity that pairs well with fish, especially salmon.
The bar is open from 3pm until midnight, and we’re told that between 3pm and 6pm it serves a Sweet, Savoury and Bubbles afternoon tea set ($198 per person) that’s also accompanied by a glass of bubbly. Sadly, we’re too late for this on our visit, but whenever we need to rest our heels or want to go to an inconspicuous place to relax, we now know where to hit up. Naomi Locke
Champagne Bar 5/F, Mira Moon Hotel, 388 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay, 2643 8875; miramoonhotel.com.