New bars to try in Hong Kong

Sheung Wan's popular neighbourhood wine bar, Corks, has just unveiled its new location in the bustling CWB along Lan Fong Road. Founded by Chris and Steph, originally from France but now calling Hong Kong home, they bring their passion for wine to the city. Just weeks since its opening, the new venue has already drawn crowds eager for a post-work glass of vino, perfect for gathering with friends or unwinding. Guests can enjoy an array of French wines paired with finger food like cheese, cured ham, cold cuts, and escargots. Don't miss their oyster night on Wednesdays, where you can relish succulent oysters paired with fine wines. Be sure to check out their glass cabinet filled with corks; the founders will donate one dollar to a chosen charity for each cork once the display case is full.

Replacing the former Ponty Cafe on Old Bailey is C108, a charming spot nestled beside The Pontiac. This cosy cafebar serves up morning brews and transitions to crafting classic cocktails once the clock hits 6pm. Their cocktail menu offers drinks inspired by the legendary mixologists of the 1800s, such as Fosco Scarselli, the creator of the Negroni, and the pioneer mixologist Jerry Thomas. Expect drinks like the Professor’s Martini, a boozy tribute to Jerry Thomas, fondly known as 'the Professor,' who penned the iconic cocktail guide, The Bartender’s Guide, in 1862. For bites, they serve some morning nibbles like sandwiches and pasta, and at night, enjoy treats like grilled corn and truffle parmesan fries.

Wan Chai's newest hangout, Sophia Loren Hong Kong, has just unveiled its newest venue, The Stage, at the iconic Woo Cheong Pawn Shop. This sleek spot boasts a swanky cocktail bar paired with a 70s dance floor, serving as the backdrop for side-splitting comedy acts, soulful jazz tunes, and fabulous drag queen performances. Beverage director Benjamin Boyce whips up signature concoctions like the gimlet-style Unforgettable and the tropical Summertime, a fruity vodka delight with passion fruit, pineapple, and lime flavours. The bar also features an exclusive Blue Room, a hidden hideaway reserved for VIP guests, that can only be unlocked by a special key from reception.

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.

Click the link below for a first look video

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. 

Click the link below for a sneak peek video of the bar.

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.

Click the link below for a first look video

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.

Click the link below for a first look video

Before the year drew to a close, Singular Concepts not only launched their new multi-space venue at H Code but also by took over Candour's former location on Peel Street to unveil Kinsman, a bar concept created in collaboration with dining editor Gavin Yeung. Kinsman pays homage to Hong Kong's vibrant heritage and time-honoured traditions while showcasing Cantonese and Chinese spirits, including Yuk Bing Siu and baijiu. With a strong focus on celebrating local flavours, the bar incorporates locally sourced ingredients into its artisan cocktails.

Brought to you by the creative minds of The Old Man Hong Kong, Dead Poets is Central's latest hangout spot. By day, get snipped and styled by the snazzy cutters from Sauce Barbershop. When the sun dips, the place morphs into a cocktail bar, pouring out inventive concoctions alongside crisp beers. The décor? Think minimalist with a twist: a space that cheekily nods to a morgue, decked out in sleek stainless steel with splashes of crimson from the glowing Dead Poets logo. It's the kind of offbeat cool that'll have you coming back for both the cuts and the cocktails. 

Looking for a spot for late-night bites and great drinks? Sai Ying Pun's omakase-style cocktail bar, Mostly Harmless, recently expanded to the ground floor, offering the same top-quality drinks made from seasonal produce as the upstairs bar. Unlike the upper floor, the drink menu here is here to stay longer, so you may come back and enjoy your favourite picks from your first visit. What's great about the ground floor is that there are more seats available, so if it's bustling upstairs, you can settle into a cosy space downstairs. And the best part? They serve food until closing time, making it the perfect go-to for satisfying your munchies. Don't miss their assorted pickles to kick things off ($58), the refreshing scallop ceviche ($58), zucchini balls for a delightful treat ($69), and a hearty serving of eggplant parmigiana ($88). You'll also find an eclectic range of wines at $120 per glass and beers at $69 per pour.

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.

Click the link below for a first look video

If you're looking for a fresh hangout spot with live music featuring live bands and DJ sets, then make your way to Lai Sun Dining's (the team behind top spots like 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, Beefbar, and Mosu Hong Kong) brand-new ocean-inspired, multi-concept venue on Duddell Street. On the ground floor, you'll find P Lounge by Plaisance, where you can grab lunch during the day and unwind with tapas and cocktails in the evening. Their creative umami bomb menu ($160 per drink) takes inspiration from The Seven Seas, which includes a rye whisky-based concoction with smoked herring called Artic Ocean. If you're not in the mood for alcohol, you can request any of their signature cocktails as a mocktail, so you can enjoy those savoury flavours without the booze. For refreshing libations, you can veer off the menu and order any classic cocktail your heart desires. They also have a fine selection of whiskies from around the world, as well as Cognac. 

Click the link below for a first look video

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.

Dara, a Filipino restaurant bar, recently moved from its old spot to a larger and more impressive location on Queen's Road West in Sai Ying Pun. The new 4,000-square-foot space is a whopping four times bigger than their previous joint, featuring high ceilings, a restaurant area that can accommodate 80 guests, a roomy 20-seat bar lounge, and a soon-to-open karaoke room for private events and special occasions. If you're a regular from the old spot, you'll still find that familiar vibe, with the same contemporary and minimalist interior design, spiced up with Filipino-inspired touches here and there. The bar is led by Jon Bunoan, formerly of 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana and Bar Q88, and he's whipping up signature drinks inspired by Filipino flavours, along with his creative spin on classic cocktails (starting at $108). Guests can also enjoy a variety of whiskies from around the globe, as well as a small selection of spirits and beers from the Philippines. True to its Filipino DNA, you'll also discover a cosy karaoke room where you can unleash your inner diva.

Click the link below for a first look video

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.

A new addition to the drinking scene in Causeway Bay is Takumi Mixology Salon, a cocktail bar tucked away within the same space as the new Japanese restaurant Teppanyaki Mihara Goten from the Pong Group (proprietors of Jiangsu Club and Trattoria Kagawa). At the helm of Takumi is bartender Rayven Leung, previously of Carlyle & Co and Mizunara: The Library. Expect a selection of seasonal cocktails and bespoke drinks tailored to meet the preferences of each customer.

Chef Olivier Elzer's contemporary French restaurant, Clarence, has recently transformed its wine bar into La Suite, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with an outdoor lounge that offers a stunning view of Hong Kong's skyline. Expect a range of classic cocktails and unique signature drinks highlighting unexpected flavour fusions of herbs and spices.  

Melody has taken over the location previously occupied by the now-closed Potato Head in Sai Ying Pun. This expansive space has been transformed into the ultimate hangout spot for food, drinks, and live tunes. With five rooms to choose from - the Kitchen, Dining Room, Lounge, Garden Room, and soon-to-open Music Room - you can easily switch up the atmosphere and enjoy different vibes all in one place. Imbibers will delight in the wide array of drink options –  from artisan cocktails crafted by bar manager Kaan Gilmour to a curated selection of 150 wine labels from Italy and France. When it comes to food, Melody's Kitchen, led by Jamie Draper, offers a range of modern European dishes which will change with the seasons. 

After launching multiple F&B venues and acquiring Sake Central, which is getting ready to relocate, Singular Concepts hospitality group (owners of  The Daily Tot, Barkada, Yurakucho, and more), has introduced The Trilogy, a nightlife hub situated in H Code. The venue took over the former location of the now-closed Carbon and spans two floors. The Trilogy offers three distinct experiences: Keyz, a nightlife club that has been entertaining guests since October; Wav, a beach club-inspired rooftop space that opened in November; and an upcoming speakeasy-style bar, set to be unveiled this quarter.

Led by co-founder Gagan Gurung, Barcode has recently reopened in a new Central location, maintaining its philosophy of seamlessly blending bar, coffee, and dessert cultures. Just a few months ago, they started welcoming patrons, offering an array of coffee selections, including their speciality espresso made from a combination of Colombian, Latin American, and Ethiopian coffee beans. This season, Barcode is adding artisanal cocktails to their menu, available from 6pm until midnight. Whether you're looking for a pre-game drink or an after-work indulgence, Barcode is the perfect destination to savour expertly crafted cocktails in a relaxed contemporar setting.