As the sweater weather finally starts to abate, setting in a quiet, comfortable bar with a quaint terrace may be just the thing to lure people away from the flurry of Soho’s hubbub. Cue Republic Bar & Lounge. Situated above popular gin joint The Saint, this dimly lit bar boasts an interior that pays homage to America’s 1920s Prohibition era – candles adorn the tables while leather seats sit in front of the sparse bar area.
When we open the menu to order some drinks, we’re a little taken aback by some of the prices. Having said that, the Empire ($168), which sports ginger infused vodka, orange juice, champagne and muddled ginger, was a well balanced cocktail, and the notes of ginger proved just the trick to lift the spirits on a rainy day. Expensive, but at least the quality is there. To try how the classic cocktails fare, we order a strawberry daiquiri ($88). A little too sweet on the taste buds and certainly not shy of rum, a drink like this seems a little out of place in a speakeasy.
A few tweaks are required, but we can see this becoming a Soho staple for those looking to step away from the crowds, if only for the night. Charlie Price
Republic Bar & Lounge 1/F, 51 Elgin St, Central, 2670 0698; republic.com.hk.