The Chase (CLOSED)

If there’s one thing that the Hong Kong drinks scene suffers from, it’s pretention. It takes many forms: the establishment that masquerades as a dive bar but which charges top shelf prices, the place that claims to be a whisky bar while stocking little more than what you can buy at Wellcome, or the molecular mixology bar that’s about as inventive as washing your hands with soap.

The Chase – which together with Hunter, its sister establishment upstairs, occupies the space formerly belonging to steakhouse The Shore – is a mercifully honest venue. The PR prattle may describe it as a ‘multi-faceted dining and mixology destination’ but there are no gimmicks here and the drinks menu is a straightforward list of wines, cocktails and some half-a-dozen beers. There’s plenty of room, making it ideal for groups, and The Shore’s excellent outdoor terrace remains and it’s still a great space for alfresco drinks come the cooler months in Hong Kong.

There are eight cocktails on the menu – the common theme being old classics given a new spin – and we begin with a Deliciousourus ($118), a twist on the sidecar which sees applejack, crème de pêche, lemon and orange juice combined. While the original cocktail may be better, the citrus fruits play nicely together and, light and refreshing, it’s a very comfortable drink. Another Chase original, La Dolce Vita ($98) is served looking like a cross between a negroni and a cosmopolitan. Made up of gin, Aprerol, root syrup, watermelon juice and yellow chartreuse, it’s another light and fruity tipple. It’s sweet, though, despite us asking our bartender to ensure the drink isn’t served too saccharine. Seeking something stronger, we end with a classic. Our sazerac ($128) comes served with ice and orange peel – obvious mistakes – and the Pernod comes on strong, but we’ve had worse.

The Chase may not win any awards for its mixology but really, it’s not trying to. There are no grandiose claims on the menu, no centrifuges in sight. This is a pleasant, regular bar for people looking for a reasonable drink and – judging by our visit – nice terrace seating since everyone heads straight outside as soon as they arrive. Cutting to the chase then, this could well be your new favourite go-to spot.