Hong Kong and Macau_ City Guide (Lonely Planet, 14th Edition) - Andrew Stone [144]
Depending on where you go, beer costs at least $45 a pint (though it’s cheaper at happy hour). Overall, Central and Soho offer the best areas to explore for bars. The pubs in Wan Chai are cheaper and more relaxed, and those in Tsim Sha Tsui tend to attract more locals than visitors.
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Opening Hours
Bars generally open at noon or 6pm and close anywhere between 2am and 6am. Wan Chai bars stay open the latest.
HAPPY HOUR
During certain hours of the day, most pubs, bars and even certain clubs give discounts on drinks (usually from a third to half off) or offer two-for-one deals. Happy hour is usually in the late afternoon or early evening –4pm to 8pm, say – but the times vary widely from place to place. Depending on the season, the day of the week and the location, some pubs’ happy hours run from noon until as late as 10pm, and some start up again after midnight.
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HONG KONG ISLAND
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Central
CAPTAIN’s BAR Map Bar
2522 0111; Ground fl, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Rd Central; 11am-2am Mon-Sat, 11am-1am Sun; MTR Central (exit F)
This is a clubby, suited place that serves ice-cold draught beer in chilled silver mugs, as well as some of the best martinis in town. This is a good place to talk business, at least until the cover band strikes up at 9pm. Dress is smart casual (no shorts or sandals).
MO BAR Map Bar
2132 0077; Landmark, 15 Queen’s Rd, Central; 11am-2am Mon-Sat; MTR Central (exit D1)
If you want style and substance, the swish MO Bar, attached to the Mandarin’s new swanky outpost, offers a luxurious, softly lit setting, great service and first-rate wines and cocktails.
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BOOZE-FREE DRINKING HAVENS
If you’re after non-alcoholic refreshment or you want to avoid the ambience of a bar, there are plenty of choices in the main urban areas, beyond the ubiquitous outlets of chain cafes. Here are some favourites:
Lobby Lounge ( Map; 2733 8740; Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel, 64 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East; 7am-midnight) Not strictly alcohol-free, but this spacious lobby’s spectacular tapestries, comfy sofas and muted earth tones are the perfect place to enjoy a tea or booze-free cocktail to the soothing accompaniment of a string quartet.
Mix ( Map; 2843 2128; 3/F Two Exchange Square; Central; MTR Central) Being healthy in Hong Kong has become just that bit easier thanks to the spread of these excellent fresh juice bars across town. They also offer free internet access.
Naturo + ( Map; 2865 0388; 6 Sun St, Wan Chai; snacks from $35; 9am-6pm) If the weather’s fine head to this leafy Wan Chai haven and take your tea, coffee and a select range of snacks, including wonderful Tibetan yak cheesecake, outside under the trees.
Salon de Thé de Joël Robuchon ( Map; 2544 2237; Shop 315, Landmark 34F, Central; cakes from $35; 8am-8pm) If you want an inexpensive slice of this famed chef’s high-end food, try the salted caramel tarts or other pastries served with fine teas in this annexe to the restaurant upstairs.
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RED BAR Map Bar
8129 8882; L4, Two IFC, 8 Finance St, Central; noon-midnight Mon-Thu, noon-3am Fri & Sat, noon-10pm Sun; MTR Hong Kong (exit F)
Red Bar’s combination of alfresco drinking and harbour views is hard to beat on Hong Kong Island. DJs playing funk and jazz turn up the volume as the weekend approaches.
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Lan Kwai Fong & Soho
BAR 1911 Map Bar
2810 6681; 27 Staunton St, Soho; 5pm-midnight Mon-Sat, happy hour 5-9pm Mon-Sat; 26
This is a refined bar with fine details (stained glass, burlwood bar, ceiling fan) and a 1920s Chinese vibe. It’s usually a tad less crowded than nearby competitors, which makes it a great haven from the hubbub of the ‘Fong.
BARCO Map Bar
2857 4478; 42 Staunton St, Soho; 4pm-1am Sun-Thu, 4pm-late Fri & Sat, happy hour 4-8pm; MTR Central
One of our favourite