New bars to try in Hong Kong

Staunton Street welcomes a new 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.

Adding to the array of drinking spots on Wyndham Street is the stylish new 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. Currently, guests can feast their eyes on themed artworks featuring horses and women by Aya Mingazova and Kailing Lo, on display until February. 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

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.

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.

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

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.

Click the link below for a first look video