Missy Ho’s

Missy Ho’s is hidden away on Kennedy Town’s Forbes Street. There is no signage from outside, so unless you know what you’re looking for, you may have trouble finding it. The concept is unique, embracing the idea of Missy Ho who hailed from Shanghai in the era of the 20s, running the most elusive speakeasy in town and serving the best illegal alcohol, cool jazz, and wild entertainment. She was always the star of the party. And now she is celebrated here in Kennedy Town, Hong Kong.

The décor, much like the concept reflects old and new Hong Kong, with birdcages, old photographs, Union Jacks, traditional Chinese pottery, as well as more weird and wonderful trinkets that even include a swing! The funky Asian fusion cuisine and the array of cocktails that are both familiar and different will definitely make you come back for more.

Photo credit: Foodie Hong Kong

Photo credit: Foodie Hong Kong

Address: 48 Forbes St, Kennedy Town
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 12pm-11pm
Tel: +852 2884 9566
Website: www.casteloconcepts.com
Email: mattjeyam@missyhos.com
Nearest MTR: Kennedy Town Station

Nocturne

Japan is famous for its hidden little bars, tucked away in a back alley of an old suburb like Ginza, Tokyo. They’re part of the nightlife culture in the Land of the Rising Sun. A single, unassuming door opens into a dimly lit, beautifully chic world of gorgeous surrounds and fine spirits. You usually need to know a guy who knows a guy to get in one of these, luckily it is not so at Nocturne.

This SoHo's largely unknown Japanese small and intimate speakeasy offers more than 250 labels of wine and champagne and over 100 different Japanese and Scotch whisky choices. Come for a relaxing evening amidst the dimly-lit minimalist interior, shimmering candlelight and soft jazz music.

Photo credit: scotsgoldwhisky.com

Photo credit: scotsgoldwhisky.com

Address: 35 Peel St, Central
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 6pm-1am, Sun: Closed
Tel: +852 2884 9566
Website: www.nocturnehk.com
Email: carlos@nocturnehk.com
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Frank's Library

Frank’s Library offers a unique concept where Frank Minza, a classic English gentleman, a fictional founder of Foxglove bar, brings us to his private library den and bar. Hidden away within the depths of Foxglove behind closed curtains is a secret alcove library brought to life by the English mastermind himself. A party on its own, this is where Frank comes to ponder, writes his thoughts and whips up formidable cocktails.

The concise cocktail menu features a pair of barrel-aged drinks, as well as a selection inspired by Frank's travel diary, such as ‘Tokyo Drift’ (Nikka from the barrel whisky, umeshu plum whisky, Peychaud's Bitters and angostura bitters).

Photo credit: theworlds50best.com

Photo credit: theworlds50best.com

Address: 18 Ice House St, Central
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 6pm-1am, Sun: Closed
Tel: +852 2116 2449
Website: www.mingfathouse.com
Email: frankslibrary@foxglovehk.com
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Wilshire

Tucked away within upmarket Mexican restaurant 11 Westside is cocktail bar, Wilshire is the speakeasy bar in Kennedy Town, headed by Daniel Eun and Jon Chan. Named after Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, the founders’ hometown, the bar keeps things slick and simple with an incredibly focused menu of both originals and modern classics.

With walls covered in empty bottles from floor to ceiling and a pool table right in the centre, it’s a dream come true for those to settle in for a proper night out. It offers craft cocktails in a cozy, dimly lit setting, and also has live jazz performances three nights a week.

Photo credit: timeout.com

Photo credit: timeout.com

Address: 1/f, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 6:00pm - 11pm
Website: www.11westside.com/wilshire
Nearest MTR: Central Station

001

This discreet speakeasy is easy to miss as it is hidden behind a row of shuttered market stalls and a constant stream of people going about their daily grocery shopping, but upon finding it, you will absolutely enjoy the atmosphere it offers. A recessed black door set, a dim spotlight and doorbell are the only signs that you’re at the right place. Ring the bell, wait for the door to creak open and after a short once-over from the door person you’ll be guided down a flight of steps into an understated basement bar that for all the world wants to channel a Prohibition-era speakeasy vibe.

It is sophisticated with a gentlemen’s club-meets-vintage library vibe. The green leather armchairs and snug booths then are havens for some excellent cocktails; the Dark and Stormy particularly living up to its name. Measures are generous and the mixologists will happily go off-piste if one of the 20 or so classics and contemporary cocktails that change with the seasons don’t suit your mood.

Photo credit: timeout.com

Photo credit: timeout.com

Address: Welley Building, LG/F, 97 Wellington St, Central
Operating Hours: Mon-Thu: 6:00pm - 2am, Fri-Sat: 6:00pm - 3am, Sun: Closed
Tel: +852 2810 6969
Website: www.at001.xxx
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Stockton

Nestled in a hidden location, this speakeasy cocktail bar and restaurant in Central Hong Kong pays tribute to a time of unspoiled indulgence. Decorated with antique art, furniture and artifacts sourced from Les Puces flea market in Paris, it creates an authentic, evocative atmosphere for its guests.

The bar is stocked with exceptional whiskeys, rare champagnes and gins that support a creative cocktail menu designed by its team of award-winning mixologists. From an Athole Brose to a Rhum in Fashion, its famous cocktails are able to break the wheel by reinventing and reinterpreting the spirits of the 1800s. It is a true immersive experience in the halcyon days of 1890s London.

Photo credit: hk.asiatatler.com

Photo credit: hk.asiatatler.com

Address: 32 Wyndham St, Central
Operating Hours: Mon-Thu: 5:30pm - 2am, Fri-Sat: 5:30pm - 3am, Sun: Closed
Tel: +852 22565 5268
Website: www.stockton.com.hk
Email: reservations@stockton.com.hk
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Foxglove

This elegant speakeasy is hidden away in the heart of Central. With decor of 1950s first class cabin of cruise ships and airliners, you will feel like you’re transported back to the bygone era especially with their extensive drink menu that plays on quirky and classic cocktails with a twist. Choose from fascinating selections such as the New York Sour, Jasmine Paloma or take a sip out of rare vintage brandy bottled in the 1930s.

The bar also offers a selection of rare cognac and spirits, bottled in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s – aged for as long as half a century as well as bottles from defunct distilleries and Japanese cask-strength whiskies.

Photo credit: yatzer.com

Photo credit: yatzer.com

Address: 2/F, Printing House, 6 Duddell St, Central
Operating Hours: Mon-Fri: 12:00pm - 3pm, 5:00pm - 1am, Sat: 5pm-3am, Sun: Closed
Tel: +852 2116 8949
Website: www.mingfathouse.com
Email: reservation@foxglovehk.com
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour

Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour’s concept is unique, fun and neatly executed. He is an eccentric physician who has dedicated his life to studying botanicals. His love for nature has led him to open a Gin Parlour where he treats his patients' ailments, and stress related symptoms with his own concoctions of fresh, local herbs and botanicals - paired with gins from around the world that he has handpicked for his patients.

With a warm atmosphere, excellent service – where the staff wear white coats, the bar boasts 250 types of gin, supposedly the biggest range in Hong Kong, with ingredients sourced locally and organic whenever possible for its supply pantry; working with local organic farms across the city in order to bring a fresh experience to its Gin Parlour. 

Photo credit: Pinterest

Photo credit: Pinterest

Address: Shop B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central
Operating Hours: Sun-Thu: 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-2am
Tel: +852 2111 9449
Website: www.landmark.hk
Email: info@drfernshk.com
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Felix Bar

Located on the top of the Peninsula Hotel Tower, one of the most famous hotels in Hong Kong, the creation of renowned avant-garde designer Philippe Starck, Felix is graced with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour that has long been the city’s favourite. It is the perfect place to watch the Symphony of Light.

The bar attracts the high rollers of the city with its fleet of Rolls Royce’s ready to accommodate its VIP guests. The venue plays home to an exciting lineup of music playlists, DJs and special mixologist showcase with spectacular contemporary European cuisine by Chef de Cuisine Juan Gomez who brings a flair to Felix’s menu with an impressive resume boasting international achievements and awards.

Photo credit: The Peninsula

Photo credit: The Peninsula

Address: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, 28/F The Peninsula Tsim Sha Tsui
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun: 5:30pm - 12am. Sunday brunch: 11:30 - 3:30pm
Tel: +852 2696 6778
Website: www.peninsula.com
Email: diningphk@peninsula.com
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui Station

Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge

As the first tiki bar in Asia, 29th in Asia’s Best 50 Bars 2016 and The Word on Rum in Hong Kong, Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge embodies the spirit of tiki culture with a delectable mix of modern Polynesian and island inspired drinks nestled in the heart of the city. Named after a Polynesian greeting meaning “kiss kiss”, Honi Honi Cocktail Lounge is a haven of elegance and design, serving up the freshest cocktails concocted by seasoned drink connoisseur and partner Max Traverse. Matching Max’s unique style and sophisticated service, Honi Honi brings back a time when a bartender could concoct exactly the right tipple for clientele he would know by name.

Photo credit: Time Out

Photo credit: Time Out

Address: 3/F, Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington St, Central
Operating Hours: Tues: 4:00pm - 1am, Wed-Sat: 4:00pm - 2am, Sun & Mon: Closed
Tel: +852 2353 0885
Website: honihonibar.com
Email: info@honihonibar.com
Nearest MTR: Central Station