Our founder and CEO of Hello! Tours, Laura, has been going through the ups and downs of steering the three Hello! Tours locations through this difficult time. With another friend from the travel industry, she has started a podcast to try and find solace and humour in this new world.

Insights, stories, and revelations await as Laura and Jessop bring their firsthand experiences and guests to the show as we all move forward together.

Click the image to listen to the podcast.

Le Boudoir oozes chic and sexiness thanks to its French bed-chamber inspired décor, with chandeliers, paintings in gilded frames, and Art Deco mirrors, mixed with Asian accents. It might be a little hard to find, hidden in the basement level right by sister venue Pastis, with its subtle entrance on Wyndham Street, but once you’re in, you will be blown away.

Under the crystal chandeliers, Le Boudoir’s mixologist, Max Traverse, whips out elegant cocktails, specially designed for Le Boudoir’s clientele, go for the Elle for Leather cocktail, a tantalizing champAgnesed concoctions or the Boudoir Collins, an elevation of a classic is prepared with fresh mint leaves and elderflower cordial to impart a fresh, grassiness to the Beefeater gin-based drink.

Photo credit: The Honeycombers

Address: Basement, 65 Wyndham St, Central
Operating Hours: Mon-Sat: 7pm-2am, Sun: 7pm-12am
Tel: +852 2884 9566
Website: www.pastis.hk/boudoir
Nearest MTR: Central Station

The name gives away the vibe of this hidden little gem, considered to be one of the best bars in Wan Chai, Back Bar is hidden via a side door in an alleyway on Ship Street, adjacent to the adjoining restaurant, Ham and Sherry. Just look for the yellow neon Back Bar sign near Ham and Sherry, then walk 5-6 metres down the side alley and you'll find an unmarked door to your right. 

This nostalgic yet vibrant speakeasy pays homage to Hong Kong’s iconic cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong Style Cafés) with a selection of creative, colourful cocktails by award-wining Ryan Nightingale, to match the retro vibe. The signature cocktails names play on movie titles and the drinks list is a book of parody movie posters. Chic and dimly lit, these den is the perfect spot for after-work drinks, or for a get-together with friends on weekends. Sample their diverse menu of tapas, including a Sunday special burger and fries combo.

Photo credit: SMCP

Address: 7 Ship St, Wan Chai
Operating Hours: Mon-Thu: 5:30pm-1am, Fri-Sat: 5:30pm-2am, Sun: 5:30pm-12am
Tel: +852 2555 0628
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai Station

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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