New bars to try in Hong Kong

Sheung Wan's popular neighbourhood wine bar, Corks, has just unveiled its new location in the bustling CWB along Lan Fong Road. Founded by Chris and Steph, originally from France but now calling Hong Kong home, they bring their passion for wine to the city. Just weeks since its opening, the new venue has already drawn crowds eager for a post-work glass of vino, perfect for gathering with friends or unwinding. Guests can enjoy an array of French wines paired with finger food like cheese, cured ham, cold cuts, and escargots. Don't miss their oyster night on Wednesdays, where you can relish succulent oysters paired with fine wines. Be sure to check out their glass cabinet filled with corks; the founders will donate one dollar to a chosen charity for each cork once the display case is full.

Replacing the former Ponty Cafe on Old Bailey is C108, a charming spot nestled beside The Pontiac. This cosy cafebar serves up morning brews and transitions to crafting classic cocktails once the clock hits 6pm. Their cocktail menu offers drinks inspired by the legendary mixologists of the 1800s, such as Fosco Scarselli, the creator of the Negroni, and the pioneer mixologist Jerry Thomas. Expect drinks like the Professor’s Martini, a boozy tribute to Jerry Thomas, fondly known as 'the Professor,' who penned the iconic cocktail guide, The Bartender’s Guide, in 1862. For bites, they serve some morning nibbles like sandwiches and pasta, and at night, enjoy treats like grilled corn and truffle parmesan fries.

Wan Chai's newest hangout, Sophia Loren Hong Kong, has just unveiled its newest venue, The Stage, at the iconic Woo Cheong Pawn Shop. This sleek spot boasts a swanky cocktail bar paired with a 70s dance floor, serving as the backdrop for side-splitting comedy acts, soulful jazz tunes, and fabulous drag queen performances. Beverage director Benjamin Boyce whips up signature concoctions like the gimlet-style Unforgettable and the tropical Summertime, a fruity vodka delight with passion fruit, pineapple, and lime flavours. The bar also features an exclusive Blue Room, a hidden hideaway reserved for VIP guests, that can only be unlocked by a special key from reception.

Another addition to the flourishing cafe scene in Sheung Wan is Mrs. H’s Coffee House on Hollywood Road. This cafe, which opened in April, offers a cosy setting for artisan coffee and pastries, with a touch of intrigue tucked away inside. Within the cafe lies The Holywell's, a speakeasy-style bar inspired by an English residence. Created by Andrea Mak and Richard Tam, guests can enjoy lattes during the day and venture into the family's home at night for specially crafted cocktails and mocktails celebrating classic British flavours.

Despite its suggestive name, Lips isn’t what you’d typically come across in Wan Chai's more notorious areas. It's the latest addition to Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, injecting a dash of flair and fun into Wan Chai’s nightlife. Created by Maison Rouge's founders, Nicole and Benoit Lavaud, the space offers lively entertainment from 7 pm onwards, including live music, DJ sets, rollerskate dancing, and magic performances. At the helm of the bar is mixologist Max Traverse - previously of La Suite and the owner of Tai Hang's Maka Hiki Tropical Bar & Grill - serving up an array of interactive and Instagram-worthy cocktails. Feeling peckish? Snacks are on offer until late into the night.

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Staunton Street's latest addition is a 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. 

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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.

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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.

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