Tired of the same old drinking dens? Then broaden your horizons and kick off the weekend at one of Crave’s favourite bars and eateries.
Text by Jason Spotts, photos by Samantha Sin
Three o’clock on a Friday afternoon and it feels like an age until happy hour. As your mind drifts its focus from work to play, messages fly in from friends in a similarly eager state of mind. So where will it be?
While Hong Kong’s drinking scene is diverse and competitive, we often gravitate to the familiar.
There is something to be said for the comfort of routine, and after a long week at work, why take a risk? After all, we know what is on offer at our usual hangouts.
If you want to party, Hong Kong is an easy place to get some serious drinking done. Look no further than Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai for the usual bash.
If, however, you crave something with a twist – a more relaxing experience away from the usual – then look no further. A great night with new surroundings and close friends beckons, and we have some angles for you to consider.
It could be a stunning terrace overlooking Wan Chai from nearly 30 floors up. It could be a kind old owner who’s more than willing to trade a few yarns from behind the deli counter.
It could be a floor-to-ceiling wine rack that boasts a selection to satisfy the savviest wine connoisseurs. Or, it could simply be a bartender with a vision so singular, and a craft so refined that the effort he puts into his cocktails is apparent in every sip.
Let’s face it, a good night out is mainly about the company. But why not impress your friends with a step into the unknown?
Crave has a few original options that will take you away from the regular haunts and throw a hint of adventure into the week’s best night out. Cheers!
As the name suggests, its forte is creamy Italian mozzarella but the bar’s comprehensive wine list is also a key feature.On display are 217 wines housed in a floor-to-ceiling rack – so there’s something to complement all the fine meats and cheeses on offer at the deli counter and the all-day menu (the piri-piri chicken – spicy, aromatic, and succulent – is worthy of special mention).
This is a great neighbourhood favourite and perfect for friends to catch up over wine and a cheese platter.
G/F, 31 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai
Tel: 2528 3454
One of the things we enjoy about Domani is the outdoor terrace – a great place to chat over a bottle of wine.Signature drinks include the self- titled “Domani” made from amaretto, vermouth and campari; the spicily enticing “Skylark”, comprising vodka, pepper, sea salt and cherry tomatoes; and the “Golden Venetian”, featuring gin, lychee liqueur, amaretto, lime juice, blue curacao and honey.
Level 4, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Tel: 2111 1197
27/F, Bartlock Centre, No. 3 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway BayTel: 2893 2080
It is not the easiest thing to find a bar with an outdoor terrace in Wan Chai, 29 floors above ground. The Habitat Lounge has exactly that – stunning terrace views with a retractable roof overlooking the city, and a great view of the iconic Hopewell Centre across the street.For a bite with your drinks, The Habitat Lounge offers a menu of starters and snacks from the Japanese restaurant one floor below.
On offer are signature drinks including their lime mojito and the ever-popular “Hawaii Beach” cocktail: peach liqueur, triple sec orange liqueur, vodka, orange and pineapple juice poured in layers to make
a drink that looks as good as it tastes.
29/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Tel: 2907 0888
This is a deli rather than a bar but owner Yeung On Ming is more than happy to seat you at their one cosy table and pour you a glass or two while he cuts a selection of deli favourites.And few are better qualified to offer a great night out with a Gallic twist - Yeung has 30 years of experience in the charcuterie and fine foods business in France and owns an export company there. Don’t
be suspicious of the low prices – Yeung knows his food and demands the best.
Whet your appetite at Olala over a glass of wine, eating French oysters, fine Spanish aged ham, and freshly baked bread.
G/F, 1 Electric Street, Wan Chai
Tel: 2520 0931
A contemporary and elegantly designed Japanese robatayaki restaurant. While specialising in Japanese barbecue first, ROKA also packs a punch in the alcohol department. The restaurant’s bar stocks more than 500 bottles of wine, and of course, an extensive sake and shochu (distilled alcohol, usually from barley, rice, or potato) list.Cocktails include a delightfully crafted apple mojito and ROKA’s signature drink – “Okinawa Breeze” – made from watermelon, lychee, shochu, and a type of Japanese citrus fruit called yuzu. After a couple of looseners at the bar, you may well decide to stay for a proper meal, and more drinks of course. Migrate over to the robata grill, from which all of ROKA’s energy flows.
Shop 002, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Tel: 3960 5988
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