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BAR REVIEW

MO BAR RED SUGAR

G/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong 7/F Kerry Hotel, 38 Hung Luen Road, Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
TEL: +852 2132 0077 TEL: +852 59659532
www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/dining

As far as hotel drinking spots go, what MO Bar lacks in design it makes up for With a vast terrace boasting 270-degree vistas of Vistoria Harbour and
with a seriously impressive cocktail programme, terrific bar snacks (lobster industrial-chic André Fu-designed interiors that hark back to the district’s
rolls and mini sliders done properly) and the occasional hard-hitting DJ or dockyard past with exposed brick and pipework, Red Sugar gives you more
live music set from international names. Cocktails are grouped into four than one reason to go to Hung Hom. Add to that warm and welcoming staff
simple categories, with the ‘Around The World’ section a highlight—try the and a solid drinks list offering classic and contemporary cocktails, including
Mark Twain, a restrained cocktail of Johnnie Walker Gold Reserve whisky, a good barrel-aged Negroni, concoctions that are seasonally inspired, a good
lemon juice and angostura bitters. The MO Bar signatures make use of age- wine selection and an enviable assemblage of whiskys and spirits, all priced
old drink recipes enlivened by daily-sourced fresh produce; the tequila- incredibly reasonably, and you’ll be thinking of reasons to return.
focused Nightshade Smash, with herbaceous red pepper notes, is one of the
more intriguing selections on the list.

THE OLD MAN The Old Man

Lower G/F, 37 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
TEL: +852 2703 1899
www.theoldmanhk.com

Despite bijou dimensions, The Old Man makes a considerable impact, with
sultry vintage-inspired interiors that flaunt a tropical tinge and a compact
list of just nine experimental cocktails, each inspired by one of Ernest
Hemingway’s works—the American novelist with a penchant for a good tipple
after whom the urbane establishment is named. For an intriguing twist on a
classic martini, consider A Farewell to Arms, served with a nori dust rim, or,
Ping Pong 129
if you prefer to follow in Hemingway’s footsteps, the savant staff are happy
to mix a refreshingly sour off-menu White Lady. For a bar of this stature,
cocktails are remarkably reasonable and all pretensions are left at the door—
the atmosphere is as good as the drinks themselves. It’s no surprise, then,
that The Old Man is the recipient of this year’s Best Cocktails award.
SKY LOUNGE

18/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui,
Hong Kong
Sky Lounge TEL: +852 236 91111
www.sheratonhongkonghotel.com
Located atop Sheraton Hong Kong, tables perfect for two line the windows
of Sky Lounge so patrons can keep one eye on the amazing skyline views,
particularly striking if you can watch the transition from day to night as Hong
Kong’s twinkling lights are set ablaze. It’s important to keep the other eye on
the menu. Wine is a highlight with an extensive list and a strong by-the-glass
selection. The choices often pair well with the snacks on offer, which include
oysters from the hotel’s renowned Oyster & Wine Bar next door, where at
least 15 types are available each night. Knowledgeable staff are not afraid to
make unconventional recommendations.

VEA LOUNGE
PING PONG 129 29/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
TEL: +852 2711 0063
L/G Nam Cheong House, 129 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong www.vea.hk/lounge
TEL: +852 9835 5061
www.pingpong129.com Perched on 29th floor of The Wellington building in Central, VEA Lounge
is the sister sipper to the upscale restaurant above. Its premier position
Those unfamiliar with this stylish Sai Ying Pun sip spot housed in a former boasts vertigo-inducing views of the urban jungle, while inside palm print,
ping pong parlour will be seduced by its stunning interiors as soon as they brass and plenty of leather evoke a retro, botanical-inspired haven. Excellent,
start to descend the stairs. Exposed concrete beams and a brass fronted innovative cocktails are the order of the day, with faultless staff on hand
bar are complemented by an eclectic assemblage of art and mid-century- to help navigate the extensive but well-organised menu. Classics receive a
inspired appointments. However, it’s not the décor or even the soaring refreshing update, take the silky-smooth Bone Marrow Old Fashioned as an
ceilings that have kept this place packed since its opening in 2014, it’s the example, made with bone marrow fat-washed bourbon. There’s also plenty
Spanish-style gin and tonics. Artisanal pours from the spiritual home of of fun to be had, however, with the crisp fizz of How Many Carrots that is
the now cult cocktail dominate the list, each served with garnishes and garnished with a trio of crunchy baby carrots. A word, also, for the delectable
accompaniments expressly added to draw out the flavours of the specific gin bar snacks that include Sichuan chilli fava beans and an imaginatively plated
or tonic involved. Best sampled on a weekday; it can get busy on weekends. serving of parmesan truffle fries.

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