Page 128 - Hong_Kong_&_Macau's_Best_Restaurants_English_edition

BAR REVIEW

THE WOODS THE MACALLAN WHISKY BAR & LOUNGE

L/G, 17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong 203, 2/F, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca,
TEL: +852 2522 0281 Cotai, Macau
www.thewoods.hk TEL: +853 8883 2221
www.galaxymacau.com
Incredibly stylish but with substance to match, it’s worth losing yourself
in this underground cocktail bar. With artisanal and rare spirits forming No matter if it’s the middle of a sweltering summer or in the depths of a rainy
the backbone of the creations, and fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to winter—this cosy whisky bar at Galaxy Macau will always feel like a corner of
add body and interest, the cocktails at The Woods are often intriguing, Scotland, with its comfortable leather sofas, dimmed lighting, and mind-
sometimes divisive, but always worth sampling. The marble tabletops and spinning array of fine whiskies. A variety of whisky flights allow both those
low lighting create a dramatic universe in which to enjoy scintillating servings new to whisky and experts looking to sample a few favourites at once, while
of drinks with deceivingly innocent names such as the Poddington Pea (gin, lighter cocktails are a delicious way to ease oneself into a night of languorous
fresh snow peas, green chartreuse, fresh green apple juice, lemon, pea sipping. An Old Fashioned is mixed in front of guests from a trolley (though
sprouts and egg white) and The Bunny (rum, fresh carrot juice, toasted no ice carving theatrics are entertained here) and perfectly judged. Skip the
cumin syrup, Amaro Averna, lime juice and celery bitters). limited bar snacks menu of mainly fried items, and come here for a pre- or
post-prandial tipple to start or end the night in style.

ZUMA

5/F-6/F, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
TEL: +852 3657 6388 Ritz Carlton Bar
www.zumarestaurant.com and Lounge

After all these years, Zuma remains firmly in our list of favourite bars for
a few reasons. First, the constantly evolving cocktail list with its focus on
Asian flavours and fresh fruits and vegetables is always a joy to peruse—as
is the bar’s extensive list of premium whiskies and sakes designed for the
connoisseur. Secondly, as quite often an after-work drink here will turn into
several, imbibers are able to order anything from the full restaurant menu
should the need for sustenance arise between rounds. Drinks presentation
range from the classic to the outrageous, with the “Nekuta & The Venus
Flytrap” a particularly wacky offering that begs to be ordered. You can trust Macallan
the staff to recommend something to suit your palate, but the menu is also
helpfully divided stylistically rather than by spirits.

THE RITZ-CARLTON BAR & LOUNGE

51/F, The Ritz-Carlton Macau, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baía da Nossa
Senhora da Esperança, Cotai, Macau
TEL: +853 8886 6712
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/china

Dramatic, glamorous and serious about drinks, the Ritz-Carlton’s sky-high
lounge is one of Macau’s most sophisticated bars, perched on the 51st floor
of the opulent hotel complex. Spacious seating offers comfortable areas for
both larger groups and intimate drinks, and the nightly live music sets the
tone to match the bar’s Art Deco-inspired environs. Handsomely polished
wood panelling and the curved marble bar offer much to admire, visually,
Zuma Bar and the signature cocktails range from the French-accented Le Belle to the
trendy Pandan Blossom with its herbaceous twist.

CHINA ROUGE WHISKY BAR

G001, G/F, Galaxy Macau, Estrada da Baia de Nossa Senhora da Esperanca, 16/F, StarWorld Hotel, Avenida da Amizade, Macau
Cotai, Macau TEL: +853 8290 8698
TEL: +853 8883 2221 www.starworldmacau.com
www.galaxymacau.com
Despite its straightforward name, The Whisky Bar on the 16th floor of the
Celebrating the old Shanghai glamour with a selection of Asian-inspired StarWorld Hotel in mainland Macau isn’t just for whisky lovers. With soft
cocktails, China Rouge is the perfect spot for those who enjoy jazz music neon lights, carpeted floors and plush seating, including at the bar and in
and tango performances. Culture vultures with a taste for liquor might front of the stage, guests can choose from a long list of signature cocktails,
want to try out their contemporary art-inspired cocktails, such as the not-so-signature cocktails (like 3-litre tall drink towers made for sharing)
Chrysanthemum Julep, a Jim Beam Bourbon whiskey-based drink infused and an impressive range of whiskies from around the world, from Japanese
with chrysanthemum honey and mint sugar syrup. The Tom Yum is also to Scottish single malts. Pop music videos play in between sets by the cover
nicely done with all the classic Thai flavours (spice and citrus) coming band, who perform a mix of local Chinese and international hits. With friendly
together to reach a perfect balance. The bar bites are also a mix of Eastern servers and an unpretentious crowd of locals and expats, this is the perfect
and Western snacks, with juicy Iberico pork satay being the highlight. place to get the party started.

126 | T .DINING 2018