London and New York of the East – Hong Kong has gained a reputation for its unquenchable thirst for financial markets, VC firms and world class cocktails and wine. Parallel to Singapore, Hong Kong is known for its electrifying vibe and energy with a party life second to no other city in the world. What has always been known as the party pad of the city Lan Kwai Fong has competition from neighbourhoods like Wan Chai, Hollywood Road in Central and SoHo. Work hard and party harder is definitely the mantra of the citygoers here. This is also a city known for its rooftop bars sitting at the giddiest heights in Asia as well as one of the world’s best restaurants and bars belong here. Your stay at this island town shouldn’t be over until you have managed to let your hair down at one of these or all of these watering holes.
Nocturnal Rhythm
I have to admit Hong Kong is the one city where you can confidently say everyone seems to be upbeat 24/7 or at least the night is long enough for the city’s party animals. One of the world’s best places to party over the best dance beats and at the best dance clubs – HK never disappoints. From celebrity favourite club Drop to Play many clubs cater to your insatiable partying. The oldie of the city being Club 97 has been around for decades and is still going strong. Clubs like Volar, Dragon i and Aqua Spirit have great music, ambience and cocktails making them one the top 10 bars on the HK scene.
Towering Perspective
Nightlife in Hong Kong equates to a rooftop spectacle of the islands with a cocktail in hand. One word on everyone’s lips while recommending the best rooftop amongst all is Sevva at least those who haven’t been to Ozone. Up close with the city’s skyline and their glitz sparkling all over the view is worth every sip of the ridiculously expensive cocktails. Sugar is another of many rooftop bars at East Hotel and one of the best spots for cocktails with a view. Wooloomooloo is as weird a name a rooftop bar can have because it means ‘ baby kangaroo’, anyway from its 32 level above the ground the view doesn’t drag your mind to its name but contrary makes you forget where you are. Don’t forget to order drinks while dropping your jaw looking outside. Did I mention Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton is the world’s highest rooftop bar ? Well now you know! Good enough reason to be here for a night out I reckon. Extreme views on extreme height with heady cocktails.
Cocktail Cravings
Obviously, a city like Hong Kong has to have a bustling cocktail bars scene now that it has established itself as the rooftop bar destination of the world. Hollywood Road will probably be your cocktail crawl street on a night out if you are adventurous. Ping Pong 129 is the first one that races the mind when you want to plan your evening in Hong Kong. This use to be as goes the name a back alley table tennis playing hot spot for locals. Now it’s a trendy Spanish gin bar attracting locals, tourists and business travellers for a tipple. Though you may miss it as nonchalant as it is but recognise the red door and there at an industrial retro bar you have made it for the best drink around. If you are one of those who loves experimenting with cocktails then head to Quinary and its doesn’t hurt that its the 42 best bar in the world. This place is known for its disruptive recipes when it comes to cocktails with a signature like Marshmallow Duo shots if you are up for it. A hidden cocktail secret of HK is in a basement called The Woods which is well secretive for one and dubious for another but has a mix of great cocktails. They are known for fresh ingredients and authentic taste. Oh and you need reservations here.
Michelin Eats
There is no happy ending to a good thing there is always a new beginning or that is what you could say when you are done partying and want to sit down all dressed up at a top chef restaurant in Hong Kong. Again even among Michelin restaurants and World’s 50 Best dining venues Hong Kong has a reserved spot. Amber frequents the Michelin Guide for the city with two stars and if that wasn’t enough it has a spot on World’s 50 best restaurants too. Chef Ekkebus brings his modern interpretation of the French Cuisine to the menu with signature dishes Hokkaido sea urchin in lobster jelly with caviar. Caprice at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has held on to its 2 Michelin Stars thanks to Chef Fabrice Vulin. The menu is contemporary French cuisine with an impeccable collection of French wine. Tang Court at The Langham Hong Kong is the new entry in the three Michelin Star restaurant category with China’s Tang Dynasty cuisine and inspiring signature dishes. It is only one of three Cantonese restaurants in the world to have achieved 3 Michelin Stars.
Luxury Meister 