Bartenders from all over descended upon Hong Kong for the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 awards ceremony on July 16, and there was a record-breaking number of events – from pop-ups to guest shifts – to celebrate the occasion.
One must wonder, when the chaos dies down, where do the best of the best usually head for a drink? We asked the top bartenders in Hong Kong where they normally like to go on their days off.
Jay Khan
Where would you take out-of-town guests for a drink? I love The Aubrey (10th on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list), Devender is a great host and makes delicious cocktails.
Where would you go for a beer? I usually don’t drink much beer, but if I do, it is usually after a long, tough hike. There are a few restaurants in Sai Kung after you descend into Sai Wan after a hike up to Sharp Peak. The white sand and beach view are unbeatable.
Where would you go for wine? La Cabane on Shin Hing Street (in Central). They are our lovely neighbours and stock really good wines.
What is your favourite place for a darker/brown spirit cocktail? Hands down at the DarkSide (at the Rosewood Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui), and 17th on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list). The atmosphere and their spirit selection are best for a boozy-style drink.
Leo Ko
Being world champion means he has worked with many different wines and spirits on the fly, so don’t be afraid to ask him to make you a bespoke drink when you catch him on shift at Alibi, the hotel’s signature bar.
Where would you take out-of-town guests for a drink? Penicillin (in Central). The unique, sustainable concept and relaxed atmosphere of this bar (24th on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list) would make it an excellent choice to impress out-of-town guests.
Where would you go for a beer? The Hair of the Dog Bar & Restaurant (in Tsim Sha Tsui). They consistently serve high-quality draft beers, including a superb pint of Guinness.
Where would you go for wine? Bar Cyclone (in Central). With its carefully curated list of around 100 wines, Bar Cyclone offers an excellent selection for wine enthusiasts.
What is your favourite place for a darker/brown spirit cocktail? Bar Butler (in Tsim Sha Tsui). This Japanese-style bar is known for its high-quality and thoughtfully selected list of dark spirits.
Jade Lau
Where would you take out-of-town guests for a drink? Bar Leone, The Diplomat, Coa, The Old Man and Quinary (26th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list). (All bars in Central.)
Where would you go for a beer? Any yakitori place, because Japanese grilled chicken skewers make any cold beer good.
Where would you go for wine? This might sound a bit left field, but Lung King Heen in the Four Seasons Hong Kong – the sommelier there is very nice and professional.
What is your favourite place for a long/sweeter cocktail? I would go to Coa for their Coconut Milk Punch and The Old Man for the From Mary with Love.
What is your favourite place for a darker/brown spirit cocktail? The Diplomat, the Irish coffee there is my favourite!
Lorenzo Antinori
His first task was revamping the drinks menu at Caprice Bar in the Four Seasons Hong Kong, taking it from number 34 on Asia’s Best Bar list to 10th in 2021.
He was then charged with the launch of Argo, also in the Four Seasons, which debuted on Asia’s 50 Best Bar list at number 3 and ranks 9th this year.
Antinori then opened his new venture, Bar Leone in Central, to rave reviews, and on July 16 it went straight into the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in top spot.
Where would you take out-of-town guests for a drink? Quinary, it’s an institution in Hong Kong. Definitely a must-stop. Then I often do my rounds in Soho, hitting The Savory Project, Daily Tot, Honky Tonks, Coa and The Diplomat. I also like the neighbourhood vibe of Call Me Al (in Sheung Wan).
Where would you go for a beer? Blue Supreme (Sheung Wan). I particularly love the vibe of Tung Street. The outdoor area is very comfortable and it’s always easy to catch up with friends in that area. Plus there is a great selection of craft beers and snacks.
Where would you go for wine? Either to La Cabane (in Central) or Brut (in Sai Ying Pun). Brut in particular has a really great food programme. La Cabane is an institution and it kind of introduced me to the world of natural wine.
What is your favourite place for a long/sweeter cocktail? The Diplomat. Great vibe, good food and tasty cocktails.
What is your favourite place for a darker/brown spirit cocktail? DarkSide has an amazing collection of fine spirits. Plus you get the chocolate and eventually have a cigar if you move to the patio.
Ajit Gurung
The other half of Hong Kong’s hippest bar, The Savory Project (19th on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 list), Ajit Gurung is considered one of the brightest stars in the bar scene, having worked at places such as Stockton and Mott 32. He was part of the team that helped make Coa a success.
Where would you take out-of-town guests for a drink? To me, Tell Camellia (in Central) is pretty underrated. It has a very interesting concept focusing on tea cocktails and it’s very unique for anyone travelling. Gagan [Gurung] is also a fun host.
Where would you go for a beer? I like Limewood at Repulse Bay for a nice cold beer. It has a beautiful sunset and great vibes by the beach.
Where would you go for wine? La Cabane genuinely is very good. They are very serious about the selection and the team there is fun and engaging. I also love to get a bottle of wine and just hang around on the street. That’s always fun.
What is your favourite place for a darker/brown spirit cocktail? Mizunara (Wan Chai) is very good. It’s intimate, comfortable, classy and most importantly delicious cocktails. Endo-san and Massimo are both brilliant!