Discover our pick of Hong Kong’s hottest bars in Wan Chai, decked out with stunning interiors, Instagram-able cocktails and deals to die for.
Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Central Business District, Wan Chai is home to a living, breathing culture that adheres religiously to Hong Kong’s infallible motto: work hard, play hard. Populated by gleaming skyscrapers by day, the area’s real vibrancy creeps into full bloom as twilight descends. Just around the corner from the Hive Wan Chai’s sleek coworking spaces lies a medley of bars, restaurants and watering holes where you can kick back and relax after a gruelling day’s work. Here are Hive Life’s most recommended Wan Chai bars.
Ophelia – TEMPORARILY CLOSED
If you’re someone who loves a spectacle, Ophelia is right up your alley. Crafting an unforgettable experience adorned with lavish peacock feathers, rustic bird cages and untold mystery, Ashley Sutton’s intricate creation tantalises your senses, drawing you into an idiosyncratic yet whimsical wonderland set in an ancient reimagining of the Far East. Prop up the moody, backlit bar and sip delicately at your cocktail as you brush shoulders with Hong Kong’s most sophisticated crowd.
Insider Tip: Drop by on one of Ophelia’s performance nights for death-defying acrobatics, sultry exotic burlesque, or fire-breathing acts.
Address: Shop No. 41A, 1/F The Avenue, 200 Queen’s Rd East, Lee Tung St, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2520 1117
Price: HKD 200-400
Step back into the past with The Pawn, an iconic restaurant and bar situated in a restored colonial-era building dating back to the 19th century. Whether you’re showing friends or family the city’s sights or just looking for a chilled night out, The Pawn will give you that taste of heritage you didn’t even know you were yearning for. Pop up to the first floor for a well-deserved drink, or the second floor for a relaxed, open-kitchen vibe complete with balconies that overlook the rustic trams rattling along Johnson road below.
Insider Tip: For expats looking for a taste of home, The Pawn’s signature British fish and chips really hits the spot.
Address: 62 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2866 3444
Price: HKD 200-400
Stressed out at work? Sip a cool glass of bubbly on Wooloomooloo Steakhouse’s tranquil rooftop terrace overlooking the legendary Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s Happy Valley racecourse as you spend a perfect evening far above the crowds.
Insider Tip: Feeling peckish? Don’t miss out on their premium Australian steaks just one floor down.
Address: 31/F & Rooftop The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2893 6960
Price: HKD 200-400
Love the idea of speakeasies? A hidden gem tucked behind its sister restaurant Ham and Sherry, Back Bar offers a cosy, yet gritty buzz and a place to banter with their friendly baristas and knock back a couple. Plus, check out their mouth-watering Spanish bar bites.
Insider Tip: Notoriously difficult to find, Back Bar is located to the right of Ham and Sherry, down an alley and behind a hidden door on your left. It might take a couple of false starts to locate, but their drinks are definitely worth the effort!
Address: 7 Ship St, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2555 0628
Price: HKD 100-200
A popular haunt for after-work drinks, Djiboutii offers an upbeat vibe, relaxed interiors and Mediterranean bites. The staff know the menu inside out, so if you’re struggling to make a decision, don’t hesitate to ask for a recommendation.
Insider Tip: Get here early to nab a table if you can – the place fills up quickly outside work hours.
Address: 2 Landale St, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2668 6069
Price: HKD 100-200
Characterised by its striking hot pink storefront, Coyote rightly describes itself as a “Mexican with attitude.” Perfect for large groups and parties, this is one of the Wan Chai bars that are truly iconic – just gather your besties and catch up over a round of frozen margaritas (or flaming Jäger bombs).
Insider Tip: Don’t leave without your iconic Coyote sombrero to take home as a memento!
Address: 14 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2861 2221
Price: HKD 100-200
Keen on sports? Trafalgar has it all. Swing round for some yummy, traditional (and well-portioned) British pub food and a well-stocked selection of beers and ales to be enjoyed in their open-air balcony beer garden while you holler for your favourite team! Don’t miss out on their pub quiz every Tuesday, 8-10pm.
Insider Tip: Challenge your friends to a game of pool – free on Thursdays and Sundays!
Address: 5/F, 54-62 Lockhart Road, The Broadway, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2110 1535
Price: HKD 100-200
Pop round to this nostalgic bar located in one of Wan Chai’s oldest neighbourhoods for a nod to Hong Kong’s cultural heritage and an assortment of drinks at unbelievably reasonable prices. Unsurprisingly, the quirky fusion between old and new draws in a diverse crowd of creatives and innovators.
Insider Tip: Go in with an open mind to soak up the wistfulness the bar emanates for the past with its faded posters and sixties decor.
Address: The Archive, 5-9 Hing Wan St, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2572 0055
Price: HKD 50-100
IG: @mizunarathelibrary
IG: @lqvhongkong
Hidden away in an unassuming building in Wan Chai, Mizunara oozes seductive sophistication immediately upon entry. Led by the internationally-renowned Masahiko Endo, this Japanese cocktail and whisky bar serves up endless concoctions of truly exquisite, next-level cocktails, and boasts a vast collection of whiskies (over 700!) and rare artisan bottles. What’s more? Their garden, which draws inspiration from a traditional karesansui, is artfully adorned with bamboo to deliver a full, authentic experience that transports you straight from Hong Kong’s hustle and bustle to a tranquil Japanese oasis – so sit back, relax, and enjoy the perfect night-cap to your tiring workday.
Insider’s Tip: An Omakase tasting course is available from 6-8 pm, offering 4 cocktails at a steal of HKD 388.
Address: 4/F, 361-363 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
Telephone: 3571 9797
Price: HKD 150-800 (min. spend HKD 400 from 9 pm onwards)
This quintessential wine bar carries its authentic European charm all the way from Paris to Hong Kong. Featuring one of the city’s most extensive wine lists, guests here are invited to sip and swirl their way through hundreds of unique appellations in a cosy, neighbourhood setting. Don’t worry though, you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach – LQV serves quality cheese-platters, charcuteries, and steak frites as the perfect accompaniment to a much-needed wine night.
Insider’s Tip: Happy hour just got better – the Central branch offers all wines at retail price on Tuesdays! Sip sip hooray!
Address: G/F, 9 Swatow Street, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2673 7636
Price: HKD 250-450
Buzzing with life, the Wanch is the place to check out the up-and-coming musical talent in Hong Kong, featuring live bands every night. Home to some of Hong Kong’s most creative communities, it’s the perfect relaxed, grungy venue for a beer or two.
Insider Tip: Particular about the sort of music you like? No problem. Just hop on over to their online schedule to get a preview of the night.
Address: 54 Jaffe Rd, Wan Chai
Telephone: 2861 1621
Price: HKD 100-200
Interested in working in Wan Chai?
Check out the Hive Wan Chai’s Try Out Tuesdays – just email [email protected] for complimentary access to professional coworking spaces, high-speed WIFI, and free tea and coffee for a day.
The Hive Wan Chai, 21/F, The Phoenix Building, No. 23 Luard Road, Wan Chai
thehive.com.hk
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