10 of Hong Kong’s oldest bars

To commemorate the 18th anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover on 1 July 1997, we bring you a list of some of the city’s oldest drinking holes.

With rearing skyscrapers, luxury malls and landscaped gardens, Hong Kong might not be the first place to think of when it comes to ancient, atmospheric pubs. But hidden among the sleek cocktail bars and upscale restaurants, there are some truly vintage gems which make drinkers feel part of a different era.

Time to don one’s linen suit and head out for a cracking G&T.

The Foreign Correspondent’s Club

An infamous watering hole for perhaps the most boozed profession of all: the media. The FCC moved from Shanghai to Hong Kong in 1949 and has been as its historic Ice House Street location since 1982. Although a private members’ club, it is no longer just the hideaway for journalists as many a famous film star has been spotted sipping a G&T under the giant ceiling fans.

North Block, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, 2521 1511

The Peak Bar Cafe

Although it has a snazzy modern website due to its ownership by the Cafe Deco Group, the Peak Cafe Bar near the famous escalator in Central dates back to Victorian times. With lashings of colonial touches such as long mirrors, antique paintings and wooden patio doors leading to a delightful terrace, it’s a favourite among expats and locals alike.

9-13 Shelley St, Central, 2140 6877

The Fringe Club

A mere stagger to and from the FCC, the Fringe Club is a non-profit, sorely needed artsy venue established to help promote Hong Kong artists locally and nationally. It’s housed in an old Dairy Farm’ storage depot which was built in 1892 and has a distinctive brickwork named ‘Blood and Bandages’.

2 Lower Albert Road, Central, 2521 7251

The Old China Hand

Somewhat of a Wan Chai institution, the Old China Hand lives up to its name and has been around for simply forever, according to some old-time expat drinkers team db HK spoke to in the name of research. No one seemed to know how long it had been there, but they could all vouch for its fried egg and chips which were regularly consumed in the wee hours after a particularly heavy evening.

104 Lockhart Rd, Wan Chai, 2865 4378

Ned Kelly’s Last Stand

Named after the infamous Ned Kelly, this jazz bar in Tsim Tsa Tsui claims to be Hong Kong’s oldest establishment – but no one really knows if this true or not. What it is known for however, is its relaxed atmosphere, imaginatively named drinks such as ‘Brain Haemorrhage’ and the best live jazz in town.

11A Ashley Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2376 0562

Mariners’ Rest

Originally a drinking place for visiting seamen and working policemen, there has been a Mariners’ Rest in the Marine Police Headquarters for more than 100 years. Brave visitors will be able to visit and drink in the building’s original jail cells that held many unruly sailors and European and Chinese pirates.

1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988 0103

The Chinnery Bar, Mandarin Oriental

Named after the famous British artist George Chinnery, this is one haunt which invites drinkers to lounge on its upholstered armchairs all afternoon, calling out languidly for more G&Ts. Kindly advising ladies to wear “elegant attire” and “closed shoes” for gentlemen, the Chinnery is still not above serving good British staples such as fish and chips and steak and ale pie.

5 Connaught Road, Central, 2522 0111

Joe Bananas

Legendary stories of wet t-shirt contests and barmaids pouring vodka down youthful pub goers’ throats may well divide potential visitors, but Wan Chai’s Joe Bananas has been around since the mid ’80s at the height of the booze and banker bubble. It closed down last year and has arisen, somewhat scrubbed up and shiny but still in the aptly named Phoenix Building.

G/F, The Phoenix Building, 23 Luard Rd, Wan Chai, 2537 4618

Smugglers Inn

Nestled on seaside Stanley’s Main Street, the Smugglers Inn is well named considering Stanley’s Chinese name, Chek Chue literally means “bandit” post”. It still retains a pirate-y theme and a particular draw is the offer of free drinks for winning a game of darts. Come the weekend, it’s filled to the hilt outside with drinkers vying for prime seaview seats.

90a Stanley Main Street, Stanley, 2813 8852

The Bar at The Peninsula

Senior bartender, Johnny Chung Kam Hung is a legend in his own right as he has worked behind the bar for over 50 years and once served Clark Gable a Screwdriver (after nearly calling the engineer in confusion). The Bar is now an after-work institution, serving classic cocktails and plenty of fine wine by the glass or bottle. Whisky aficionados will also dive into its impressive single malt list.

The Peninsula, 1/F, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6773