Best: Backstage
Few live music venues have found a way to survive in Hong Kong – especially in the life-threatening rent jungle that is Central. But Backstage – which in November celebrated its first birthday – has managed to thrive by offering a diverse range of styles and being home to independent musicians almost every night of the week. It’s a small venue, with standing room for 200 at a squeeze, but it makes up for lack of space with class and quality sound. Whether it’s a quiet night of jazz during dinner time, or a raucous night of metal, Backstage and its owners have proven adaptable and eager to please. Great shows this year include the woefully under-attended but brilliant Jazz Folk trio, a night of goth metal that had people lining up outside the door, and, of course, Time Out’s Top 20 Showcase in October. Backstage also gets kudos for supporting a growing scene of independent Cantopop and for even dabbling in drum’n’bass at the end of the year. 1/F, 52-54 Wellington St, Central, 2167 8985, www.backstagelive.hk
 

Runner-up: Grappa’s Cellar
Physically, perhaps the best space for live music in Hong Kong, and perfect for mid-size shows of 250-400 people. A mezzanine about six feet above stage level provides the perfect vantage point for getting a view of the musicians, and a dance floor at the foot of the stage is great for high-energy moshing. The sound is consistently good, and this year Grappa’s moved out of its jazz comfort zone to host great indie rock shows, including You Say Party! We Say Die!, New Pants, Toe, and Hedgehog. We want more. Jardine House, 1 Connaught Pl, Central, 2521 2322.
 

Second runner-up: Peel Fresco
Tiny, but with a big heart, this artsy sister to Joyce Is Not Here on Peel Street hosts live music every night, with an emphasis on jazz. If Hong Kong’s jazz scene does enjoy a revival – and there are some signs that it might – then Peel Fresco could rightly claim some of the credit, having been host too almost all of Hong Kong’s jazz acts. It also supports residencies for the likes of rockabilly trio El Destroyo, and on-the-rise jazz bassist Ah Hong. 49 Peel St, Central, 2540 2046, www.peelfrescomusiclounge.com
 

Honourable Mention: Cyberport
Emerging as Hong Kong’s best outdoor venue, Cyberport has a great stage, excellent production, and – gasp! – a generous grass area. The only downside is its location. Hosted Clockenflap with great success in January, and JamFest in November. Cyberport Rd, Pok Fu Lam

Readers' choice: Backstage/The Fringe Club
You also love Backstage's cosy comforts, but you couldn't choose between that and the elder statesman of underground music venues, The Fringe Club. And why should you?