Mr Moonlight
Do you want to know a secret? Hidden away in Causeway Bay is a bar dedicated entirely to the Beatles (well, and a little of the King too). Memorabilia on the Fab Four, such as original albums, newspapers clippings, posters and photos, cover the walls of the rustic brick tribute establishment. The broad and spacious area around the bar, elevated so you can lounge around the bartender, is an inviting spot to sit and enjoy the almost non-stop Beatles tunes, as well as regular Saturday night live bands playing Beatles, Elvis and jazz. With a lot of these nights being open bar, it could be hard day’s night at Mr Moonlight. Minimum charge: $100 per person. 12/F, Henry House, 40-42 Yun Ping Rd, Causeway Bay, 2881 0199; mrmlhk.exblog.jp.

Makumba
There are few atmospheric transformations as dramatic as stepping off Peel Street and descending into Makumba. Below ground, you’ll feel the full and rounded beats of the African drum as the Zouk, afro jazz and world music pulsate in this unique, cavernous musical den. With live music every night, as well as occasional African dance classes, this is the place to come if you want to experience some of the joys and cultural riches of the Plateau Continent. If you also want to taste some of it, Makumba offers a decent range of African-inspired cocktails, like the refreshing African Hurricane or the Tambanandya, as well as various South African wines. G/F, Garley Bldg, 48 Peel St, Soho, 2522 0544. Happy hour: 5pm-9pm. H/H Tue-Sun 6-9pm. www.makumba.com.hk.

Phonograph
Small, but perfectly formed, this Tsim Sha Tsui hang-out has low couches lining the edges, patron-decorated Polaroid photos on display on the walls, a small space for a band to set up in the corner (the soundman mixes from behind the bar) and standing room for about 80 at crowded shows, often held on Thursday nights. Hoegaarden’s the pick of the beers on tap, but Phonograph’s specialty are the sweet Yakult cocktails and smoothies, which go down a treat while gently affecting the senses. Good indie tunes are always in the air, and if you get rowdy later it’s a short walk round the corner to Knutsford Terrace, where the bars get decidedly sloppier. 2 Austin Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2730 6622.

V13 Vodka Bar
Don’t be fooled by its name – this bar has little to do with vodka. Hidden on the steep slopes of Old Bailey Street, this divey bar has been given a slight Rastafarian touch. With its slightly muddied red couches, peeling paint and strange cartoons of bodily parts, glamorous this joint is not. But it’s cool, and that’s what counts. Normally playing respectable music, from chilled out roots, to reggae, to the second coming of rock ‘n’ roll, V13 brings in a laidback, arty crowd who are after a quiet beer and some tunes. You’ll often find the DJ booth at the entrance occupied by a knowledgeable indie kid or someone enthusiastically spinning songs from his iPod. Time Out Hong Kong music editor Hamish McKenzie can even be found here giving the crowd a musical education at the monthly In2 Indie night. 13 Old Bailey St, Central, 9803 6650. www.vodkabar.com.hk.

Senses 99
There’s a word that’s used too much to describe bars, and that’s bohemian. But, for Senses 99, it’s all too appropriate. This rugged, two-storey drinking hole is not much to look at, but ask any regular at Senses and they’ll tell you that “it’s all about the music”. If you get sick of the indie tracks playing downstairs, this is the kind of place where you can do something about it. Head upstairs, where a piano, kit, and guitars await, and make some sweet, sweet music with some of the like-minded musos that you’ll find there. Or, just chill out on the balcony overlooking Wellington and let the others do the jamming. 2/F-3/F, 99 Wellington St, Central. Open Fri-Sat evenings only.

Find your watering hole:
Music bars
Proper pubs
Classy bars
Get away bars
Bars with a view
Specialty bars
Chilled out bars
Sports bars
Incognito bars
Party bars
Guilty pleasure bars
Arty bars

See also:
Blasts from the past