South Bay Beach Club
There are words that embody the feeling of summer. Beach, rooftop and sun are just three, and The South Bay Beach Club has them all. Indeed, this fairly modest rooftop transforms into a place to be seen in the warmer months, becoming a hang-out for the young, beautiful and hip, as they naturally tend to the sand. Between May and December, DJs feature on Sunday afternoon, spinning mellow beats as the sun goes down over the water. The Terrace, South Bay, 2812 6015.

Hebe One O One
Hovering over the tranquil and oft-bypassed Hebe Haven lies this chilled out bar restaurant. Housed in a slightly strange, peach-coloured mock colonial villa, Hebe’s real allure comes from its openness. The ground level bar, which features a vaguely maritime feel, morphs into the outdoor area, creating an al fresco feel. And come summer, the rooftop opens up, providing a spot to watch over the slowly bobbing boats moored in the haven. Despite the occasional deafening bus, this bar is popular amongst the expat and local crowds alike, particularly on balmy evenings. 112 Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung, 2335 5515; www.hebe101.com. H/H 4pm-9pm

Hemingway's By the Bay
There’s something about Discovery Bay that makes a Caribbean-themed restaurant that overlooks the Disneyland fireworks seem so appropriate. If you’re looking for a quiet drink away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take up a spot on Hemingway’s outdoor deck, and enjoy the soothing calypso and reggae music. Of course, if you’d rather go a little silly, perhaps Hemingway’s ‘Wall of Rum’ is more down your alley? Shop G09, Block A, D-Deck, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, 2987 8855; www.hemingwaysdb.com.

Paradiso Beach Club
With cocktail in hand, the beach extends before you and the sand and seashells grit beneath your bare feet. With its desert island-resembling outdoor area right on the beach, and its luminous, shell and coral dominated interior, you’ll truly be wondering where you are. Are you in Paradise? Well, you probably won’t get much closer to it in Hong Kong. G/F, Government Building, Shek O Main Beach, Shek O, 2809 2080, www.paradiso.com.hk. No happy hour.

The China Bear
You have to wonder how many people have alighted the Mui Wo ferry and walked straight into The China Bear. After (or even possibly before) a restful day at the beach or a grizzly hike through the island highlands, there’s little better than a quiet drink. And the China Bear, positioned right in front of Mui Wo pier, is located in the perfect position to take advantage of this. With the majority of its seating plastic and green, it’s by no means a sexy establishment. But the sea views from the Bear – which on a good day stretch all the way to the high-rises of Kennedy Town – the quiet breeze ,and a refreshing beer make this simple pub a relaxing retreat. G/F Mui Wo Centre, Lantau, 2984 9720. H/H 5pm-9pm except public holidays.

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