Banker
With a glittering chandelier hovering over its white marble bar, this perennially busy bar is one of the classier places to get a drink in karaoke-dominated Causeway Bay. The cool, arty and cashed up local crowd gather in this long ‘L’ shaped bar, particularly on weekends, lounging on the French-style plush scarlet dimpled couches, rattling dice and throwing down cards. If you can look past the faux Mona Lisa affixed to the windows, you’ll find views stretching out over Causeway Bay and Happy Valley. It’s a decent place to get away from the same old crowd. And don’t worry – no one knows about it. 27/F, Continental Diamond Plaza, 523-527 Hennessy Rd, Causeway Bay, 2838 7033, H/H 5pm-9pm.

The Place
So you’ve found yourself out in Kennedy Town and you’re in desperate need of a drink? Located within waft of the ocean, The Place is a comfortable drinking oasis that has been steadily carving out a stream of regulars. Full of local ex-pats sitting at the long bar, The Place is a decent option if you’re looking to get away from your usual haunts – or looking to avoid people at your usual haunts. If Kennedy Town is too far for you to travel, you could always try their sister establishment in Sheung Wan – they’re pretty much identical. G/F, 1E Davis Street, Kennedy Town, 2872 0818, H/H noon-9pm.

The Aviator
In Lantau’s shiny aviation-dominated town lies this spacious pub. Decorated with model Boeings, images of ancient planes and a sprawling world map, The Aviator brings in the Tung Chung expats as well as the Ngong Ping 360 tourists who have just landed, enjoying the in-flight entertainment: sports, the racking and cracking on the pool table and some cheesy classics on the CD player. If you’re struck by hunger pains, you’re in luck – there’s no shortage of food here. Take up a cane chair in the semi-outdoor brasserie, grab a plate and head to the buffet, and get ready for takeoff. Shop 16, Tung Chung Crescent, Tung Chung, 2403 6816. H/H 6pm-9pm.

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