Just spitting distance away from the beer swillers of LKF and Wyndham Street lies a place of respite from the hordes of Central. Veteran bar-goers may remember the space as the former bar-come-nightclub Hush, and while a ton hasn’t changed in the interior (save for a few reupholstered bar stools), +852 packs a punch where it matters the most by offering some truly kick-ass cocktails.

We sample a range of sweet and sour sippers on our Saturday evening visit. The Grillotine Old Fashioned ($100) is a rather alcoholic bevy made with tea-infused bourbon – it’s suitably strong for the classic cocktail. You may have to do as we did and conquer this in sips. The Sichuan Chocolate Martini ($90) is an indulgently rich bitter chocolate concoction with just a tickle of the peppercorn’s characteristic tingling taste in our throats. It could easily double as a liquid dessert. But the Boosma Sour ($90) is surely the winner of the evening – a crisp cocktail with juniper gin, white wine and fresh lemon juice topped with a touch of froth.

There’s also a range of delicious-sounding cocktails that aren’t yet on the menu, including a Fig Manhattan and Ume and Orange Daiquiri, so be sure to ask the bartender to tell you about these extra off-menu items if you’re a true cocktail enthusiast. A range of whites and reds are also available here, as well Peroni on tap ($75 a pint), if you’re looking for other options.

When we arrive around 9pm, we’re surprised to see the space is completely empty. However, it begins to fill up comfortably by the time we finish our second round of drinks. Extra touches like the open front window (perfect for people-watching and lone drinkers) and a patio out back for all the tobacco lovers in town will become all the more appreciated when the weather cools down a little later in the season. So next time you’re looking for some escape from the rowdier stretches of Central, hit up +852 for a peaceful cocktail before you join the madness below. Andrea Yu

2 Glenealy, Central, 2537 3281.