It’s time to celebrate Burns Night, a tribute to the legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns on January 25 (his believed date of birth), a must for all Scots around the world. Traditionally, the celebrations include The Burns Supper, in which a bagpiper must welcome the guests. This is followed by a welcome by the host after which the Selkirk Grace is said, usually in Scots. The haggis is then brought in with much grandeur - bagpipes play while guests stand and clap. It is then addressed and toasted to after which the meal is served. If you just want the food but not the pomp that goes with, the The Canny Man (Basement, The Wharney, Guangdong Hotel, Wanchai, 2861 1935) has a set dinner ($195) of scotch broth, followed by haggis, neeps and tatties and finally ends with tipsy lair (sherry trifle). The menu runs from Thursday to Saturday of the week of Burns Night. Wash it all down with one of the 40 imported bottled ales, including those from Scotland.

In our last issue we incorrectly listed Devils Advocate’s (G/F 48-50 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, 2865 7271) promotion for Monster Mondays as two standard drinks for $89. It should have read two standard drinks, a 12-inch pizza and a snack plate for $89. We apologize for the error, we were too busy eating.

Say goodbye to Klong (G/F The Broadway, 54-62 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, 2217 8830) which is closing its doors at the end of this month. Say farewell to them at their last ‘Last Nite in Bangkok’ bash on January 27 from 10pm till late. Drinks are also 2-4-1 from now until then.

Five Stars Bars

Kowloon
Famous for its view of the glittering skyline and harbour, Felix (The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, TST, 2315 3188) is the Philippe Starck-designed bar and restaurant that offers everything a five-star bar could give its patrons: sleek modern design, professional bartenders and a gorgeous view. Unfortunately, the American Bar at Felix can’t accommodate that many people, so in the evenings (especially on weekends) it gets crowded and you’re left having to stand. The upside is that at least you won’t have to deal with any second-hand smoke at this place.

Speaking of views, the one from the floor to ceiling windows at the Sky Lounge (Sheraton Hotel, 20 Nathan Road, TST, 2369 1111) rivals any other lofty lounge on the peninsula’s waterfront. With dim lighting, small intimate tables and cosy booths, this is one spot that should definitely be on your list for a romantic rendezvous or, if you’d like a more relaxed environment with a few friends, the Zen-inspired private rooms can seat 12 and 26 respectively.

For you vodka lovers out there, knock it back in style at the Tsar Bar (Lobby Level, Langham Hotel, 8 Peking Road, TST, 2375 1133). The bar offers over 20 different types of vodka martinis and 20 different types of vodka, which you can sample in the decadently decorated surroundings. You might even be confused after a few too many and think you’ve travelled to Alexander Place itself. Should you feel peckish, food can be ordered from the Palm Court next door.

For some Scottish-themed kitsch, look no further than the Tartan Bar (Gateway Hong Kong, Harbour City, TST, 2113 0888). Almost everything here is decked out in tartan, from the coverings on the chairs, to the menus and the staff’s waistcoats. Yet the ambient wood is a nice touch that tones the tartans down to a bearable glare. Though the various tartans of Scotch clans are quite fascinating – if only as a good Scottish history lesson. As for drinks, would we be pointing out the obvious if we said scotch whiskeys are the signature drinks here? Yes, I thought so.

For wine lovers, The Steakhouse Winebar and Grill (InterContinental, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2313 2323) offers over 270 labels from around the world, with 16 red and 10-12 white wines available by the glass. Sip away at your vino, while sinking into the rouge leather seats, admiring the many glass pieces dotted around the bar. Wine not your thing? Then you may like one of the many cocktails, including a large variety of martinis. If you’re the smoking type, this could be a haven as no one will ask you to stub your cigarette out here. If you’re more of a cigar person, a range of those are also available.

Hong Kong
The Champagne Bar (Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, 2588 1234 ext: 7321), with over 40 selections by the bottle and 10 by glass, is a must for all bubbly fanatics. You can’t help but feel slightly hedonistic sitting in a bar decked out in the style of Paris circa the 1920s, sipping champagne and nibbling caviar while puffing away on one of their many luxury cigars. Maybe we should dress accordingly on our next visit – wingtips, double-breasted suits, flapper’s dresses, feathers and all.

You’ll feel anything but blue at Blue Bar (Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8888) with its floor to ceiling windows looking out on Victoria Harbour and the hustle and bustle of the new ferry piers. The plush purple seats allow you to sink into a daydream, or unwind after a very long day at work. This cool and modern venue offers some easy listening music, and a very long list of premium spirits and cocktails. Though you must give one of their 88(!) signature cocktails a spin – all of which, by the way, are blue.

For an opulent décor with rich carpets, dim lighting, plenty of heavy brocade and patterned carpets, look no further than The Chater Lounge (The Ritz Carlton, 3 Connaught Road, Central, 2877 6666). This lounge resembles the inside of a gentlemen’s club: old-world European with touches of exotic art. Staff wear white dinner jackets, and you’ll certainly feel out of place if you aren’t wearing a jacket or something by Chanel. Most of those we saw there looked like high-flyers catching up on work or meeting with associates. This place does have a relaxing feel, and it’s very easy to sink into the comfy sofas, and sip on cocktails while appreciating the sounds of the grand piano.

If we mention iconic watering holes on the island, do you automatically think of Captain’s Bar (Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, 2825 4006)? Yeah, so do we. Now that the Mandarin is finally open and in full swing, this is the place to be. It isn’t just about those silver tankards (pints and half pints) they serve the draughts in or the yummy if slightly odd-looking purple crisps they call bar snacks, it’s about hanging out in a bar that’s an institution: the place was packed when we visited with barely room to stand, let alone sit. And since they have an exemption, people were quite happily puffing away at their cigars and cigarettes.

MO Bar (Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central, The Landmark, Central, 2132 0077) may be a relatively new kid on the block, but this place can compete with the best of them. With bed-like sofas, the long extended bar and the large, red, rather suggestive O, this is the place where the beautiful people hang out. Plus it doesn’t hurt that you can pick up Krug’s half-bottle rose here. Oh and, ladies, on Thursday night from 9pm onwards it’s free Absolut vodka drinks for you for the rest of the night.