For years no one seemed interested in Wyndham Street: it was always too far away, and no one went there… The construction of the Centrium, the opening of the uber trendy Dragon-i (UG/F The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, 3110 1222) and the wonderful live music venue Edge never made the street ‘happen’. Yet in the last three months all that has changed -Wyndham Street is now arguably the hottest street in town with bars seeming to open on a daily basis.

Already open and buzzing nightly are Tivo (G/F 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, 2116 8055) Solas (G/F 60 Wyndham Street, Central, 3162 3710) and the beautiful Yun Fu (Bsmt, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, 2116 8855), which morphs from trendy restaurant to stylish club as the evening progresses. The changeover of JC65, to 65 (G/F 65 Wyndham Street, Central, 2804 6333) has resulted in a cool, sexy spot. Wagyu (G/F 60 Wyndham Street, 2869 6216) is also proving to be a force to be reckoned with, people can often be found spilling out onto the pavement at their street-facing bar. Edge though is no more, bought out by new investors who are going to launch something completely new in the space. Opening
soon will be Pickled Pelican (G/F 43-55 Wyndham Street, 2868 6026), an upmarket and elegant British-style watering hole housing a large selection of whiskys and on weekends host to a carvery.

For a taste of the Himalayas, check out Bhatti Bar (10 Elgin Street, Soho, 2546 0438) the new bar that serves traditional Nepalese liquour. Although the bar’s name means tea house, something tells me one needs something a little stronger than tea to warm up in places that cold. Give their Raksi a try, it’s a grain alcohol made from rice or millet that is apparently quite potent. Not up for something so strong? Nepalese beers like jand and chaang (supposedly favoured by the Yeti who raids villages to drink the stuff) are lighter with a slightly sweet taste. They are open from 5pm to 2am every day with happy hours from opening until 9pm.

For those of you who liked the home away from home concept at D’Apartment (Bsmt 34-36 D’Aguilar Street, Central, 2523 2002), enjoy it while you can - it’ll soon be closing its doors for good. After a serious revamp, it’ll be unleashed as Fong Underground, a club to complement its sister bar - The Fong (G/F 34-36 D’Aguilar Street, 2801 4946) on the ground floor and laid-back lounge on the first – keep your eyes peeled.

The Cavern (LKF Tower, 55 D’Aguilar Street, Central, 2121 8969) has launched a new ladies night on Thursdays; from 10pm onwards the gals get free jaeger bomb cocktails all night. If you stop by earlier for happy hour from 5pm to 9:30pm, Carlsberg draft is on offer at $20 and standard drinks at $34.

In Wanchai it’s definitely a case of old faces new places and old places new faces. Old friends Michelle Price – the bubbly landlord and inspiration behind the White Stag (54-62 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, 2866 4244) and The Stag’s Head (G/F 11 Hart Avenue, TST, 2369 3142) - and Matthew Boner - Mr Mes Amis (locations in Wanchai, TST and Mongkok) - have taken over the bar formerly known as Klong (54-62 Lockhart Road, Wanchai). Lookout for a complete renovation of the upstairs and downstairs with a new concept launching in the middle of March. Over Chinese New Year though, enjoy the Bar with No Name and some great Thai food – strictly over 21s and happy hour till 10pm.

Old places new faces: what do you do as talented bar managers after years of working for other people? Ante up, of course, and buy your own place. The glamour boys Neil and Chris are the new owners of Maya (68-70 Lockhart Road, Wanchai 2866 6200) and are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones in their own bar. It’s happy hour till 9pm and ladies night every Wednesday from 10pm to 2am.

Bringing its brand of pub grub, live music and sports to Wanchai this month is Bulldog’s Bar & Grill (2/F 21-25 Luard Road, Wanchai, 2529 2661) as the former general manager of Joe Bananas (23 Luard Road, Wanchai, 2529 1811), Paul Buxton, opens his third branch upstairs from his former employers. Coincidence and a good rent, said Buxton, when asked about the choice of location, but good news for bc readers as both bars will be pushing hard for your patronage.

Swindlers (G/F 33 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, 2520 5101) has a new jam night every Sunday, where they invite you to be the star for a night and jam with one of their three bands that play nightly from 9:30pm. It’s ladies night on Wednesdays from 9:30pm onwards with free standard drinks for ladies.

Up in Soho, if you were on the lookout for a newer, shinier watering hole – you’re in luck. If you want new and shiny, Peel (UG/F, 21 Elgin Street, Soho, 2810 0766) is the fresh fixture in higher Soho. Sleek and with a contemporary design they offer cocktails and a range of fine wines to quench your thirst. Stop by and stay a while, they are open until 2am.

Rugby dominates the live sporting action with Six Nations and Super 14’s still kicking around - matches for Six Nations are starting up again on the night of February 24. Catch all the action (and the men in little shorts) at Devil’s Advocate (G/F 48-50 Lockhart Road, 2865 7271) and The Canny Man (Bsmt, The Wharney Hotel, 37-73 Lockhart Road, 2861 1935), which is still running its fantasy rugby league.