Barfly Comment
Only in Hong Kong can your millions of dollars investment and entire business be wiped out by the signature of a single employee. Yes, we’re talking the about the liquor licence, that little square of paper so hard to get – and keep – against the litany of objections continually raised against owners of alcohol-selling establishments. For as we know, in any society worth its salt everyone must be allowed a hearing before the mandarins of public service bestow their blessings. What many imbibers may not realize is that the licence is not issued to the company running the business, taking all the risk and netting the prodigious profits, but to the bar manager as an individual. In several instances over the last couple of years, disgruntled licence holders have simply cancelled the licence – destroying business, throwing people out of work… Surely, Donald, it’s time for you to straighten out this administrative anomaly.

Cinco de Mayo
The torrent of new bar openings is slowing slightly as all the promising locations have been snapped up or demand rents that send shivers of doubt through even the most solid business plan.

Heat (54-62 Lockhart Road, Wanchai, 2528 0997) opened to hot praise from early arrivals. The former Klong site has been completely renovated: downstairs is an open fronted lounge where you can eat and partake of Hong Kong’s second favourite sport, people watching. All the time discussing how well you are competing in our favourite local sport – that of making money. Upstairs is a lounge bar/club with a 20+ foot high ceiling and striking décor where you can indulge in the SAR’s third and fourth favourite pastimes – spending money and partying sizably, while dancing the night away. Daily drink specials include mojitos on Monday at $50, champagne cocktails are $50 on Tuesday while Thursday is ladies’ night with free Absolute vodka, champagne, wine and house spirits for the damsels. A welcome addition to the SAR’s nightlife.

Gossip has it that Wyndham Street has a new upmarket lounge club to replace the Edge – though details are sparse as we go to print, look out for more in our next issue. Ila at The Priory (75 Wyndham Street, Central, 2522 1162) is planning a few invite-only soirees for next month, so drop by and charm her for an invitation.

A little further down the street at FINDS (2/F, LKF Tower, 2522 9318) a new cocktail menu harks back to when ‘cocktails were simple, yet extremely well made’: look for a ‘civilised’ martini (heavy on the gin and straight up), Lynchburg Lemonade, Sazeracs and a mojito faithful to the original Bodeguita del Medio recipe.

Happy Birthday! Devils Advocate (48-50 Lockhart Road, Wanchai 2865 7271) is eight years old this month, and to celebrate Michelle is throwing an 8ties party on Friday June 1 with an $88 open bar on standard drinks from 8-10pm and $8 drink specials all night. Come dressed to remember and you could be walking away with some great prizes – a helicopter trip, weekend break or bar tabs.

Also celebrating is M1 bar (G/F @1-23 Prat Ave, TST 2369 1100) with a 5th anniversary party on May 26 featuring David Lam, Christian, and Darka and Jeremy. Entry is free for ladies but $220 for guys (includes two bottles of San Miguel). Bit of a steep hit on the male of the species there!

In Wanchai, Moses has returned from his extended vacation in Thailand and wants old friends and new to know he is at Bulldog’s (2/F, 21-25 Luard Road, Wanchai, 2529 2661) where you now no longer have to go downstairs and hang out on the street corner to have a fag. Instead in air-conditioned comfort while listening to the smooth sounds of the house band from 9pm to late Wednesday to Saturday, you can now damage your lungs to your heart’s content. Relocating soon to the same building is Skitz.

Looking for a nice al fresco drink? Ramas Greens (Shop 1 The Sanlitun, 1/F Causeway Centre, 28 Harbour Road, Wanchai, 3101 0656) has been extended to include a new bar devoted solely to tapas and wine. On the menu is a short selection of tapas including a cheese platter ($98), Parma ham and melon ($98) and a fresh oyster platter ($158/half dozen). Also included is a ‘sushi bar’ with various popular sushi dishes going for $6-$25.

Perhaps not as well known as it’s southern neighbour but there’s a lot going on in the increasingly fashionable Noho. The Noho Café (G/F 24 Gough Street, Noho, 2813 2572) has a new look – wood flooring matched by brown leather couches, sheer ivory curtains and gorgeous golden cushions. It’s all a ploy to tempt you into staying, getting comfortable, drinking more and trying their brand-new desserts, 17 in all, and new set lunch – for $38 you get soup of the day and a choice of Indian curry
or pasta.

Stop Press – Chris ‘Twins Mum’ B has a new venue for her gigs – the next Underground will be at Galaxy (Bsmt, 48 Hennessy Road, Wanchai 2866 1031) on 25th May starting at 8.30pm. Featured bands will be Zane, David Bowie Knives, Innisfallen and Nothing None. Entry is a paltry $50 and Asahi is on special. More from www.undergroundhk.com