• Drinks & Nightlife

Wan Chai Redlight District – A More Down-To-Earth and Affordable Rival to Central’s LKF

August 7, 2021

Not as explicit as in some other countries, but a red light district does exist in Hong Kong and that is in Wan Chai. The district has earned this title during the Vietnam War and the city’s starring role in the film and novel “The World of Suzie Wong.” Offering a good mix of the city’s oldest drinking establishments, British pubs, live music bars, and dozens of Western and other restaurants. It’s a more down-to-earth and affordable rival to Central’s LKF, while premium or exciting nightlife can also be found. Enough said, here’s a list for your night out in Wan Chai.

  1. Mizunara

Have your soothing moment to sip a glass of handcrafted cocktail by the world’s mixologist Masahiko Endo in his own whiskey library. Among all the late-night bustling bars in the Wan Chai’s red-light district, Mizunara, hiding inside a low-key building, offers the best and most authentic vibes of a Japanese whiskey bar, with spacious wooded furniture upholstered in leather, illuminated shelves filled with more than 700 top-tier spirits, and a tranquil outdoor terrace that resembles a Japanese garden. Make a reservation before hitting the place. 

2. The Wanch

A subtle music powerhouse tucked away down the Jaffe Road in Wan Chai that raises the bar for the live music scenes since 1987. This local band cradle offers non-stop live performances 7/365 with different themes each night FOR FREE, definitely a place to be for music-lovers party goers. In the old Hong Kong bar setting, there are no particular stage for performance so you can get close to the musicians. Immerse yourself in quality music with a beer or two from 6pm onwards. Check out their Facebook page for the schedule of live shows. 

3. The Pawn

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century heritage Chinese shophouse, The Pawn brings you an exciting restaurant and bar concept with al fresco dining in a unique space across two floors. The Botanicals Bar’s terrace is perfect for brunch or an after work drink. The cocktail list features both classics and original creations where fruit, flower and herb flavors are the stars. The Kitchen serves seasonal dishes cooked with modern flair. DJs spin in the main room every weekend. If you’re a latin music fan, their Cuban night salsa party is not to be missed.

4. The Roundhouse

Let loose your craving for chicken and beer combo at The Roundhouse. Serving 32 tap beers, from local craft beers to global awards winning selections, the beer joint was listed as one of the Top 10 Beer Bars in Asia nominated by CNN in 2014. With their beer list changing weekly, you will find exclusive beers that can be found nowhere else in Hong Kong. Their Southern fried chicken along will bring you as much joy as a pub fix on a boys night out back in college days. 

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Armie Ma