Hong Kong Living Bar Awards 2020: Editors’ Pick

In the two months leading up to the Bar Awards, our editors went through many rounds of nominations and deliberations to arrive at a list of winners. Spanning various categories including Bar of the Year, Bartender of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, the list represents some of the best hospitality and entertainment venues that Hong Kong has to offer.

It is indeed an interesting time to host an awards spotlighting Hong Kong nightlife when bars are being locked down. This means our judging was based on previous visits to bars when they were free to open.

In spite of the hiccups, we are proud to unveil our Editors’ Pick winners for our inaugural Hong Kong Living Bar Awards – places that we look forward to return to once we are allowed to.

Read more: Hong Kong Living Bar Awards Readers’ Choice winners

Bar of the Year: The Diplomat

As one of the most highly-anticipated bars to open in 2020, The Diplomat is tucked away at lifestyle and dining hub H Code. Known for reinventing the classics with its innovative twist on classic cocktails, this is the first concept by award-winning mixologist John Nugent, who led the drinks programme at Lily & Bloom. The Diplomat strikes the perfect balance as an industry favourite tipple bar and for cocktail aficionados alike.

The Diplomat, Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, 3619 0302

Bartender of the Year: Lorenzo Antinori

Antinori is the beverage manager at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong and beverage ambassador for the hotel brand’s Asia Pacific operation. He joined the Hong Kong hotel following a two-year stint at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The expert mixologist has deftly brought the hotel’s Caprice Bar to new heights as it made its debut in Asia’s Top 50 Bars list this year.

Caprice Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8882

Read more: Winner spotlight on Lorenzo Antinori

Best Hotel Bar: Caprice, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong

Caprice is perhaps Four Seasons Hotel’s best kept secret, thanks to its three Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name. From old-school classics to cutting-edge mixology, the bar is a stylish and discreet gathering spot. Our pick for the Best Hotel Bar comes just in time for the release of its new seasonal cocktail menu – a celebration of ingredients from across the globe with the likes of rhubarb, grapefruit soda and fig leaf-flavoured cocktails. These tasty delights sit alongside the year-round beverage programme, featuring the Caprice martini and truffle negroni. Backed by an extensive wine list served alongside artisanal French cheese, we raise a very delicious goblet to this Hong Kong classic.

Caprice Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8882

Newcomer of the Year: Club Rangoon

Club Rangoon is the debut launch for owner Nelson Htoo. A Burmese-inspired restaurant helmed by chef Karisa Cheque and mixologist Jack Byrne, Club Rangoon may have opened its doors just weeks ago, but is already making headlines across the city’s uber-competitive eatery scene. Opening a new venue during the height of a pandemic has naturally come with its own set of challenges, but Htoo remains optimistic. “We’re very grateful to be in a situation now that allows us to open and we are of course remaining vigilant during these times. The best way to learn is by just going out there and doing it.”

Club Rangoon, 33 Aberdeen Street, Central, 2503 3077

Read more: Winner spotlight on Club Rangoon

Nightclub of the Year: Cassio

Inspired by 1950s French Riviera, this is the place where premium nightlife and fine cuisine come together. Our winner is the much younger sister to renowned nightclubs Dragon-i (our Readers’ Choice winner this year) and Tasmanian Ballroom. Boasting stunning interiors and a spacious tropical-inspired terrace, Cassio doles out groovy music and quality food that punctuate all hours of the night.

Cassio, 2/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, 3792 0129

Best Rooftop Bar: Terrible Baby

Nestled inside Eaton HK, Terrible Baby is the go-to destination on the dark side to catch homegrown artists and international DJs. If you are looking for a refreshing change of scenery from your usual watering holes on the island, this hotel rooftop bar is a par above the rest. With a spacious terrace, dedicated performing space and music room to match, Terrible Baby lives up to its quirky name translated from the French phrase ‘enfant terrible’ – an expression used in the world of creative arts to describe a young and successful person who is strikingly unorthodox.

Terrible Baby, 4/F, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, 2710 1866

Best Interior Design: Madame Fu

Set in heritage-arts compound Tai Kwun, Madame Fu offers a charming crossover between east and west lounge experience. Its titular character is a fictional socialite who opened a grand salon in Shanghai in the 1930s after living in Paris. The interiors pay homage to Hong Kong’s colonial past and European grand cafés in Paris; and span across seven artfully designed rooms and a balmy verandah for guests to enjoy a sundowner or night cap.

Madame Fu, Shop 03-101a, Block 3, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 2114 2118

Hidden Gem Award: Whisky & Words

Tucked away on a hidden stair alley in Central, Whisky & Words is a cosy and elegant speakeasy that stocks more than 300 whiskies from around the world. The space was conceptualised for people who already know their whisky, as well as those who want to learn about the spirit in a laid-back setting. Besides serving up a thorough menu of whiskies, the speakeasy also offers regular masterclasses led by brand ambassadors, distillery owners and whisky experts.

Whisky & Words, G/F, 7 Shin Hing Street, Central, 9889 8590

Read more: Winner spotlight on Whisky & Words

Best Concept Bar: Havana

Named after the sprawling Cuban capital and sharing the same moniker as Camila Cabello’s hit song, Havana is a slice of tropical oasis found in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong. The cocktail bar and shisha lounge is best known for its mojito and rum-based concoctions; and boasts a relaxing terrace decked out in clean white walls and comfy cushioned seats.

Havana, 4/F, The Plaza, 21 D’Aguilar Street, Central, 2851 4880

Read more: Winner spotlight on Havana

Best Beach Bar: Coconuts

Famous amongst the expat community, British-born chef owner Jean Paul Gauci is the man behind Coconuts. The Thai bar and grill is perched above the sandy shores of Deep Water Bay, serving up beachside tipples accompanied by modern Thai and Asado (an Argentinian method of slow cooking meat on an open fire) cuisine. Luring visitors in with its laidback Ibiza beach club vibes, this open-air bar is the perfect spot to savour a glass of chilled French rosé (ask for the in-house produced blend) over the sounds of the ocean.

Coconuts, G/F West Block, Island Road, Deep Water Bay, 2812 1826

Best Craft Beer Bar: 65 Peel

Local craft beer takes centre stage at 65 Peel with brews from Young Master Ales, Moonzen and Citibrew. Opened in 2016, the bar offers an impressive range of Hong Kong craft beer, featuring 12 on tap and more than 50 bottles on the menu. If you pronounce the Chinese moniker of the bar, it’s similar to the F-word in local dialect or an expression that means the bar is really cool. “Everything we do is to create a fun and casual environment. Many Hong Kongers have a very busy lifestyle. Here is a space where people can come in, loosen up and have a good time,” says Lam Chun-wai, the founder of 65 Peel.

65 Peel, 65 Peel Street, Central, 2342 2224

Read more: Winner spotlight on 65 Peel

Best Pub: Delaney’s

Delaney’s opened its first Irish pub in Hong Kong back in 1994 and since then has continued to deliver an authentic Irish experience. With venues located in Cyberport, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui, the bars have become favourites for local foodies and lovers of whisky and damn good beers.

Delaney’s, multiple locations including Basement, The Wharney Guang Dong Hotel, 57-73 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2861 1935

Read more: Winner spotlight on Delaney’s