The Pontiac

The Anti-Pretension Manifesto

In a city where cocktail bars compete on who can charge the most for the most obscure Japanese whisky in the tallest tower, The Pontiac exists as a deliberate act of rebellion. Founded by Beckaly Franks — who previously worked at some of the most acclaimed bars in the world — The Pontiac is her love letter to bars that put people before status. Thirteen Old Bailey Street, tucked into a narrow Central alley, is where Hong Kong goes when it wants to be itself.

The room is small and unpretentious: exposed brick, mismatched stools, a short bar that puts you face to face with whoever is pouring. There are no reservations — the policy is walk-in only, which means the person next to you might be a banker, a chef, a tourist or a regular who comes four nights a week. Franks designed it that way. The best bars, she's said in interviews, belong to everyone who shows up.

What to Expect

The cocktail list changes seasonally but always holds to the same principles: approachable price points (nothing over HK$115), flavour-forward builds, and zero condescension. The Jungle Bird riff has become a cult item — a nod to the classic KLCC original but reworked with local bitters and a touch more acidity that suits the humid Hong Kong climate. The bar's version of the Old Fashioned is notably restrained, which is to say it is outstanding.

For cocktail-curious visitors, The Pontiac is the rare place that welcomes the question "what should I have?" with genuine enthusiasm rather than a wine-steward stare. Staff will ask what you're in the mood for and build you something off-menu without batting an eye. If you're exploring the rest of Hong Kong's cocktail bar scene, this is a fine place to start or end an evening — the vibe is warm and the prices mean you don't have to ration your drinks.

The Neighbourhood Context

Old Bailey Street sits between SoHo and the Mid-Levels escalator, which makes The Pontiac a natural stop on any evening that begins further downhill and ends somewhere near Central's late-night circuit. The nearby cluster of quality bars includes Quinary on Hollywood Road (a five-minute walk for molecular technique) and Employees Only HK on Stanley Street (for pre-Prohibition classics and later hours). The Pontiac closes at 2am on weekdays — give yourself enough time to settle in before last orders.

The Practical Details

Cash and card accepted. No reservations under any circumstances — this is a strict policy and part of the identity. The space is small, so peak Friday evenings (8–10pm) mean a short wait. Go Tuesday through Thursday for room to breathe. Hong Kong's bar scene is one of Asia's finest, and The Pontiac argues convincingly that the best of it doesn't need to announce itself.