Ten Hong Kong bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.
New Year's Eve in Hong Kong divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in Hong Kong are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.
Our Hong Kong New Year's Eve picks, in order
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
COA (in Central) the mexican firing squad is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
At The Old Man in Central, the hemingway daiquiri is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
The Aubrey at Mandarin Oriental (in Central) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In Central, Mostly Harmless the don't panic negroni arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At The Diplomat in Central, the diplomat manhattan arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Tell Camellia in Central, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Camellia Tea Highball
The full Hong Kong guideEvery bar category, every neighbourhood. Our complete Hong Kong guide covers cocktail bars, rooftops, hidden gems and more across the city.
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Darkside at Rosewood Hong Kong sits in Tsim Sha Tsui, and the darkside old fashioned is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
At Ori-Gin 1.0 in Central, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Central, Shady Acres the shady spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Central, Quinary the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Earl Grey Caviar Martini
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More Rooftop Bars in Hong KongThe full editor-curated list of Rooftop Bars in Hong Kong, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.
Other seasonal Hong Kong guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Hong Kong occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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