Simon L.
Yelp
I think I have now discovered the coolest bar in Hong Kong. It is a gin joint in Sai Ying Pun at Second Street 129, that has been converted from a former table tennis hall, hence the bar name Ping Pong.
They have an extensive selection of gins, ranging from organic farmer's gins from the UK, through to Japanese gin (well according to the menu it is Japanese, but is in fact French - naughty, naughty). The cheapest gins (supermarket brands) start at HKD80, the most "exclusive" will set you back HKD250.
As one would expect, the bar staff are connoisseurs of gin and are more than happy to recommend according to your own preferences. Each of the gins has been expertly paired to their own tonic and fruit twist, who would have that thought so much of a G&T relied on the choice of the T? The final wonderful flourish is the hand carved ice. Hacked out of house brick sized blocks, you will have a super cool (see what I did there?) purified iceberg chilling your gin to perfection.
The bar also serves a small selection of delicious Spanish tapas dishes. These include such delights as patatas bravas, which rather than the standard potatoes rolled in tomato sauce, were a deconstructed version of crispy baked baby potato with a tomato puree icing, extremely moreish ham and cheese croquettes, and anchovies, pure unadulterated anchovies - yummers!
The atmosphere is a cool modern chic, but feels encompassing rather than exclusive. The venue has high ceilings, an industrial unfinished charm, and some eye-opening art that the chaps will probably rather enjoy.
Just a note about finding the place, it's hard! The entrance is an unmarked red door at 129 Second Street. Once through the door, you have to trot down a set of dark concrete steps, but don't be intimidated, just head on down and you will be dazzled as the room opens up infront of you. Bring on the gin!