5 Hong Kong bars you shouldn't ignore anymore

Ivan the Kozak

Ivan's deserves an award for finding that balance between being really well hidden yet in plain view. Thousands flow past this unassuming Ukrainian restaurant below the escalator on Cochrane Street daily, but few will have popped inside for a quick slug of imported vodka.

They are missing out. Ivan himself will be glad to invite you into his walk-in freezer room whether or not dinner is part of the night's plan, and to tell you about each of the vodkas stored from floor to ceiling.

With six shots for $100, an education in vodka comes cheap, but watch out for the Ukrainian Honey Pepper vodka. It's deliciously sweet but it has a sting in its tail.

Ivan the Kozak, LG/F 46-48 Cochrane Street, Central, tel +852 2851 1193 www.ivanthekozak.com

Beer Bay

Yes, it's still a chilly winter but that's perfect for enjoying a mug of brown ale out on the Central Ferry Pier. This is an English treat, after all.

The Beer Bay is not only one of the cheapest places to get a pint but boasts a reassuringly diverse selection of imported ales, which will have drinkers forgetting about the ferry home, and staying for one more.

A pint bottle of Circle Master goes for HK$35 or, once the summer heat returns, a cooler, refreshing pint of Hoegaarden can be bought for a remarkable $25.

But if the imported ales and cheap prices aren't enough, drinkers can also enjoy pickled eggs, to drop in to their salt and vinegar crisps. Lovely!

Central Ferry Pier 4

Snake King Yan (恩王蛇)

Not far from Temple Street night market, this snake wine shop could be the place to get an unusual aperitif before sitting down to spicy crabs around the corner.

If the taste really appeals, sitting down to dinner in the store itself accompanied by a beautiful green glass of snake intestine wine is also an option for $30, or a small shot for just $15. There are a host of bottles on display, each containing an exotic-looking brew.

The taste is far from offensive but the kick will have you reeling for a few seconds, so best get it down in one.

80 Ning Po Street, Jordan, Kowloon

The Wine List

The Wine List in Tai Kok Tsui is a neat little place for all kinds of cocktail essentials, wines, and liquors.

But a quick chat with the staff will let you into a world of 'bai jiu' knowledge. Many are available for under HK$50 for half a liter, and pack a punch harder than western spirits. Fans of papaya should opt for the golden Cai Tong De Mugua Jiu -- Cai Tong De Papaya Wine -- for HK$36.

The list of health benefits printed on the wine bottle is stunningly impressive, but the taste will divide opinions -- so have a teaspoon of sugar ready.

70C Ivy Street, Tai Kok Tsui, Kowloon, tel +852 2396 6082 www.winelisthk.com

Chungking Mansions back alley

Not quite situated inside Chungking Mansions but rather, in the back alley, a journey here is as risky as it gets in Hong Kong.

This spot is hugely popular with the African and Nepalese community, with the favourite drink being a jigger of whiskey washed down with Red Bull. It can do some damage to the recollection of events that immediately follow, but it tastes surprisingly good for the price.

Indian whiskey here comes at rock-bottom prices. Bottles start at HK$20, Red Bull is $6 and paper cups are provided: bring some friends, get stuck in, and don't ask questions.

Behind 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon