The alleyway entrance to The Old Man, just off Aberdeen Street

©Cathy Adams/Lonely Planet

Old Man

Top choice in Hong Kong


If Ernest Hemingway was still alive today, the chances are he’d love this tiny no-sign speakeasy named after his novel The Old Man and the Sea with a neo-cubist portrait of Papa himself looking down approvingly from behind the bar. The atmosphere is friendly rather than pretentious and the mixology is exceptionally creative, with elements like gruyere, sous-vide pandan leaves and nori dust (cocktails HK$100).

Try to get a seat at the communal table in front of the intimate bar to see the bartenders work their magic: the strip down the middle is iced, to keep your drinks cool. The entrance isn't advertised – look for the steps heading down into a dead-end alleyway off Aberdeen St.


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