Hong Kong boasts some of Asia’s best cocktail bars and the culture that comes with it, but this city also lays claim to embracing a classic pub culture, a remnant of the colonial British days and comfort to many pub-loving foreigners living here.
Whilst bars present a more modern approach to drinking with flashy cocktails and innovation, pubs reflect traditionalism with a more rustic vibe and simple offerings in the alcohol section with pints of beer and cider, glasses of wine, and salty plates of food to match.
For those seeking an evening at a pub to sink a few pints, here are our top picks in Hong Kong.
The best pubs in Hong Kong
Delaney’s Kowloon
Down into the basement you go exiting the noisy centre of Tsim Sha Tsui and you will find yourself entering through a portal into a pub that could be found in any street of Dublin or Belfast. Delaney’s is homely, pouring a great pint of Guinness and Tetley’s, both with the mandatory froth to enjoy the beer in its entirety. The pub regularly streams football and rugby games for ardent sports fans.
Delaney’s Kowloon, B/F, Mary Building, 71-77 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2301 3980
The Queen Victoria
A fan favourite for many homesick Brits living in Hong Kong, The Queen Victoria is one of Wan Chai’s more favoured pubs simply for its no-frills approach with fresh pints of beer and quick service. For European football fans, this place will have live games playing as late as 3AM kick offs. Luckily, their happy hour extends from 4PM to 10PM, ensuring you won’t be missing a pint with a discount late into the night.
The Queen Victoria, G/F, Gaylord Commercial Building, 108 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2529 7800
King’s Belly
Tai Po’s King’s Belly pub is a very close replica to a British-styled pub in Hong Kong with their dolled-up interior. With oaky bar tops, worn-in floors, and high chairs with plump cushion seating, this is where you go for the basics, but the familiar basics. Their beer is fresh and they specialise in a beastly Sunday and holiday roast menu with all the meats and trimmings.
King’s Belly, Shop C, G/F, Mei Fung Building, 6 Wan Tau Kok Lane, Tai Po, 2663 3550
The White Stag
A few doors down from The Queen Victoria, The White Stag is a classic pub on the Wan Chai strip well known for their live sports and atmosphere. Their prices are fair and their beer selection is broad with Belgian, British, American, Japanese, and local Hong Kong draught beers. The pub shuts at 4AM on weekends so you can fit in all of your pint-drinking.
The White Stag, G/F, 54-62 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2866 4244
Ned Kelly’s Last Stand
For over five decades, Ned Kelly’s Last Stand has served those seeking a pub experience in the Tsim Sha Tsui area. Their large bar menu imports a variety of British and European draught beers for many pints to be enjoyed at this venue. Check their social media to see their schedule for live music and bands playing.
Ned Kelly’s Last Stand, G/F, 11A Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2376 0562
Breaks
Breaks evidently emulates a proper Wetherspoons, neighbourhood-style pub from British origin with an oaky interior, plump bar seating, and a strong pour of Guinness. The Prince Edward-pub is located just off Boundary Street. Many loyal patrons to the space head there for a competitive game of snooker in the back of the pub.
Breaks, Shop A, G/F, May Bong Mansion, 221-225 Sai Yeung Choi Street North, Prince Edward, 2398 7933
