The Old Man – Raising a Glass to Hemingway. Hidden down a discreet staircase near the corner of Aberdeen and Staunton Streets, The Old Man is Hong Kong’s homage to Ernest Hemingway — writer, adventurer, and legendary drinker. Since opening in 2017, this intimate speakeasy has carved out a place in Asia’s cocktail elite, winning the top spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2019 and debuting in The World’s 50 Best Bars with the Highest New Entry Award just a year after opening.

The concept blends literary inspiration with modern mixology. Each drink is a nod to Hemingway’s novels, using inventive ingredients and cutting-edge techniques. Take For Whom the Bell Tolls: cocoa nibs sous-vide batavia arrack, rotovap burnt butter rum, sour strawberry, and an avocado burst — a flavour journey the author himself might have toasted.

Inside, the atmosphere is as refined as it is relaxed. The bar’s innovative I-shaped counter features a chilled strip running down its centre, keeping cocktails perfectly cold as you chat. The décor, understated yet evocative, invites guests to linger and explore the menu like a collection of short stories, each glass revealing a new chapter. In true Hemingway fashion, The Old Man is more than a bar — it’s a place where stories and spirits meet.