Wan Chai's streets can be firmly filed under hedonism and have been the ruin of many a good man. The area has had a reputation for naughtiness since the 1940s. However, it was only after World War II when American soldiers on R and R leave from the Korean and Vietnam Wars descended on Hong Kong that the infamous girlie bars and nightclubs sprang up around the streets of Lockhart Road and the place really earned its reputation.
Modern-day Wan Chai is somewhat tamed since its earlier wild days but nevertheless the area retains a far more down-to-earth feel to it than Lan Kwai Fong and with a fair few girlie bars still around, the seediness has not completely subsided. The area is home to a several British-style pubs, and bars, which are inhabited by a more serious drinking crowd of expats than Lan Kwai Fong. Bars here close when you leave, with several serving 24 hours a day.
Some of the more raucous hangouts are Delaney¹s, Mes Amis and Joe Bananas, which all show sports on TV and attract heaving crowds at weekends. Dusk till Dawn has live cover bands at the weekends, which simply put are uncannily good.
Essential Locations
- Delaney's
Address: 18 Luard Road, Wan Chai
Tel: 2804 2880
Happy Hour:noon to 9pm - Mes Amis
Address: 81-85 Lockhart Road
Tel: 2527 6680
Happy Hour: 4pm to 9pm - Joe Bananas
Address:23 Luard Road, Wan Chai
Tel: 2529 1811
Happy Hour 11am to 10pm - Dusk Till Dawn
Address: G/F, 76 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai
Tel 2528 4689
