Bar review: Hex Bar and Billiards in Causeway Bay – fun and games

The vibe: Hex Bar & Billiards is one of many recent openings in Causeway Bay’s Yiu Wa Street, around the corner from Times Square. Packed with bars, restaurants and boutiques, this small street has blossomed into one of Hong Kong’s hippest areas and packs a good-humoured buzz far removed from the frenetic excess of Lan Kwai Fong. Despite its name and corresponding all black, hexagonally themed décor, Hex turns out to be a cheerful spot. You can play pool during happy hour, beerpong and other games till late or watch sports on big screens (there’s even a view of the Happy Valley racetrack for Wednesday nights).

The drinks: signature cocktails follow an Asian theme. Earl Grey tea is a recurring flavour, and chrysanthemum, shiso and even tofu also appear. The drinks are tailored to Hong Kong tastes: high on sweetness and low on alcohol. Those with an extreme sweet tooth can even indulge in offerings involving marshmallow or candyfloss.

We went for the Pandan Fizz (gin, pandan syrup, lemon juice and soda water) and the Amethyst Sour (Kyohu grape liqueur, lemon juice, vodka, Cointreau and egg white). The Pandan Fizz came prettily swathed in a pandan leaf and was pleasantly lemony if very light.

The Amethyst Sour was properly sour with the grape liqueur adding an unusual note.

They’d run out of the plum-infused gin for the Sweet Plum Negroni, so we went for a classic Negroni (an orange peel garnish with HEX stamped on the back was a neat touch ) and a vodka martini, both of which were acceptably made.

All the drinks we tried were HK$98 (HK$49 during happy hour) and there’s a decent choice of beers, wines and standard or premium spirits for the non-cocktail inclined.

The drinks list doesn’t go in for names of the Long Sloe Screw variety, so we were a bit surprised to see one called Pimps Generation – especially as it was made with something called Pimps No.1. Apparently spellcheck isn’t always your friend.

The verdict: although the drinks won’t be to everyone’s taste, Hex is a good find and great value if you want to spend an evening playing bar games or enjoying a relaxed happy hour before dinner at one of the area’s many restaurants.