Burrowed deep beneath the Chinese Wharney Guang Dong Hotel one oddly finds a hidden Scottish Bar atypical of its genre. It’s the brainchild of a loyal Scottish gent, who is so sanguine of success and his urban hideout's ability to ensnare the crowd from the above ground Lockhart Rd competitors - it completely dispenses with a prominent shop front on the Wanchai strip. Nevertheless going by the roomful of UK expats and Scottish Bankers crowded around the bar instilling a sense of fervent home support, this is precisely the oasis it advertised itself to be on the front door's banner... Discovered during a spontaneous search for a genuine Scottish experience in HK when feeling deprived, only a meagre two returns came up on the screen. One of these turned out to be a false lead in Central leaving no trails of previous existence, so that makes here the sole Scottish bar remaining in town. The glass cabinet beside the entrance downstairs does not shy away from its intent – it’s jam packed with a lavish range of Scotch Whiskies originating from Speyside all the way down to Islay, Campbeltown and the Lowlands, and still this display range is by no means exhaustive when one finally meets the definitive Whisky bible. The relevationary whisky tour continues inside as the inventory grows somewhere upwards of 180 types, with at least 130 specialty whiskies which can be ordered individually as drams, historically considered elixir potions containing magical abilities to cure ailments! Other rare finds to complete the authentic Scottish experience either include bottled or rotating Scottish Ales on tap, a Red Bull like Irn Bru drink or even bottles of highly regarded Scottish highland spring water sourced all the way from the Vale of Strathmore are also available upon request. A compelling food menu reminds one of the gastro pub dishes regularly found in the UK, some of the peasanty stews and pie dishes sharing slight resemblance to Irish food, but the tone setting dish here is no doubt to do with their starter of a bastardised, modern version of Haggis, made up of chopped liver, tripe, offals and onion but sans the sheep stomach for cooking it in, as per the original Scottish recipe..
Entrance with Whisky Shelf –
Much more are to be found within
Scottish Ales on Tap, a Rarity -
With a Pool Table behind..
Seating Booth available -
I love these seats…
Cocktail with Cassis, Vodka and Sparkling Wine -
Sounding suspiciously like a Kir Royal
House Red Wine -
Scottish Ale: Belhaven Best -
Glenlivet 15 Years – Double Dram
Photo taken with my phone after a few sips of course..
G & M Imperial 1991 – Single Dram
Made of Sheep liver, lungs, heart, tripe, oatmeal, onions, spice
Served with Turnips, Mashed Potatoes & Onion Whisky Gravy -
In fact, its a 'bastardised' version of the Oldest Traditional recipe,
which were cooked inside the Sheep’s Stomach.
I eat this by Pouring some Whisky over it !
Irish Big Breakfast -
Square Diced Sausage, Black Pudding, Roasted Potatoes, Bacon,
Tomato, Sauteed Mushrooms, Onion, Baked Beans,
Poached Eggs and Toast - 8/10
with Beef Gravy, Sausage, Carrot, Pie,
served with Fries, Vegetables and Roasted Potatoes - 7.5/10
Thai Beef Salad as a starter of Set Meal -
This time, served with Whisky infused Spicy Mayonnaise.
Better than the above boiled version.. ~ 9/10
served with Scottish oatcakes. Gamey Lamb Taste, with a bit of a bite
~ 7/10
Oatcakes
with Vanilla Ice Cream and Caramel Sauce - 7/10
Albeit not as fascinating as A La Carte..
A Glance of just one side of their Whisky list,
aka Scottish version of Red Bull!
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