By Rory Boland. 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 s.
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 stipes. Modern-day Wan Chai is somewhat tamed compared to its earlier and wilder days but there is still a girly bar or two and plenty of 'massages' on offer.
But avoid the mama sans and you'll find plenty of places to grab a glass of beer or two. The bar and pub scene is more down to earth than swanky Lan Kwai Fong , and with several British style bars it's popular with expats.
Bars here close when you leave, with several serving 24 hours a day. Some of the more raucous hangouts are Bar and Mes Amis, which both show sports on TV and attract heaving crowds at the weekends. Dusk till Dawn has live cover bands at the weekend, which are usually very good quality, while the White Stag is perhaps Hong Kong's best British pub.
A local institution. This imitation dive bar with guitars strapped to the all wand snaps of Jimi Hendrix stapled to every corner is famous for its music and it's dancing. Come on their regular Wednesday Ladies Night to see it at its most energetic. A night out in Wan Chai often starts with a bottle of wine in Mes Amis and ends in many cocktails.
