The buzz: Mariners’ Rest is supposedly the oldest pub in Hong Kong—now part of the boutique hotel Hullett House, this drinking hole was once the pub for officers and visiting seamen as early as 1884 when the building served as the Marine Police Headquarters.

The décor: A cool breeze wafts through the enormous mahogany windows, sweeping over the original wooden floor. The generous wall space is adorned with items donated by the police, including life rings and black and white photographs of the old building, royalty, and smiling multicultural rowing teams.

The drinks: Pick from Guinness, Tetley’s and Carlsberg on-tap, as well as bottled beers, wine and champagne, and ravishing cocktails. The Hullett House Hong (vodka, advocaat, orange juice, grenadine) is a glassful of bliss. Buy two-for-one beers, standard drinks and house wine, Mon-Fri from 5pm-8pm.

The food: Poshed-up British pub grub served until midnight. The shepherd’s pie is a delight of slowly braised lamb beneath a creamy veg mash. Leave room for the gorgeous dessert, such as a rich apple-pecan pie.

The crowd: Weekends buzz with sports fans, who come to watch the larger-than-life screenings of live football matches.

Why you’ll be back: Because you just can’t get enough of drinking in the original, candle-lit prison cells at the end of the bar. Joanna Allen

Hullett House, 2A Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 3988-0103