Bahama Mama’s

4-5 Knutsford Terrace T2368 2121. Mon-Thurs 5pm-3am, Fri & Sat 5pm-4am, Sun 6pm-2am. The beach-bar theme and outdoor terrace attracts a party crowd, along with all their antics. One of the rare bars that is popular with both gweilos and local Chinese; for the best crack, stump up the cover charge and come along on club nights where a mixed music policy offers everything from garage to world.

Ned Kelly’s Last Stand

11a Ashley Rd T2376 0562. Daily 11.45am-1.45am. Dark Australian bar with great live traditional jazz after 9pm, plus good beer and meaty Aussie food served at the tables. It’s a real favourite with travellers, and good fun.

Someplace Else

Basement, Sheraton Hotel, 20 Nathan Rd T2721 6151. Daily 11am-2am; happy hour 4-8pm. Upmarket singles bar, whose large, rowdy two-floor bar-restaurant has live music, free popcorn nibbles, Tex-Mex and Asian snacks and a good cocktail list.

Stag’s Head

11 Hart Avenue T2369 3142. Daily noon-4am, happy hour daily noon- 10pm. Popular pub attracting expats and tourists alike; almost always has Britpop plus beer, spirit and wine promotions.

Watering Hole

Basement, 1A Mody Rd T2312 2288. Daily 4pm-1pm. An enormous subterranean bar with darts and a small selection of beers. The decor is nondescript, but there’s a good mix of locals, expats and tourists, the bar staff are friendly, and it’s big enough to harbour lots of dark nooks and crannies.