Bar
Bar Leone
Lorenzo Antinori's Italian-style neighbourhood cocktail bar on Bridges Street, named The World's Best Bar in 2025 and known for its pre-batched Leone Martini.
The Wanch
A Wan Chai live music institution with more than 35 years of history, now in a larger Jaffe Road gastropub with a fully equipped stage, craft beer and pub food.
At a glance
- Type
- Live music bar and gastropub
- Area
- Wan Chai, Hong Kong
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- thewanch.hk
Good to know
- Live music stage
- Craft beer
- Pub food
Why we recommend it
The Wanch is one of the longest-running live music venues in Hong Kong, with more than 35 years of history in Wan Chai. For decades it was a tiny bar with room for only about 20 people. It has since moved a short distance to a larger space on the first floor of the Henan Building on Jaffe Road, reborn as a gastropub with a proper stage.
The new stage covers 183 square feet and is equipped with sound, visual and lighting gear, which gives performers far more room than before. The emphasis remains on rock and live bands, keeping the venue's reputation for bringing rock 'n' roll energy to Wan Chai. Check the bar's website or social media for the current line-up, as acts change from night to night.
Food is a bigger part of the offer than in the past. The menu includes fish and chips, roast chicken, fillet steak and loaded nachos, so you can make an evening of it rather than just stopping for a drink. Yardley Brothers Craft Brewery is the official craft beer partner, and cocktails are also served.
Time Out Hong Kong lists opening hours of 11.30am to 2am on weekdays and from noon to 2am at weekends and on public holidays, which makes it an option for lunch as well as late nights. Prices are moderate by Hong Kong standards, and generally lower than at the award-winning cocktail bars of Central. Evenings with bands are the busiest, so arrive early if you want a table near the stage.
Bands and events change regularly, so follow the venue online for the latest schedule, and consider arriving for food before the music starts to secure a good spot.
The Wanch suits music fans, groups of friends and anyone who wants a casual, unpretentious night out. It is a contrast to the polished hotel bars and award-winning cocktail lounges elsewhere in the city. Wan Chai is well connected by MTR, and Kam's Roast Goose and The Fleming hotel are both in the same district, so you could eat roast goose before heading to the bar for a set. Call the venue to check whether a particular night has live music before making a special trip.
The Wanch FAQs
Where is The Wanch?
On the first floor of the Henan Building, 90 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai.
How long has The Wanch been running?
It has more than 35 years of history in Wan Chai's live music scene.
Is there live music?
Yes. The venue has a fully equipped 183 square foot stage for bands.
Does it serve food?
Yes. The menu includes fish and chips, roast chicken, fillet steak and loaded nachos.
What beer is served?
Yardley Brothers Craft Brewery is the official craft beer partner.
What are the opening hours?
Time Out lists 11.30am to 2am on weekdays and noon to 2am at weekends and on public holidays.
Is it expensive?
No. Prices are moderate by Hong Kong standards.
How do you contact The Wanch?
Call +852 3692 5933.