2009 Dec 11 Talking Pints: Rabbits, Lanterns and Christmas Cocktails
As mentioned several times on the blog recently - see our interview with co-owner Thomas Gaestadius here - White Rabbit is opening in Sanlitun in the Tongli space where the original China Doll – not the 3.3 one, which is still open – used to be. The waiting’s over, because White Rabbit reopens this weekend with a double-header of parties featuring Yang Bing, Ben Huang, Mickey Zhang and others providing the beats. Entry is free tonight and tomorrow and the doors open at 9pm. Just don’t go there at 4am like you used to.
The other big news on the electronic beat is that techno team Acupuncture are also getting set to open their own club, Lantern, in the basement of 3.3 Mall which is partly occupied by amusement arcade Hakuna Matata. Soft opening will be on Christmas Eve, official launch party on Jan 8.
If you haven’t seen our blog post on Agua already, we’re still waiting for further news on exactly what’s going on down at the Legation Quarter. The future or otherwise of the venue’s restaurants and bars – including Fez and Hex – has yet to be confirmed by anyone from Agua's management team.
When we called the reception this evening, they told us that the Agua restaurant is not taking bookings and is currently closed due to "electrical problems," but that Hex Bar is open. Events to look out for on Saturday: Arabian Night at Ginkgo (free, 8pm); Australian DJ Kronic at Bling (RMB 50, 9pm); Brazilian DJ Robix plays at Destination (RMB 80, 9.30pm); a packed weekend of sport at Paddy O'Shea's (make the most of their midnight-2am happy hour); and Bob Louison and Ariel Tang continue their Spirit It! cocktail classes with a Christmas special at Zeta Bar (RMB 150, 6.30pm).
Over and out (for the night) – a happy weekend to all reading.
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Bar News: White Rabbit Reopening, Obiwan and Q Bar Team Up
A few new openings and updates ...
White Rabbit will complete its eagerly anticipated move to Tongli Studio in the next few days. It's officially open for business again as of Friday. Rabbit regulars like co-owner Yang Bing and Donald Summer will play along with Jiong Jiong on Friday; Ben Huang and Mickey Zhang will play on Saturday. Free entry both nights, and - perhaps most difficult for most former White Rabbit regulars to get used to - doors open at 9pm. Look out for our full interview on the new club with White Rabbit co-owner Thomas Gaestadius on the blog on Thursday.
Talking Pints: Usher Mania, World Cup Final, New Openings
Usher is in town this weekend - read our interview with the man here - and Beijing's gone just a little bit mad. The guys at Street Hustle, who are promoting this Sunday's gig at Wukesong Arena, have had bar owners creating Usher-themed cocktails. Or rather, themed on his song OMG. Fubar, Apothecary and Twilight are among the bars competing - vote for your favorite at clubzone.cn. But do try them out first.George's Launch Party, Michael Jackson Memorial, Yen Turns Six and More Bars Close
We've hardly stopped writing about it this past seven days, but George's, the latest project from former Q Bar manager George Zhou, has its official launch party tonight at 8.30pm. Zhou will be mixing drinks for tasting, so if you're into your drinks and liqueurs, go down and see what the master has got in store. If you've no idea who George Zhou is, check out our interview with him here.George Zhou opens new bar, White Rabbit closing parties and Jing Pride
Summer, and the World Cup, are in full swing and when the sun goes down, there is little more on one's mind than where to get a nice drink, watch the match and sit out the next thunderstorm. There are times when a three-kuai Tsingtao around the chuan'r table will hit the spot. There are other times, where a draft pint or bourbon and coke is more fitting. But what about when you're looking for a fine mixed cocktail catering just to your tastes ... where to go then? Perhaps George Zhou has the answer.Talking Pints: New Year Parties and Post-Holiday Highlights
Our office has already shuddered several times over the last week. Fireworks sound much, much louder on the 28th floor. Sporadically, but without doubt, the week of morning-to-next-morning explosions has begun. Keep your pets inside, if only so you can also avoid going outside and putting life and limb at the mercy of some toothless octogenarian launching rockets from the doorway of your flat block.
Usher
