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: Lantern Reopening, Phil Drummond, Andhim, News From Great Leap and Peter Hook Tickets
A massive weekend in store, with Lantern set to reopen at Gongti West Gate (in a basement space behind Xuxian Lou restaurant) on August 26 (the party continues on August 27), and Berlin electronic duo Andhim playing at Tango on August 27 (RMB 50). For more on Lantern’s revival, see our previous post here. For the rest of the weekend's bar and nightlife news, read on!
Talking Pints: BrewDog Launch, Black Sun Relaunch, Tango, Haze and Paul van Dyk's Return
Marketing-savvy Scottish independent brewer BrewDog is being officially launched in Beijing today, with an invite-only party taking place this afternoon. El Nido and Paradise CVS (the late-night booze supermarket along the road from Nearby the Tree) are the first bars to have it in stock. Can’t wait to try this (BrewDog was established sometime after my departure from sunny Scotland), though I’m told it’s not going to be cheap.
New Openings: Fez Bar Opens Tonight
Once famed for its beautifully crafted cocktails, casbah-style decor and rooftop setting in the Legation Quarter, Fez Bar tonight follows in the footsteps of sibling venue Agua by opening in Nali Patio. The party starts from 5pm, which will be the bar's opening time every day.Talking Pints: Festival Fun, Fez and Felix da Housecat
Some toothy English chap is getting married to his rather attractive lady friend in a big church in London today. If that sounds like your idea of fun, you can watch the event live on satellite TV with English commentary in several bars around town - see our Royal Wedding post here for full details of where to get your Pimm's on. For everything else that's going on in Beijing this long holiday weekend, read on.
