2010 Sep 03 Talking Pints: Fubar's New Look, Lantern Says Goodbye and Lauren Pope Says Hi
Quick roundup of bar goings-on this week. Fubar has redesigned and looks great – the bar now stretches around in an L-shape, while the mezzanine has been extended into a balcony that snakes around the wall to meet up with the elevated platform at the back of the bar. The ceiling feels lower, the bar has a warmer, more intimate ambiance than before and when you compare it with the original look, you can’t help but feel that Fubar 2.0 is an idea fully – and very successfully – realized.
Short of cash this weekend? Jump on the subway up to Wudaokou, where the recently opened Solutions tell us they're offering RMB 5 Tsingtaos and tequila shots every day, in addition to mixed drinks and cocktails are going for RMB 10. Worth a look if price is your be all and end all. If you're a lady and really stingy, wait until Thursday's ladies' night, when you can get three drinks for free. Back down in Sanlitun, Migas’ terrace is attracting a lot of attention and broadly enthusiastic responses from drinkers. Further up the road on Liangmahe, the boat that used to be The Boat is now Showboat – still with me? The reworked vessel brings two previously separate decks together in one two-tiered space, with the upper deck said to be looking good.
British model Lauren Pope is expected to play - DJ, that is - at Zeta Bar in the Hilton tomorrow night (Sep 4). One for the lads among you. See below for details. I haven't heard her music, but a colleague tells me Ms. Pope has great things in front of her.
Lantern’s closure has gone and thrown that club’s planned September schedule into turmoil, but you've got two more chances to say goodbye to the electronic music venue of the year. The club’s final two parties see Robert Hood play tonight (Sep 3) before Acupuncture DJs get behind the decks for the final “Transit” party on Sep 4.
September is already shaping up to be a month of surprises and rearrangements. Two events scheduled originally for Lantern have already been rescheduled: First up, Acupuncture’s Third Anniversary Party will take place not on Sep 10 as previously planned, but on Wednesday, Sep 22, at Lan Club. Also, Science of Sounds’ party featuring Mihai Popoviciu will now be on Sep 21 at ChinaDoll, rather than the original date of Sep 18. To other venues, and no sooner had the Beijinger’s September issue gone to print than we received notice that September 17’s Organic Future Party, which will feature indoor snowfall, has been moved from Image Base to The Star Live. Also moving is Suzie Wong’s Ye Shanghai party – originally scheduled for Sep 18, the party will now take place on Sep 17. And no doubt the fun's not over yet ... In the meantime, check out this weekend's events below.
Friday, Sep 3
Robert Hood
Detroit techno DJ on his “Omega” concept album tour. RMB 50, free (before midnight). Lantern (135 0134 8785)
Sherlock Groove
DJ Wang Bei plays soul, electronic and other mysteries. Elementary. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)
Saturday, Sep 4
Hip Drop
Big Squeeze drops funky bombs all night long. Free. 10pm. Q Bar (6595 9239)
I Don’t Do Him, I Do G
Free-flow on selected cocktails and wine. But only for ladies. Free. 9pm-1am. Scarlett (6552 3600)
In Bass We Trust, Vol. 7
JCC from Guangzhou drum & bass crew Trilithium joins forces with Thome Tomato, Delacrew and Kay C for a night of alfresco destruction. RMB 40. 10pm. 2 Kolegas (6436 8998)
Lantern Transit: Closing Party
One last dance to bring Lantern’s 3.3 voyage to an end. Free. 10pm. Lantern (135 0134 8785)
Lauren Pope
British model-turned-DJ spins. Dress up like a Brit to win free shooters. RMB 99 (includes one drink). 10pm. Zeta Bar (5865 5050)
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