Posh Bar CFC Lounge Opens at Guomao IFC for Beijing's Worker Bees

It's everyone's secret dream: a nice bar in the same building you work, perfect to pop down in the middle of the day for a quick drink, or for after 6pm if you're a good employee. The appearance of CFC Lounge completes that dream for the CBD working bees stationed in or around the IFC.

If your office is not inside the fancy IFC building at Guomao, no worries, you can still go to CFC Lounge. Walk through the main entrance past the information desk, and the elevators are on your right. Take the elevator to the second floor, and turn left when you get out. Follow the music and walk into the wooden door painted blue.  

A new addition to Beijing's nightlife scene, CFC stands for “Craft Fresh Cocktail." On the first floor there’s a clothing shop selling threads by independent designer Haotian Wen, and a huge bar with a private dining place with open kitchen is located on the second floor.

Thirteen Cocktails gravitate towards the classics (RMB 70-80), Old Fashioned, Negroni, Cuban Heaven, Pisco Passion, Caipirinha, Vesper Martini, and New York Sour; while there are three pages of single malt Scottish whisky, as well as whiskeys from America and Japan, all sold by glass or bottle. We went with the classics and ordered an Old Fashioned (at top), which was strong on the alcohol side, with a moreish maraschino cherry on top. The Cuban heaven is refreshing, with the sweetness from the rum balanced with the acidity from the passion fruit. We especially enjoyed the whiskey sour which was simple, but delicious and smooth.

The playlist is a little like the songs they play at a 5-star hotel lobby or bar, leaving you to wonder, after just one or two drinks, “am I in Beijing, or New York City or Singapore?” Well, who cares. Get another drink, and indulge yourself in this bustling city's nightlife following yet another day of working, your office isn't going anywhere. 

CFC Lounge
Daily 6pm-2am. A-201, IFC, Jia 8 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (8566 0986)
朝阳区建国门外大街甲8号IFC大厦A座201

More stories by this author here.

Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
Instagram: @flyingfigure

Photos: Tracy Wang