The Beijinger Blog - Nightlife

Sixth Bass: The Syndicate's Birthday Blowout

thebeijinger — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +0800

As the century turned, Beijing knew little of drum & bass. The Syndicate, a band of rowdy miscreants who dared to venture where none had gone before, changed that. Ahead of the crew’s sixth birthday party at White Rabbit on March 13 (RMB 50, 9pm), members Blackie and Slide tell us how they’ll up the ante in 2010.

the Beijinger: It’s been quiet on The Syndicate front for a few months. What’s been going on?
DJ Blackie: It really was a case of, in the wake of various movements and goings on in the Beijing nightlife scene, us pursuing various other projects for a short while. It’s also given us time to take stock and wait for the opportunity to hit the ground running. We’re super excited about where things are at in terms of clubs this year.

Free-flow Aussie beers: The Astral Opens in the Tangla Hotel

thebeijinger — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:00:00 +0800

Until now, Beijing’s Australian bars have tended to be smaller, down-to-earth places for having a beer and a laugh with your mates, or whoever’s around. The Astral’s five-star location (complete with 15 percent service charge) suits sipping cocktails (RMB 68) rather than Coopers, but there’s a distinct Australian theme.

April Fu's Day: One Kuai Drinks at Fubar

thebeijinger — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0800

Fubar boss Chad Lager thrives on schemes and promotions that seem like madness. He launched Cinco de Drinko at Saddle Cantina, giving away half-price drinks for a whole day on the 5th of every month. Later, after moving to Tun, he did the unthinkable and started a ladies' night on Fridays - in Beijing nightlife, this was the equivalent of declaring the world to be round in medieval times. Both ideas worked. Then Chad went off to open Fubar, a "speakeasy" cocktail bar priding itself on large pours, quality drinks and good prices. All very sensible. Were Chad's days of dreaming up insane promotions over?

Ninja Turntables: DJ Vadim at Yugong Yishan

thebeijinger — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0800

For almost two decades, DJ Vadim has been DJing and producing some of the most innovative hip-hop and electronica around. He's worked solo, putting out records on the legendary Ninja Tune label as well as on his own BBE imprint. Vadim has collaborated with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Kraftwerk, from Paul Weller to Sly Stone. Even his wife, MC Yarah Bravo, is a regular collaborator, as Beijing will find out when Free the Wax bring the pair to perform at Yugong Yishan this Saturday.

Souk Lounge Opens... Again

thebeijinger — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +0800

For those who frequented Souk in its heyday, Souk Lounge will come as somewhat of a shock. Sure, the pool table, booths, falafels (RMB 25) and shishas remain, but there are differences. If you can imagine a Moroccan youth club that decided to install a bar to attract more women, you’d be on the right track.

Talking Pints: Corn vodka, weekend roundup, and crisis at Q Bar?

thebeijinger — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:30:00 +0800

A month after the Rickshaw's demise (reported here), clouds appear to be gathering around another of Beijing's favorite bars of recent years. Beijing Boyce reports here on Q Bar's one-day closure earlier this week, citing tension among the management. As the sun comes up again over Beijing, plenty of us will be looking forward to occupying Q Bar's terrace for a drink - let's hope we'll get the chance. Boyce also notes that Blue Frog's terrace has reopened already. Hmm. I'm as big a fan of happy hour drinks on the Frog's terrace as anyone, but given the icy winds this morning, I'd say they're just a little too eager to start reaping the rewards.

Event Update: Pet Conspiracy March 26 Date Canceled

thebeijinger — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:52:00 +0800

Just received received word from the people at Yugong Yishan that Pet Conspiracy's March 26 show at the venue has been canceled. At present, the YGYS gig was the band's only confirmed date this month, so it looks like fans may have to wait until April for their next chance to see Helen Feng and her gang in action.

Laidback Living: Helen’s Cafe Opens at Wudaokou

thebeijinger — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0800

Beijing is an unconventional backpacker destination. There’s no beach. (If you’re thinking “But what about Tuanjiehu Park?” … take a long, hard look at yourself.)

A Hidden Gem: Lucky Man Whiskey Bar

thebeijinger — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:00:00 +0800

Little known despite being open for nine months, Lucky Man has all the “hidden gem” appeal of a Japanese whiskey bar, infused by an informal Gulou type of cool.

It’s All in the Mix: Cocktails & Jazz with Apothecary’s Leon Lee

thebeijinger — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0800

Multicursal mastermind Leon Lee, previously of jazz-spot OT Lounge, has opened a new bar, Apothecary, in Sanlitun’s Nali Patio. His partners in the venture comprise a dedicated team of fellow Beijing food and drink impresarios (Max E. Levy – Chef du cuisine at The Opposite House’s Bei, and the duo behind Er whiskey bar: Motonari Uchiyama and Daisuke Onishi). Together, this brain trust has created a contemporary cocktail bar infused with the buzz and vigor of a vintage New Orleans joint, boasting a vast selection of fine beers, liquor and Creole food. Agenda sat down with Leon to discuss cocktail crafting, the inspiration behind Apothecary and jazz in Beijing.