the Beijinger

Although we’re big fans of the “and Grille” part of Union Bar and Grille, there’s nothing we like more than a seat at the bar, a happy hour pint and a handful of their complimentary salty chips. Led by the ever-affable Andy Bright, Union’s staff is also top-notch.

What's going on this week in Bars & Clubs? There are openings, dragons, qipaos, tattoos, love, hate, comedy and quizzes. Not all in the same bar, unfortunately.

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz Beijing’s barkeeps on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

CONTESTANT: Mike Bromley, 12SQM
SPECIALIST SUBJECT: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

Hands up on this one - Beijing Boyce has already sacked (is that an American football term? I'm pretty sure it's when the quarterback gets tackled ...) the competition, us included, on coverage of where to watch Super Bowl XLV. The MVP of Beijing bar bloggers has compiled a detailed list of around 20 venues that will be screening the highlight of the NFL calendar on the morning of Monday, February 7, complete with details of the food and drinks promotions that bars are offering - many are doing buffet breakfasts and promotions on beer.

A few hours later than normal – lots going on this week – here's your weekly check-in on what's making the news in Beijing's bars.

Love is … in the air, although you might not be able to see it among the particulate matter.

Who do we want to be our Valentine? Take a guess.

We Heart Beijing. How do we love thee? In our Cover Feature we count the ways.

“Yo, leave that door open my friend, leave that door open, ‘cos I don’t like smokin,’ and y’all been smokin.’” Fat Joe doesn’t like smoking, we learned, as he settled into a shiny red leather sofa in a private room at Vics to face the assembled ranks of Beijing media a few hours before his show at the Gongti club last Friday night. We'd been waiting 45 minutes for Fat Joe to arrive, and were unsure what to expect. We had been told we had 5-10 minutes for a group interview with the rapper. Would we find an exhausted Joe keen to get in and out as soon as he could? Were certain topics off-limits? As he sipped on an iced soda water, massive diamond encrusted watch to match the stud in his ear, Fat Joe seemed at ease, happy to be here and holding court on topics ranging from 50 Cent to Guru, Wesley Snipes and weight loss.

When I go out with friends on a Friday night, I want a good bar with cheap drinks and plenty of space to dance. This new club answers on both counts. Inheriting the space most recently used by the short-lived Mango Club, Wu is all black and red decor, with raw, unplastered walls. (Designer Paul Gelinas also worked on The Bridge Cafe and owns Guozijian store Lost & Found.)

Whoever was in charge of marketing Modernista’s opening deserves a prize. About 300 people descended on sleepy Baochao Hutong for free booze, tapas and live gypsy jazz. Seems the local authorities aren’t into gypsy jazz – the party was promptly closed down. Since then, Modernista has settled down as a relaxed, artsy hipster joint, with checkerboard flooring and a smoky 1930s vibe.