The Beijinger 10th RBCA: Meet the Personalities – Gordon Kutil
With voting almost over in this year's the Beijinger Reader Bar & Club Awards, we look to the eight nominees for the Personality of the Year award, asking them for their take on the best the city has to offer.
Today, it's the turn of Gordon Kutil, manager at Big Smoke Bistro.
On the Best for Students
I would probably say Lush is the best bar for students. Or First Floor, one of those.
On the Best Hotel Bar
I like the bar in Hotel G.
On the Best Hutong Bar
I quite like 4corners. I'll say that one is probably my favorite to go to.
On the Best Outdoor Drinking
I would have to say Migas. Or Blue Frog, that's okay for outdoor drinking, too.
On the Best Sanlitun
Can I say my own place? I like The Bar. It's a new place, but it's cosy and I like that.
On the Best CBD
I'm a heavy drinker but I like more trashy bars.
On the Best Local Craft Beer
Jing A. I'd say they have a pretty good one.
On the Best Manager
Should I say myself? I would say Jack from The Bar or Andy from Union Bar and Grille.
On the Best for Daytime Drinking
The corner of my street with the Chinese guys - that's always my favorite. You know what I quite like? Aperitivo. It's pretty nice for daytime drinking. Especially the wine. because it's fancy. I like fancy.
On the Best Place to Impress Visitors
I like Transit in Sanlitun Village North. It's fancy - good Chinese, and it's got good Sichuan food, and it's got ... chicks. Wait let me change that - ah, no that's alright.
On the Best for Cheap Drinks
I would say Bob's Wine. Actually, Nearby the Tree.
On the Best Place for Dancing
I would say Lantern or Vics, I think.
... Okay
No, no, no - go with me, go with me.
... Okay
No, no wait - can I make a phone call? Erm... Lantern, Lantern. Yes, Lantern. No, no, no - Spark, Spark. Spark. Spark is my final answer.
On the Best New Bar
Erm... Big Smoke Bistro.
On the Best Survivor
The f*cking Den. Of course, The Den. It's got a bunch of "regulars" who are always gonna be there. They're never going away.
On the Best for Cocktails
I like Apothecary.
On the Best Beer Selection
I'd have to give that one to Stumble Inn. I think they have a pretty good beer selection.
On the Best Mix of Locals and Expats
Can I just say Tongli - a big hive of debauchery? Or ... the Apple store.
On the Best Place to Bring a Date
McDonalds? Are we fancy or not fancy? Sometimes on a date I would go to Mosto.
On the Best Place to Find a Date
Carrefour? Are we talking about a one night stand?
Whatever "a date" means to you
Oh, thank you for putting all the pressure on me! I would say First Floor.
On the Most Beautiful People
Before or after drinking? Apothecary, probably.
On his Hidden Gem
Big Smoke Bistro.
On the Best Quiz Night
Paddy O'Shea's.
On the Best Open Mic Night
VA Bar.
Vote for Gordon in the Best Personality category of this year's the Beijinger Reader Bar & Club Awards here.
Photo: Courtesy of Sara Bandel
