Talking Pints: YEN White, George Leaves Q Bar, Rickshaw Rented
First of all, news on a massive party that only came out after our March issue went to print. The next YEN White party has been set for next Friday, March 26 at The Star Live. YEN regulars like Mickey Zhang, Patrick Yu and Blackie will be playing. Limited discount advance tickets are available from Lush or at ClubZone and cost RMB 50, regular advance tickets are available at RMB 80 from ClubZone, and tickets on the night are RMB 150 (including one drink).
The big news this week on the bar scene is the departure of George Zhou from Q Bar. Our blog post from this morning has the details, and Beijing Boyce has been leading the way on this story, so also check out his blog for further news on what lies ahead for one of Beijing's top bartenders.
A deal seems to have been done on the space formerly occupied by The Rickshaw - the rental sign has disappeared. No news yet on who's taken the space over or what we can expect them to do with it. Keep following the Beijinger blog for more on that.
There have been a lot of changes at Tongli Studios over the past year - White Rabbit, Biteapitta, The Apartment and Muse have all opened, Juliette's closed, and Aperitivo and Eric Paris are undergoing renovations. The biggest trend of the moment, however, is windows. Biteapitta led the way, opening up a long-cursed space to a bit of sunlight and enjoying immense popularity in the weeks since it moved to Sanlitun. Now the third-floor space above White Rabbit is being developed by Spencer Grey, the company who also run Muse and The Apartment. Another dent in the Tongli walls has been made so that Banana Fish - said to be a "Pan-Pacific restaurant featuring a 'special' cooking technique" - can also have a window on Sanlitun goings-on. We're told it will be open in the next week - once the windows are put in, at least.
This weekend's highlights include:
Mar 19
Brett Johnson
US techno decksman promises to bring “hope, laughter and drama” to the Rabbit. RMB 70. 9pm. White Rabbit (no tel)
DJ Solo
House with a shot of world music. Punk resident Saul D supports. Two-for-one drinks specials until midnight. Free. 10pm. Punk (6410 5222)
Italoboyz (see our interview here)
London-based minimal techno duo. RMB 80, RMB 50 (advance). 10pm. Lantern (135 0134 8785)
Sensation 2010 – Tiger
Beautiful people, glamour and extravagance. Maybe even a tiger or two. Dress code: Flair for the tiger's lair. RMB 100. 9pm. Suzie Wong (6500 3377)
Uprooted Sunshine/Sub-Culture
Sounds from Jamaica. RMB 50. 10pm. The Boat (6460 5512)
Mar 20
Black Carpet
Fashionistas come out to play. Styles from the night will be ranked on www.p1.cn, with prizes for the winners. Table reservations recommended; call David Kim on 138 1055 7239 to book. Free. 9pm. Bling (5905 6999)
DJ Twisted Dee
Alternative sounds for alternative ears. Price TBD. 10pm. Destination (6552 8180)
German Night
Teutonic tunes. Free beer from 10-11pm. Free. 10pm. Obiwan (8322 1231)
Ole! Ole!
Latino zest to go with Latino music. Buy-one-get-one-free mojitos, sangria and caipiroskas. Free. 9pm. Scarlett (6552 3600)
DJ Twitch
Glaswegian brings sounds from across the spectrum. Donald Summer and Maxime support. RMB 70. 9pm. White Rabbit (no tel)
X.L.F. EP Release Party
Acupuncture man launches his “Cut Off” EP. Free. 10pm. Lantern (135 0134 8785)
