Winx: Good Service, Confused Concept

Carlly Chun | Aug 1, 2011 12:00 pm | 3 comments | 1937 reads

Like a child with more pocket money than sense, this cafe-bar takes a favorable location near the Lido Hotel and squanders it. Winx tries to encompass the best of sports bars, music venues and artistic hotspots, but fails pretty miserably on each account.

The interior is confused, with a stripper pole in the center, a stage to the right, a metal bull’s head on the wall and furniture that looks like it might belong to your gran. Even the pretty outdoor patio is beset by odd, mismatched furniture. The drinks list is made up of imported beers (RMB 30-55), spirits (RMB 25-110) and sickly Bacardi Breezers (RMB 40). The service is impeccable. More’s the pity – they deserve so much better.

Good for: A quick drink, feeling uncomfortable
Also try: The neon-lit monstrosities of Houhai

Winx 烁
Daily 5pm-3am. Fangyuan Xilu (northeast of Fangyuan Xilu and Jiangtai Lu intersection), Chaoyang District
朝阳区芳园西路(芳园西路和奖台路路口往东北)

Photos: Judy Zhou

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Carlly Chun's picture Carlly Chun Submitted by Guest on Tue, 08/02/2011 - 14:50

There's definitely space for improvement but whether they choose to change is a different matter. The only real issue is direction and sadly, it's lost right about now.

Drinks seem legit, as far as I know. The beers include leffe, duvel, Franziskaner White and plenty more.

I'd say stick to the Irish Volunteer... but if you visit Winx, do it during the day and sit outside, it's really lovely.

Hot day outside + ice cold beer = heaven on earth.

Hope this helps Biggrin

songgirl78's picture songgirl78 Submitted by Guest on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 18:18

Been wondering about this place, as I always pass by on the way home from work. Keep thinking "what a perfect location (for me :- ))!" every time - and that I should try it sometime. From your review it really sounds like a huge pity that the only thing that Winx seemed to have gotten right is the location! Is there any hope for improvement? And do tell us more about the imported beers and the spirits - are they good, are they real? Or is it best to just stick with the Irish Volunteer?

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