22 Hours To Vote: Support Beijing's Unsung Heroes!

The Beijingers | May 8, 2012 2:00 pm | 1 comment | 1156 reads

Less than 24 hours now remain for you to cast your vote in the Beijinger's Ninth Annual Reader Bar & Club Awards. If you need a good reason to vote, how about supporting the underdog?

This year, we've introduced an "Unsung Hero" category for the Bar & Club Awards. This award is for bars that clearly have a following (they picked up numerous votes in our nomination round), but didn't quite make the final shortlist in any of the other categories. So, who are these unsung heroes and why do they deserve your vote?

Bang! Bang! Pizza Cheap local draft, a decent drinks selection and pizza make this a favorite for Shuangjing residents living on the west side of the Third Ring Road.

Bu Zhi Dao Bar This Dongsi Jiutiao bar could be to drinks industry what The Velvet Underground & Nico was to the creation of rock bands: Not many have experienced it, but everyone who did opened a bar. OK, that's an exaggeration, but this bar does enjoy a cult following.

Hidden Lounge This cavernous space in the basement of a residential building has been building a reputation with regular parties, promotions on insanely strong beer and a free drink now and then for first-time visitors.

Jam Bar Part of the Gulou enclave housing similarly rising stars Temple and Eje, Jam stands out for its relaxed vibes and cocktails that are among the best the hutongs have to offer. Don't drink too much or you might topple down the rickety spiral staircase.

Luce This survivor still has much to offer, not least on the rooftop, where pleasing views over the hutongs are a summer highlight.

Press Club Bar, St Regis Hotel A true classic, from the elegant leather upholstery to the first-rate drinks. Also has an impressive whiskey selection.

Siif Challenge yourself to walk on the glass floor upstairs, or look out for the occasional dance party in the basement. Remains one of the most unique bars in town.

The Orchid Has anyone ever turned a hotel reception into a bar quite so convincingly? We think not. If you keep the noise down so as not to annoy the neighbors, they might let you out on the rooftop as well.

Zajia Lab Bar Now with a regular program of live music and other creative events, Zajia has established itself as another of Beijing's most innovative venues. Or you can just sit out on the steps and enjoy a beer.

Voting couldn't be easier. Just click away in the survey below. You have until May 9 to do so ... but well, you're here already and so's the survey. It seems like the perfect time to vote.

What? You haven't voted yet? If you need an incentive, here are a few:

You could win vouchers from: