Legends of the Crawl: Six Bar Scenesters Expand Their Horizons

Paul Ryding | Jun 23, 2014 4:45 pm | 5 comments | 1686 reads
 
We all have a great time exploring Beijing 
nightlife when we first arrive. For the first month or two, every weekend seems like a never-ending carousel of different bars, crowds and drinks, all so new, so thrilling. Then curiosity gives way to habit. Before you know it, you and your friends have spent three months drinking the same drink, in the same, solitary watering hole. 

If that sounds like you, this is our challenge: Get out of your comfort zone. Now. For your inspiration, we asked six venue owners and bartenders to choose a bar with a completely different style to their own. (Escaping the rut is that much harder when the bar you spend your weekends in is also your workplace.) Then, they had to choose a drink from that bar. Six people, six bars, six drinks: We had a bar crawl on our hands. The only sensible thing to do was to round up our sextet of bar faces for an afternoon of discovery, delight and debauchery. This, as you’ll find out, is exactly what we did.
 
MICROBREWERY
 

 

 
The Drink: Sea Anchor Imperial Vanilla Stout (RMB 55)
 

 
Chosen by: Lulu Li, Q Bar
Who? With a solid stint at Q Bar to her name, Lulu knows her way around a martini, Manhattan or mojito.
Why this drink? “I like sweeter flavors, things that have more of a feminine touch. Although this is a dark beer, the vanilla appeals to me. It’s not too heavy.”
Why this bar? "I'm not much of a beer drinker, so Slow Boat was interesting choice. It's really different to what i'm used to."
 
SPEAKEASY
 

 
The Bar: Hidden House
 

 
The Drink: Silver Gin Fizz (gin, elderflower syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, soda water, egg white, RMB 65)
 

 
Chosen by: Chen Qinqin, Cu Ju
Who? Qinqin can be found manning Cu Ju’s bar through hectic nights (or mornings, depending what sport is on).
Why this drink? “Interesting ingredients, especially the egg white. I like how that changes it. It’s really refreshing.” 
Why this bar? “They have a good selection of cocktails. A lot of classics, but also creative combinations I’ve never tried before. It’s a comfortable place to hang out with friends.”
 
COCKTAIL LOUNGE
 

 
The Bar: Iori
 

 
The Drink: Manhattan (RMB 120)
 

 
Chosen by: Richard Ammerman, Jing A
Who? If you drink around The Big Smoke, home to Jing A’s brewing operation, you’ve probably seen Ammerman zipping around in the little three-wheeler the craft beer upstarts call the “Keg Egg.” 
Why this drink? “The Manhattan is my usual drink and one of the few cocktails I know how to make well. It’s a good drink for measuring up a bar: the quality of their ingredients, their attention to detail.”
Why this bar? “It’s near our brewery, but has a completely different atmosphere – quiet and relaxing. It’s like drinking at home, but with infinitely more choices and a far more experienced bartender!”
 
SPORTS BAR
 

 
The Bar: The Local
 

 
The Drink: Magners (RMB 60)
 

 
Chosen by: Jeff Ji, Mai Bar/Parlor
Who? Rarely seen without his bow tie, this mixology maestro is more likely to be seen chipping a block of ice into a ball than watching a ball game. 
Why this drink? “Magners is a good afternoon drink – especially if you’re planning to keep drinking! And people like cider because it’s fruity and fizzy, and doesn’t make you feel bloated. It makes you feel good in a similar way to champagne.”
Why this bar? “The Local is a great place to be – good location, good selection of beer.”
 
BOTTLE BAR
 

 
The Bar: Trouble Bar
 

 
The Drink: Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA (RMB 60)
 

 
Chosen by: Ivan Maksimovic, Ink Club
Who? As the face of classy Ink Club, Ivan’s bottle of choice is usually whiskey rather than a craft brew. 
Why this drink? “I look for unique things. Something that’s hard to find elsewhere. Brick (Trouble Bar’s owner) is the only person in Beijing importing this beer.”
Why this bar?  “I was going for a pizza in Gung Ho! and saw this place. I stopped in and liked the selection of beers.”
 
BISTRO BAR
 

 
The Bar: Migas
 

 
The Drink: Gin and tonic with orange peel and cinnamon syrup (RMB 55)
 

 
Chosen by: Rich Akers, Lush/Gung Ho! Pizza
Who? Which came first: nightlife in Wudaokou or Rich Akers? If anyone claims to remember, they’re probably lying. 
Why this drink? “It’s the nicest gin and tonic in town. The perfect summer drink.”
Why this bar? “Migas feels like the eye of the needle in Beijing. That’s why I love it. Everyone comes through here at some point, no matter who they are or what they’re into. Then they go off and do their own thing.”
 
 
For even more of the June 2014 issue of the Beijinger online, click here.
 
Photos: Ken

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TROUBLEBAR's picture TROUBLEBAR Submitted by Guest on Sun, 08/24/2014 - 09:53

That is true.! Trouble Bar Imports & wholesales DogFish Head around Beijing. You will start to find this beer at selection loactions. Sorry, one won't found DFH at Heaven Stupermarket.. :) If you're looking to purchase DogFish Head by the case, feel free to contact us during business hours.. Thanks Beijing and we look forward to providing you with great imported craft brews!.

cheers

-Brick

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