Paul's Journey to Reimagine Gatsby's in Beijing

A Greater Gatsby: Livehouse & Bar Gatsby's Set for Reopening

Irene Li, Associate Editor | Apr 19, 2023 11:15 am | Add a comment | 232 reads

Beijing's music scene is poised for a resurgence with the reopening of Gatsby's, after a three month hiatus, in late April. Paul, the owner, has been immersed in the bar industry since 2017, juggling a full-time job during the day and overseeing his bar in the evenings. Like many who attempt to balance a career and a side business, Paul reached a pivotal moment in 2018. It was then that he made the bold decision to leave his full-time job and devote his undivided attention to his bar business.

Paul's foray into the bar industry was far from a coincidence. He had reached a point in his life where he yearned for his own community. Music had always been a driving force for him, and he even formed a band during his college years. Playing music was once just a leisurely pursuit, but after graduating, he and his friends continued to host events honoring musicians like Kurt Cobain and Hong Kong singer Huangjiaju. The concept of establishing his own music bar emerged, as Paul's dream was to own a bar that featured a stage for live music performances.

Then around the same time, a friend of his had recently opened a jazz place, however, the business wasn’t doing so great. Paul just couldn’t pass up the chance to connect with friends through music, so in 2017, he took over the jazz bar and turned into what later became The Bricks. “When I started The Bricks, all I wanted was simply a live venue where everybody could socialize.” He said.

To Paul's surprise, opening The Bricks not only fueled his passion for music but also ignited a newfound love for jazz. He found himself increasingly captivated by legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. Paul fondly reminisces about the JAM nights that The Bricks hosted every Wednesday since 2017. "We'd have up to 20 musicians from all around the world join us during our wildest nights! Those Wednesday jam sessions were always a blast and truly unforgettable," he recalls.

For Paul, his love for music is an intrinsic part of who he is, and it's something he cannot live without. He is particularly drawn to the art and culture that flourished during the 1920s and 30s. In his eyes, everything from that era exudes a timeless charm. "I find myself deeply drawn to all things from the 1920s and 30s. It's as if humanity reached its zenith during that time - from Bach's music and the elegant suits to the craftsmanship of leather shoes and furniture design," he explains. Thus, for Paul, the idea of opening a venue inspired by the enchanting atmosphere of The Great Gatsby was a thrilling venture.

In August 2022, amidst the height of the pandemic, Paul bravely launched Gatsby's, a venue inspired by the iconic film. He believed that those familiar with the movie would instantly connect with the name. As anyone in the F&B industry who persevered through the pandemic could attest, running a business during those times was incredibly challenging, and Gatsby's was no exception. After only three months in operation, Paul faced a temporary suspension of the business in November.

Just when he thought he could reopen the doors in January, he encountered another setback. The second landlord of Gatsby's, who had poorly managed the property, had accrued a significant amount of unpaid rent owed to the venue at Jianguomen, with whom Paul was collaborating. As a result, Paul found himself forced to close Gatsby's.

Despite the setbacks, Paul's determination remains unshaken, and his vision of transforming Gatsby's into a portal to the 1920s era never fades. Relocating to a new venue in Chaoyangmen, he aspires to revive the town's most unforgettable parties. Upon entering this establishment, visitors are instantly captivated by the art deco and retro ambiance, reminiscent of the illustrious Great Gatsby film set.

The venue's bold hues, geometric floor patterns, and elegant curves evoke the quintessential 1920s aesthetic. European-style oil paintings adorn the walls, magnifying the splendor of the space. Gatsby's, now a resplendent haven, invites ballroom dancers to grace the floor and revel in nights of enchantment.

Moving forward, Paul envisions the relocated Gatsby becoming a pioneering establishment in Beijing. If successful, he intends to expand the Gatsby brand to other large cities across China with populations exceeding 8 million. Although the venue has changed, Paul's connections with local musicians in Beijing have remained consistent, ensuring that Gatsby's will continue to host a variety of events, such as swing dance parties, bachata nights, and open mic sessions.

Paul believes that now is the ideal time to launch a concept like Gatsby's, stating, "In the past, there was a lack of music education in China, and improvisation or pop music didn't have a strong presence. However, these days, the appreciation for music and diverse tastes have significantly grown among the Chinese population. Many individuals born in the 2000s have even mastered at least one musical instrument. I firmly believe that a space like Gatsby's is essential for people who want to come together and JAM!"

Gatsby's
朝阳区朝阳门外大街3号院
Courtyard 3, Chaoyang Menwai Street, Chaoyang district

Please note that Gatsby's is scheduled to have a soft opening at the end of April. If you're interested in learning more about their upcoming shows, simply scan and add the account below.