Flying Kangaroo Swoops in to Fill Godfathers' Shoes With Launch on Guanghua Lu This Weekend

Few bars or restaurants successfully appeal to both locals and out-of-towners, but the Flying Kangaroo is hoping to do just that with a unique concept: the bar and restaurant's aviation theme is angling to attract pilots and airline employees who are in Beijing for a quick stint and looking for a fun place to grab some grub.

While such a concept may sound peculiar to Beijing F&B devotees, owner Dan Duggan says aviation pubs are common around the globe as a place for jet setting employees to gather during their quick stays between legs of their journey. A pilot himself, Duggan recently took over the Guanghua Lu venue, which was previously home to Godfathers, hoping to keep his favorite local spot open while also giving a jump start that can help it reach new heights.

Duggan – a Bostonian who immigrated to Australia in 2002, before making his way to Beijing in 2012 – got on well with Godfathers' Aussie owners, Louis and Heather Jacquot, and when he found out that the Jacquots were planning to leave and sell the place, he despaired at the thought of losing his favorite local pub. After mulling it over, he partnered with a few Chinese friends and bought the place, taking the opportunity to give it an upgrade. He tells the Beijinger: "Though I love Louis and Heather, and loved the place and its clientele, it needed a paint job and to be jazzed up a bit."

Along with the new decor and the aviation theme – which Duggan is promoting through his network of fellow aviation crew, for whom Duggan will offer VIP membership that includes a free Uber ride to the bar from their hotel, while local customers can take advantage of the same offer after they spend RMB 888 (the equivalent of a bill after 2-3 visits) – Duggan will also offer grub similar to that of Godfathers, including fish 'n' chips and Australian meat pies. All the food will be made in-house using recipes that Duggan learned during his time in Australia (they'll be priced at RMB 25 for a slice, or RMB 65 as a meal with a side of chips and gravy or mashed potato). He also plans to have a seasonal rotation of imported Australian beers and wines on the menu.

The revamped Flying Kangaroo has been in soft opening for a few weeks now but is planning an official opening push this weekend (Mar 3-5). Duggan says he's eager to show off the hundreds of aviation and motocross photos from his collection up on the walls (he plans to have airline guests add to the collection with their own pictures and memorabilia that they can donate, giving the joint a home away from home vibe for pilots).

All of the menu's dishes will have a 20 percent discount throughout the weekend, and Tsingtaos will be on sale from RMB 15 from Friday through Sunday (or until the place runs out). On Saturday Duggan and his partners will host a "Cleared for Takeoff" party featuring free finger food (fish and chicken fingers, assorted pizzas, veggie platters, and so on) from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

And if that wasn't enough cause for a party, Duggan adds: "as side celebration, I'll be having a few in honor of my new baby daughter, the newest Aussie expat and "Flying Joey," who was born here in Beijing on February 22!"

Guanghua Lu dwellers looking for a local joint to enjoy a fun, casual evening, and those from away hoping to remedy their jet lag with pints and likeminded aviator pals, are all sure to enjoy Duggan's upgrades.

Flying Kangaroo
Mon-Sat 11am-late, Sun 4pm-midnight. 44 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (135 5292 5022)
朝阳区光华路44号

More stories by this author here.
Email: kylemullin@truerun.com
Twitter: @MulKyle
WeChat: 13263495040

Images: Dan Duggan