Best of Beijing: Top 5 Bars
Daniel Allen
It seems like only five minutes ago that the vaunted Beijing Olympics heralded the city's emergence onto the world scene - but things never seem to slow down in China's manic capital. Over seven years later and the huge infrastructure projects, luxury malls and shiny skyscrapers are still sprouting up across the urban landscape.
But while Beijing's development has long pushed the boundaries, until recently the city's nightlife was a far less dynamic prospect. A mish-mash of staid hotel bars, cheesy nightclubs and budget expat watering holes paled into insignificance beside the nocturnal spoils and risqué decadence of Shanghai.
Today, however, as you sip a martini or microbrewed beer while listening to a European DJ spinning or watch a live jazz band, it's hard to imagine that nightlife options in Beijing were so poor just a decade ago. These days, many of the capital's bars or clubs would do London, Tokyo or Hong Kong proud. Here are our pick of the five trendiest bars of the moment.
Hidden House
Entering the Speakeasy atmosphere of Hidden House, you feel like looking over your shoulder for Eliot Ness. Everything from the laidback tunes to the lighting oozes Prohibition-era style. This jazzy nightspot makes absolutely no apologies for catering to the discerning, deluxe set; signature cocktails include the smoky whisky sour, made with Talisker, vermouth and Drambuie. Most cocktails begin at 70 RMB (50 RMB during the daily happy hour).
39 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang / +86 (0)10 8418 5718
Atmosphere
The highest bar in Beijing, this exclusive, eightieth floor bar affords a view that extends all the way from Tiananmen Square to the nearby mountains. Sophisticated rather than super trendy, the bar is worthy of its elevated real estate. Revellers sip expertly mixed cocktails and puff fine cigars while relaxing to live jazz and gazing out of the huge windows.
Apart from the view, the main pull at Atmosphere is the drinks. Yes, they are expensive, but few other bars can rival the extensive selection of cocktails for sheer quality and choice. There is also a good wine list by expert local sommelier Koen Masschelein.
1 Jianguomenwai, 80F China World Summit Wing, China World Trade Center Phase 3, Chaoyang / +86 (0)10 8571 6459
Bottle, Boot & Cigar
Open for just over a year, this pint-sized bar has quickly become a Beijing favourite. The shelves are stocked with a huge selection of rare concoctions, many not found anywhere else on the city; exotic bitters, many of which are made in-house; and bartenders who seem to crank out the perfect drink every single time. Cuban cigars are also available, as are professional shoeshines and straight-razor shaves in the back room.
168 Taipingzhuang Nanli, Chaoyang / +86 18614057407
Migas
Perched atop Nali Patio, a key outpost of Sanlitun's drinking and dining scene - Migas is a well-reviewed Spanish restaurant with one of Beijing's best rooftop bars perched on top. In the summer months watch the sun go down over the nearby skyscrapers with a cocktail or chilled beer in hand before the party really gets started. The decor here is heavily influenced by Salvador Dali, with an abundance of egg-shaped seating capsules spaced out around protruding cacti, all set under subdued lighting. Funky and fun.
Nali Patio 6F, 81 Sanlitun North Road, Chaoyang / +86 010 5208 6061
Janes & Hooch
Janes and Hooch is possibly the coolest bar in Beijing, oozing Chicago-style appeal way beyond its modest entrance. "A modern speakeasy, minus the posh", inside the décor is tastefully glamorous - exposed brick and wood panelled walls, polished cement floors and incredibly dim lighting that makes everyone look good. The owners of are a couple Beijing cocktail lounge movers, mixers, and shakers - Warren Pang and Leon Lee - who have already cut their teeth in other fine Beijing bars.
The huge bar at Janes & Hooch is stocked with a dazzling array of bottles and peopled by incredibly knowledgeable bartenders. Needless to say, the cocktails here are to die for (the Old Fashioneds and Negronis win rave reviews) - they may take a while to arrive but the wait is invariably worth it.
4 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang / +86 (0)10 6503 2757
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