The good, the bad and the wireless: Bubble Cafe & Bar
I’ve been making the rounds with my laptop in search of spots that offer decent food, drink, and online access. This is part seven of my winter wireless wrap-up. (Previously: Aperitivo, Nearby the Tree, The Bookworm, Sequoia, The Rickshaw; Le Petit Gourmand; The Stone Boat)
The good
- This circular place, wrapping around a stairwell, deserves an award for efficient use of space. The establishment’s inner ring includes high chair seating, while the outer has tables of two to four, with two lounge areas for up to eight, all with simple comfortable chairs.
- Dim lighting, contoured ceiling, and eclectic but not excessive decorative touches - film posters, photos, art, Star Wars figurines, an old Coke machine, etc - with some excellent kitsch.
- A good view of what’s happening outside in Jianwai Soho, a floor below.
- Coffee starts from RMB 22
The bad
- The place offers a lad’s and a lady’s loo, but I’m not a big fan of using velour curtains in place of doors for toilet stalls.
- Watch that four-inch height difference between the inner ring and outer ring of table areas.
The wireless
- The signal is good (coffee starts at RMB22; smoking is allowed)
Spring cleaning: Changes at Alfa
The Cellar Rat and I dropped into Cafe St. Laurent / Alfa a few days ago to find the latter undergoing renovations, with work being done on the floor and bar. According to management, it is part of Alfa’s annual makeover and the popular eighties night is on as usual tonight. “Let’s hope the renovations include changes to the bathroom,” sniffed The Cellar Rat, a sentiment I - with plugged nose - second.
By the way, Alfa serves up some good food for those in need an energy boost after hours of dancing to Boy George, Madonna, and the like. The roast chicken and the pineapple shrimp are both tasty eats.
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