The Emperor Hotel’s rooftop Yin Bar is donating all revenue from May 13 to May 16 to the earthquake relief effort in Sichuan, so I popped by last night to check out the scene. When I left around midnight, I would guess about 30 to 40 patrons were still there enjoying drinks and music by Acupuncture.
Yin includes a bar, a goldfish pond, and seating on its main level, and table seating (and a hot tub) on two elevated areas that offer excellent views of The Forbidden City and environs. Expect a decor heavy on wood and illuminated with Chinese lanterns and fixed lighting, some of the latter being a bit too bright.
I stuck to Samuel Adams at RMB47 a bottle, a reasonable price given the surroundings (I’d put this place in the same category as Face).
The service gets mixed reviews: while the drinks came quickly, the food took ages (I didn’t eat, but others at my table were unhappy with their order). Overall, though, the staff did a decent job (and special thanks to Stephanie for helping me get a taxi).
Tonight is the last night of the charity fund-raiser and Acupuncture will be on hand again. To get directions to the hotel, call 6526-5566
I did a writeup of this place as well (and thought I saw you there). I can’t see this place becoming that popular due to the dead location, sure it offers a unique view, but at the prices they charge, its not going to be easy.