Beijing Boyce

Given the mind-numbing over-the-top full-page ads for Bling in the English-language lifestyle magazines, I went into the place figuring I would hate it. But instead of gaudiness, I found a décor heavy on white, grey, and stainless steel, with a lightness and texture I would not associate with its name or slightly Goth logo.

At one end, Bling has a cigar / single malt bar, and at the other, a cocktail bar with a focus on vodka. In between is the DJ booth (fronted by a replica of a Phantom), dance floor, Champagne bar, and private area with sunk seating. A balcony extends along the back of the place. Expect to find white leather stools, black leather sofas, dividers made of metal bead curtains, and, of course, hip hop music (though the acoustics leave a bit to be desired).

The friendly staff seemed a bit disoriented on opening night. One bartender did not understand the words “Cosmo“, “Cosmopolitan” or “Cosssss-mooooooo”, despite having made a few hundred of these drinks as freebies earlier on, and a Gin Tonic was confused as Ginger Ale Tonic. The three Gin Tonic (RMB50), while reasonably strong, came with uneven pours. Practice should make perfect in these cases, especially given the eagerness of the staff.

The biggest challenges for Bling seem to be: 1) the layout, as the dance area is uncomfortably close to the entrance – it might be an idea to rethink how people enter and exit the place, and 2) the location, as Bling is quite a walk from the street and, if my experience last night is any indication, the wait for a taxi will be a long one (not something enjoyable come winter). Bling is atop the sports bar All Star, which opens tonight.

Also visited in Solana last night:

Qingdao beer garden: Expect massive copper tanks and a décor that screams three-star hotel lobby converted to beer house. The beer is incredibly fresh – poured right from the tank – and while pricey, it is buy one, get one free for the time being.

Sex and Da City: A look in the window revealed a bored pole dancer and clientele, so I didn’t stop. Actually, this is one of several bars along the waterfront of Chaoyang Park and has a Lotus Lane feel. It will be a nice place to relax, at least when the lake doesn’t give off a fishy odor as it did last night (or was that my sneakers?).