Klubb Rouge, with which I will always associate this unique press conference, is closed for regular business at least until January, says a company source, who cites “decoration” as the reason for the break. The venue is still available for major events.
While it held some major parties, Klubb Rouge struggled with night-to-night business and recently instituted an all-you-can-drink special that, at least on my visits, didn’t boost the numbers. It shares ownership links with two other establishments in China View – Stadium Sports Bar and Drei Kronen 1308.
See here for more on Klubb Rouge.
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well, they can join the (huge) group of bars and clubs which are poping up all the time, and shutting down 3 months later… we’ve seen it houndreds of times.
people can’t seem to get, that BJ doesn’t work the same way as SH. Highly priced posh bars just don;t cut it here… I was also sceptical when block8 started.but it seems they are doing ok, focusing on corporate events, networking parties, and bigger events (Yen, acuncture) on the other hand, just look at cheap (fake booze) places like Kai,Shooters, Nan jie, Tun (drinks here i think are real), etc…
i am 100% sure most of the bars and restaurants that opened in last few months (before, during and after olympics) will shut down before February. i guess 10% of them will linger on… oh well.. it’s kinda sad that on an everage monday (also tuesday, thursday and sundaY) this 17 million people metropolis is EMPTY. unless you know what bar or club hosts a special event (if you are lucky) you are bound to find most places deserted. :(
now im sad…
@ jay-man,
Part of the issue is that everyone and their sibling is running specials. Why ever pay full price when you can just pick and choose the bargains: We Hate Tuesdays at Kro’s, free booze all over town for ladies on Wednesdays, two for one drinks at Mesh on Thursdays, and so on. This is increasing the pressure for a shakeout…
Also, I have no problem with cheap booze, as long as I know what I’m getting. I do have a problem with brand of booze being siphoned into a bottle of a better brand and being sold as something it is not. Just because something is cheap does not mean it is fake, and I suspect some who complain about the latter are doing so because – as the booze was so cheap – they drank too much of it.
Cheers, Boyce
Thanks Boyce for hitting the nail on the head with the “fake booze” myth. When we say that ***** Bar on Sanlitun serves fake booze, it doesn’t mean that what they serve isn’t authentic alcohol. It only means that the Johnny Walker they pour you is probably an inferior knockoff whiskey (a la Johnny Worker).
It might have some contaminants in it that could be carcinogenic, but living in Beijing there are so many things that we eat, breathe and drink on a daily basis that are just as dangerous.
What really annoys me is when some Beijing newbie complains about the fake alcohol, all the while a Zhongnanhai cigarette’s hanging out of her/his mouth. What’s really going to kill you in this city?
that’s the real problem, all the bargains (or “bargains”) that can be found around town, even at “posh” places like Aria, Centro, et al makes people expect bargains. It has left me disappointed when I go to a place during happy hour only to find out there are no discounts.
@ Arthoof,
“What’s really going to kill you in this city?”
If I had to vote today, I would say an electric bicycle near the southeast corner of Workers Stadium. Yesterday, it would have been stress due to my neighbour’s ongoing construction.
Johnny Worker has yet to figure…
Cheers, Boyce
@ b. cheng,
Exactly, these days, I want to know what kind of discount I’m getting on *top* of happy hour. I’m still waiting for the first bar where ladies drink free every night, as the owners hope that’ll bring in high-rolling gents.
Cheers, Boyce
the real question is: has anyone noticed/cared that Klubb Rouge is down for the count?
China View; where F&B ideas go to die?
Apart from Tairyo, everywhere’s empty. Looks like tous les jours bakery has closed down.
@ Ben,
Yep, I went for a coffee earlier this week and found the place gutted.
I think Hooters is doing OK, too, but most of the places face a tough winter.
Cheers, Boyce
Bling and All-Star are next on the list of places to close…if they are both still open in March ’09 I will be very surprised.
My hat is off to them for at least trying to keep people coming in during the frigid and frosty winter.
I never visited Klubb Rouge; however, I suspect the investors/management did not have a real long-term plan beyond the Olympics…I bet they just thought…the city will be packed with people and energy after the Games.
Some places do get it: CJW is one of my favorites…consistently good music, drinks, service, food, ambiance and a very good happy hour special.
Centro also gets it…there is a reason why they have survived and thrived for five years.
I also think Blue Frog and Union Grille will make it…