Beijing’s newest pub: The Irish Volunteer
The Irish bar contingent has a new member: Backed by Frank’s Place investors Graham Forbes and George Smith, among others, The Irish Volunteer is a cozy spot near a couple of massage parlors and a nail salon on the north side of the Lido Holiday Inn (map). Decked out in woods, greens, and off-whites, the pub can fit about 30 in a narrow front area populated by stools, a larger space with chairs, tables, and bar, and a private room. Smith says The Irish Volunteer is “a place for conversation” and complements Frank’s Place, which has a strong sports focus.
Put together in a few weeks, the pub includes a bar built by Guinness, the old Hard Rock Cafe chairs, and tables from a closed restaurant, a mishmash that creates an unpretentious space to enjoy a few beers with friends. The initial food menu will include Irish breakfast, daily stews and soups, and an array of sandwiches, with plans to add fare such as burgers and fish n’ chips. Drink pieces will be similar to those at Frank’s Place, with an obvious focus – based on signage and bar theme – on Guinness.
The pub’s name is a reference to The Rising in Ireland, a 1916 insurrection led by a volunteer army against British rule. One investor said the name “is a little bit political, but mostly historical.”
The Irish Volunteer officially opens on April 3.
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Disgraceful. I’m embarrassed to be Irish.
I think it’s a good initiative! There aren’t many Irish pubs in China yet, so maybe there is a good market for that? When I was in Beijing, I would have liked to see this pub. It brings something fresh and new to the scene. I do have my doubts about the interior…and also a bit about the people who will visit this pub. Will there be mainly Western people that would like to see more Western restaurants/cafe/pubs? Or will the Chinese also enjoy going to the Irish pub?
You see more and more Western influences in China. You can argue that China is changing into something that it just isn’t but that’s globalization. There’s nothing you can do about that and the people in China might enjoy the fact that their country has something different to offer.
Cool bar but the Shamrock has them beat hands down.
hek
I will be in Beijing the week of June 13th. Are there any sessions in town I can sit in on?
Thank you
Patrick