Beijing Boyce

Photo courtesy of Mao Mao Chong

So, last week DJ Chunky and I headed to 12sqm, Ned’s, and Mao Mao Chong, three bars at least partly owned by Aussies, a mere boomerang’s throw from each other, and perhaps deserving a special designation — The Beijing Billabong? The Vegemite Triangle? Other? In any case, I recommend doing this mini pub crawl.

We started at 12sqm (map), which recently expanded to ~45 square meters and is likely to soon see another addition: a toilet. Good news since the public facilities across the street  smell worse than a dead dingo’s derriere and won’t get any better when temperatures hit the 20s, or even 30s, this summer.  Anyway, as much as I liked the original 12sqm, I like this one better. For one thing, I have better odds of getting a seat, with the options including sofas, chairs, and stools. For another, the place can stock a wider selection of booze. Along with a nice array of single malts, there is a decent choice of beer — I tend toward Cooper’s Pale Ale – as well as Bundaberg rum for those who want to put hair on their chests.

Next stop was Ned’s (map), which is now the smallest — at least downstairs — of the three bars. It felt cramped but accomodating, with the kind of vibe you get when a half dozen smokers hang out in a stairwell and, even if they are all strangers, end up chatting. Except with seats. And music. And beer: VB is RMB25 here, with Aussie beers such as Cascade at RMB30. This place is named after Australian hero / villain, the Notorious N.E.D. Kelly.

The last stop was Mao Mao Chong (map). From the infused vodkas (basil, lime, and more) to the tasty pizzas (potato and caramelized-onion pie, anyone), from the art created by the owners to the brush characters that fill the toilet walls and explain the bar’s name (“caterpillar”), the attention to detail is impressive. A simple layout with hutong elements, a nice range of cocktails that might not always hit the mark, but get major points for creativity (try the Mao Mao Chong martini), and a friendly staff – “crawl” on down and give this spot a look (and try some of these winter drinks while the weather lasts).

Note: I have included a map, but for those who want directions, try this. Go to Pass By Bar, between 12sqm and Ned’s, and take the alley beside it for about 300 meters — if you reach the public toilets, do not give up, you are on the right track and about halfway there.

Photo courtesy of Mao Mao Chong