Anyone seen Tongli Studio lately? What was once a sheer brick wall now has more holes than a cat with nine asses. First, a strip was knocked out to add windows for Biteapitta. Then more holes were created on the third floor, both at front and at back, for some kind of upcoming Japanese restaurant thingamajingy. Then windows were added to White Rabbit, presumably so blurry-eyed dancers can check out the 5 AM Tongli Street action. And down at ground level, Aperitivo is going through a major redesign.
Jackson Bai–OUR Jackson Bai, affable bar man for more than nine years in Beijing–is leaving for a place where nobody knows your name, where everybody asks your occupation within 30 seconds of meeting, and where at least — to be confirmed — seven out of ten residents smell like soup. That’s right: Shanghai. Pop into Tun this Saturday at 10 PM for Bai’s bye bye party. And if you really care, rather than just pretend to care like some kind of Shanghai people that Jackson will soon be meeting over and over again, bring him a T-shirt!
The boys behind Stumble Inn planned to take over the space below Luga’s Villa and turn it into a new joint with a sports angle. But the boys behind Luga’s Villa made a deal with the landlord first, and guess what they are putting in that space? If you are a student of the bar scene, or even have two brain cells to rub together, then you guessed right: a new joint with a sports angle. What are the odds? Anyway, this place failed most recently as a wine bar (Boutique) and a club (Mingle), but maybe it can make succeed with a pool table and a long bar– and a deck out front. Given that Lee Mitchell is now on the Luga’s team after a stint as manager of the Sanlitun branch of Blue Frog, I suggest calling it Leega’s.
The “for rent” sign at The Rickshaw came down a few days ago and word is the place has been snatched up. The dealers who hang out nearby must be eagerly awaiting developments as I don’t imagine the average patron from The Bookworm are the right type of afficionado. Anyway, more details on this space as they become available…
Bye bye Bai
The place under Luga’s Villa (“Boutique”) is dank and smelled moldy. Serious renovation will be needed.
Yes, but it is colorful :))