You could ‘do a Rupert Murdoch’ and start tapping people’s phones. You could fashion a plastic cup into a listening device so you can hear through walls. You could even just loiter in Revolution or Janes & Hooch all week-long. But we think there’s a better way to stay up to date with the latest. And that’s by reading this article. Here’s what’s hot in beijing in 2013.
Dashilan
Led by a crowd of creatives and a pioneering architecture and development firm called Dashila(b), this famous former red light district is slowly but surely turning into Beijing’s next hip neighbourhood.
Already helped along by the pop-up boutiques, breweries and designer tea-houses that appeared during Beijing design week (not to mention an edgy Campana brothers sculpture that’s still standing), it’s had the makings of being a great creative area for a while. Only now it’s actually happening.
So what exactly should you get excited about? Well aside from an exciting Limited Edition Walking Tour that Bespoke Beijing is producing alongside Beijing Postcards in the area this summer, plenty! First up is Creative Agency Jellymon’s Spoonful of Sugar, a gorgeous courtyard café, boutique and members hangout that’s set to be a hub for up-cycling, delicious breakfasts, great coffee and fresh produce – even a custom music playlists bar.
And then there’s Meating Amy, a worthwhile pop-up food cart project by Maison Boulud Executive Chef Brian Reimer and the Jellymon gang. For several months now they have been humanely rearing a pig called Amy. When she finally meets her maker, the culinary team will be respectfully utilize all parts of her so that nothing is wasted. Reimer will create everything from Vietnamese Bahn Mi sandwiches to French pate and fresh baked ham.
A little birdie even told us that both Courtyard 7 and The Orchid are sniffing around the area for new properties to move into. Now wouldn’t that be great?
The Temple Hotel
It’s the most anticipated hotel opening in years, and the one we’re always being asked about. With just a handful of spaces kitted out with stylish kang beds, private bathrooms and brightly coloured (Tu) textiles, a room at The Temple will undoubtedly be one of the most peaceful, atmospheric and stylish in the city. Slated for a summer opening, but still very much tbc, you’ll just have to wait a little bit longer…
A Duck Restaurant to Get Excited About
The international foodies among you will be excited to hear that The Opposite House’s chichi new Peking Duck restaurant, JingYaaTang has been put together by none other than Hong-Kong born, London-based celebrity chef Alan Yau (of Hakasan and Wagamama fame). Does that mean we can expect his signature duck with royal beluga caviar here too…?
The MODO Urban Deli
Finally, a place to grab a picnic hamper to take to the Great Wall before 10am! One of our favourite restaurants in Beijing is currently ‘under innovation’ and will reopen as a deli in May, serving tasty treats to eat in or takeaway, and even pre-prepared dinners, condiments and terrines to fix up at home. We love it already.
A Hip new Guozijian Hangout from the People behind Taco Bar.
The wildly successful secret Taco Bar is closing this April, but thankfully it’s reopening elsewhere later in the year. In the meantime, the man behind it – Kin Hong – is busy working on all sorts of other projects. Like the tiny, 10-seat café just off Guozijian that’ll open for pastries and coffee at breakfast and again as an afterwork hangout serving house wine and cheese. Unlike the Taco Bar though, this one will be easy to spot. Expect his influence to pop up in a few more places this year too, including Great Leap Brewing, a Gulou Burger Bar, and a Thai project by the SuSu gang.