“What Would Jesus Do?” has been uttered by many a devoted soul over the centuries. Turns out at new bar La Social the answer is “surround himself with Hollywood dressing room lights, Day of the Dead masks and have one helluva party.”
Yes that’s right, if a little Latin American flair has been missing from your life (and let’s be honest we’re in Beijing, so yes it has), then this new venture from the guys behind the Mosto/Modo restaurants will make your heart sing.
Just in time for summer, it’s a bold Mexican-Chinese mash up of a bar, filled with murals painted onto brushed concrete walls, kitsch nods to Beijing’s Communist rulers, plenty of colour and a dash of chintz. In short, a total feast for the senses.
On the drinks menu? Loads of zingy, fruity cocktails that make good use of quality tequila, rum and pisco and have names like ‘Ginger Blasphemy’ and ‘Fabela Caipirinha’. Our favourite has to be the ‘Baby Jesus Pine Pepper Crush’ though – a knockout mix of tequila, pineapple juice, agave syrup, port and fresh ground pepper.
Meanwhile this also happens to be the place to get your fill of arepas – a daily staple in Colombia and Venezuela consisting of unleavened patties topped with delicious toppings. At La Social you can add everything from pulled pork to shredded chicken and avocado and black beans.
So if summer makes you feel bright, festive and fired up, you can now rest assured that Beijing has a bar to match. Salud!
La Social 3F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district (5208 6030). Open 5.30pm-midnight Sun-Thurs; 11am- late Fri & Sat. Closed Mondays. Need help editing down Beijing’s myriad bars and restaurants for your trip to the capital? That’s what Bespoke’s Trip Customisation service is all about…get in touch!