The hutongs are dark and full of shadows… But fear not! Even though our sold-out public tours have concluded, Beijing’s Banner Watchmen remain committed to keeping you safe after nightfall.
The Frau Has a New Frock: Cafe Zarah 2.0
Ah, Café Zarah. Long has she reigned as Beijing’s best spot to while away a weekend on artfully crowned cappuccinos, German-inspired brunches and the sort of affable chatter that doesn’t start revolutions. But there were drawbacks. Limited outside space, basic food offerings beyond brunch, too many MacBooks. So, after six long months of renovation, a new Frau has arisen like an over-caffinated phoenix from the ashes. And we like her. A lot.
Wall Walkers Rejoice! Simatai Great Wall Reopens
Beijing Time Chase Nominated for Global Travel Award
We did it again! Bespoke has been nominated in the ‘Greatest Innovation / Disruption’ category at the LE Miami Awards 2014 (brought to you by Travel+Leisure and DEPARTURES magazines). Yes, the LE Miami Awards, which are all about this:
“The collision of luxury and lifestyle is fracturing the contemporary travel industry, transforming travel brands into lifestyle brands with a distaste for the conventional. The LE Miami Awards have been designed to recognise the rebels at the forefront of this new take on travel.”
Love Letters from Shanghai
This month we’re in Shanghai, dashing about between French Concession cafes and meeting all manner of interesting people as we prepare to set up Bespoke Shanghai! In the meantime, we’d like to hear from you. If you’ve had a fantastic time in Shanghai at some point in the last 18 months, we want to know about it.
Liang Shi – Cantonese and Coffee in 798 Art District
Opened in March by Liu Feng, a designer associated with the UCCA Gallery next door, Liang Shi is more than just another artfully designed coffee stop for gallery hoppers (although it fulfils that role nicely). It’s a fully-fledged Cantonese restaurant, offering sweet and savoury dim sum, roasted, braised and stewed meats, soups, wok-fried vegetables and house specials including sautéed shrimp balls with scallops and chilli, and pan-fried foie gras, Chinese style.