Fubar

Drink easy at this subterranean hideaway

After working as manager for both The Rickshaw and Tun, popular nightlife luminary Chad Lager has now opened his own bar, which is well hidden behind a Gongti hot dog stall ensconced within the Workers’ Stadium.

Welcome to Beijing’s very first speakeasy. Make your way to Gate 10 of the stadium and you’ll find Stadium Dog, which sells a selection of sumptuous sausages for 25RMB each.

Head down to the toilets out back and you’ll find the bar’s hidden door, which isn’t very well hidden if you know what you’re looking for, but would still make a wonderful surprise for those stumbling across it accidentally.

The interior of the bar itself is decorated in a warm, deep red with a few works of Chinese art already on the walls. A DJ booth sits in the corner.

There’s no real dancefloor to speak of, but then this isn’t a venue that is likely to be filled with people dancing the night away. Rather, the ample seating and well-mixed drinks make this the kind of place to go for a relaxed night with friends.

Pints of Stella cost 35RMB, while stronger drinks, such as Fubar’s powerful Perfect Manhattan, cost 50RMB. You can also order a special cocktail that comes in a ceramic buddha, which you then get to take home with you.

The bar’s miniscule size means that the place always seems pleasingly full, and the loyal customers who follow Lager from venue to venue have already been out in force here.

With its combination of tasty hot dogs and strong, goodquality drinks, Fubar looks set to become an essential fixture on Beijing’s bar scene. Ross Goulding

Fubar Inside Stadium Dog, Workers’ Stadium East Gate, Stadium Entrance 10, Chaoyang district (6593 8227). Open 6pm-2am Sun-Thur; 6pm-4am Fri and Sat. 朝 阳区工人体育场东门内10号门