In a city that bustles with a hefty amount of expatriates and tourists all year round and a local populous with ever-evolving tastes and preferences, it’s pretty safe to assume that Guangzhou is a place with an above-average bar scene.
For years, locals have gotten by with the likes of syrupy cocktails made with bottom-tier spirits. But over the past couple of years, things have changed. With the arrival of Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou’s first cocktail speakeasy, the city has undergone something of a renaissance in the realm of cocktail appreciation. Here, we list down 5 of our absolute must-visits.
1. Hope & Sesame – Ranked no. 36 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020
Hope & Sesame is considered an icon in Guangzhou’s vast and ever-growing bar scene. It is the first speakeasy bar of its kind to open in the city and ranked as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2020 & in 2019. Hope & Sesame’s chic and modern-Chinese interior creates a stark contrast with the traditional Cantonese snack bar which houses its secret entrance.
Inside, you’ll find a team of bartenders (boffins rather) with stills upon stills of bespoke spirit infusions—think, French fry distilled vodka and Nutella bitters. Western-style cocktails are the bar’s mainstay, though its range of savoury-inspired libations is a must-try too. Live jazz music happens nightly from 8.45PM and if you’re planning to visit during the weekend, bookings are strongly recommended.
Address: Miaoqian Xijie 58, Guangzhou, China
Opening Hours: 7PM – 2AM (Daily)
Contact: +86 188 1935 3461
2. Revolucion Cocktail – Cuban-inspired Cocktail Club
Revolucion Cocktail is a one-of-a-kind Cuban-inspired cocktail club located in the metropolis of Guangzhou. Oozing with rustic, Cuban-inspired chic vibes, this tiki-themed bar is where the action happens. Presenting a repertoire of reinvented classic libations, tapas and Latin beats, you’re guaranteed to party the night away Havana-style.
Address: 9 Xing Sheng Rd, Liede district. Guangzhou, China
Opening Hours: 6PM – 3AM (Sun to Thu), 6PM – 4AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +86 185 6559 0162
3. The Churchhill Bar – Located in The Ritz Carlton Hotel Guangzhou
Lose yourself in the effortless, elegance of The Ritz Carlton Guangzhou’s prized cocktail venue, The Churchill Bar. Featuring expertly-mixed drinks, wines, premium beers, fine cognacs, cigars and the largest collection of single malt whiskeys in Guangzhou, the well-stocked bar has something to offer guests of all appetites.
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Guangzhou, 3 Xing’an Rd, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Daily)
Contact: +86 20 3813 6688
4. The Happy Monk (Kingold) – Opens till 2:30AM Daily
A long-lived institution, award-winning The Happy Monk is a household name in Guangzhou. With great happy hour deals and quality food, it’s a great location for a hearty meal or after-work drinks. At The Happy Monk, they have a decent variety of beer, wine and spirits to choose from.
Address: Unit 1, G/F, Kingold Century, 62 Jinsui Rd, Zhujiang New Town,Guangzhou
Opening Hours: 10.30AM – 2.30AM (Daily)
5. Tian Bar – Situated on 99th Floor of Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou
Perched high above on the 99th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, be treated to jaw-dropping views of the downtown Guangzhou.
A collaboration between Guangzhou-based cocktail institution, Hope & Sesame, and Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, Tian Bar presents a modern flower-centric cocktail menu that intertwines art and creative cocktails, taking guests on a journey of visual and flavour indulgence.
Address: Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou, 99/F, 5 Zhujiang Xi Lu, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District
Opening Hours: 5PM – 1AM (Sun to Thu), 5PM – 2AM (Fri & Sat)
Contact: +86 (20) 8883 3399
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