Gin is in. At least that’s our impression after visiting Evening Standard, a new gin bar tucked away in Yangji. This bar offers thirsty patrons in Guangzhou an escape from the summer heat, with cool cocktails and a bevy of gin and tonic combos on the menu. It’s a welcome addition to the neighborhood, albeit at a pretty penny.
Image via Smoki Wong
When we visit on a Thursday evening, the bar has a lively atmosphere, with a buzz of excitement about the one-alcohol stop. Evening Standard is sectioned off into two main seating areas as well as an upstairs section that was roped off at the time of our visit. Music plays overhead but doesn’t intrude on conversation, making for a nice change of pace.
The bar stretches about 10 or so seats long, with a worldly collection of gin bottles from China to Finland and beyond, which helps set the scene behind the bartenders’ office space. Away from the bar, there are a handful of tables as well as two main couch areas well suited for a gin-tastic celebration. Meanwhile, old English newspapers can be found around the place as a subtle reminder of the spirit’s storied past in London.
On the menu we see four cocktails and a whole lot of gin (we’ve been told the cocktail selection will expand in the coming days). While the sign in the bar’s entrance reads ‘craft spirits and beers,’ we don’t spot a single brew on the menu or in the vicinity.
Image by Ryan Gandolfo/That’s
We kick off the evening with an English Negroni (RMB90), which comes slow but strong. Set in an old fashioned glass with a large square cube for optimal chill, it’s a quality drink that we’d order again. The Bees Knees (RMB90), on the other hand, doesn’t quite hit the spot. While we’re fans of the flavor lemon juice and egg white brings, we can hardly taste Malfy gin con limone, making this beverage a softball meant for those less passionate for the taste of the colorless spirit.
Image by Ryan Gandolfo/That’s
We finish off the evening with a chilled glass of gin (hold the tonic), which is the nightcap everyone deserves.
All in all, we enjoyed ourselves at Evening Standard. Aside from having a cool name, these folks seem gung-ho on livening up the city’s bar scene.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: ginholics, people looking for something new, the neighborhood
Good for: gin and tonic, catching up with friends
Closest metro: Yangji (Exit B), 10 minutes’ walk
Open daily, 7pm-2am; See listing for Evening Standard.
[Cover image via Smoki Wong]
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