Without a shadow of a doubt, Xixi Bistro was one of the most popular new restaurants of 2015, a good value concept that marries Italian and Chinese food together in a trendy lane house setting. But have you ever wondered what's at the top of that dragon lantern staircase? Well, the answer is a new cocktail bar: Xixi Bedroom.
Like the downstairs, they're keeping the plush townhouse theme, but with eerie, enigmatic green that makes the place feel like a beaux arts absinthe bar. We fibbed a little in the title, there are no actual beds that you can lie down in, but there are traditional Chinese beds custom-made into drinking booths.
Mixing the drinks is Jiang Yifu, a young but remarkably earnest bartender who learnt his craft whilst living in Belgium. Unlike most trendy new cocktail bars, Xixi Bedroom is keeping the prices comparatively low. Most cocktails are RMB68; wine by the glass is RMB35 (RMB198/bottle), prosecco from RMB42, and beer from RMB40. Heck, an espresso is only RMB20. 
Jiang recommends we ease off with a green dragon (RMB70), a Japanese-inspired drink with shochu, sake, ginger, lime and freshly ground wasabi (not the cheap powdered stuff). It's fragrant and light, and we love the sprinkling of cocaine that comes atop the shiso leaf garnish. Just kidding, it's icing sugar.
On the hunt for something a little stronger, Jiang points us to the pineapple smash (RMB68). This one literally tastes like a vaguely herbal fruit punch, and Jiang tells us to "be careful" when he sees us necking it. Something about the overproof rum in it?
Anyway, drinking the whole thing in three gulps turned out to be a great idea as it readied us for the sakura gin martini (RMB78), which has a subtle rosewater flavor. It, too, is very strong – ideal if you're drinking on a budget.
Do you ever find yourself getting sleepy the minute you start drinking? US TOO. Caffeinated cocktails are the answer, specifically this twist on an espresso martini: the moca (RMB68). In this Jiang mixes treacly dark rum, crème de cacao, espresso and cinnamon.
Anyway, Xixi Bedroom is a nice, not-too-expensive bar that you should probably go to. Seating-wise, there are further tables and comfy armchairs in a second anteroom, plus a small balcony outside.
Price: drinks from RMB40-88
Who's going: fans of the popular bistro downstairs
Good for: cocktails, dates, small groups, wine
See a listing for Xixi Bedroom
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