Do you know a good bar around here? No matter how long you’ve called Shenzhen home, there’s a fair chance you’ve heard this question more than once. How you answer pretty much defines you as an individual in the eyes of the inquirer: partygoer, heavy drinker, cheap Charlie, overspender or the popular “this guy is probably not from around here.”
Okay, it may not be quite as dramatic, but knowing a solid bar in town can be a powerful weapon to pull out at friendly gatherings or first time meet-ups.
Meet Peacock, a funky new bar located directly opposite All City Mall. Though it’s only been open a few weeks, the place left us foraging for a seat on a Tuesday night.
Lee Wenbo, one of the owners, speaks fluent French – the result of year studying abroad – and has already coped with his share of disappointments in Shenzhen’s nightlife during his four months back.
“I like to meet up with people; I like to drink real, not fake alcohol,” he says. So after failing to find a bar that fit those qualifications, Lee decided to open his own.
The first thing that catches our attention is the music. Unlike many other bars we’ve been given the chance to review, Peacock plays the subtle card when it comes to tunes – both in style and volume. A relaxing mix of R&B and hip-hop does not barge into your head, but makes its way gradually, with due respect to your eardrums.
Peacock is also one of the few bars in town that is a great platform to meet new people as well as hold a private party away from prying eyes. You can relax in the couched area on the first floor or head upstairs for a game of pool and an unobstructed view of the bar stand below.
The drinks arrive promptly and instantly state their presence with bold looks. The whisky sour and Mai Tai (both RMB80) are classics, but Peacock adds a few twists of its own, enticing us to come back. Our absolute favorite, though, is the pepper and lava (RMB80) – a cocktail that is spiky, spicy and undeniably manly. Served with red chilies, the drink is set on fire when it’s delivered, calling for brave imbibers and, we think, a round of applause.
“There are always new things in my bar,” Lee smiles, and we don’t doubt it for a second. Stocked with exclusive French wines and innovative cocktails, Peacock is shaping up to be a very promising arrival. And you’d better hurry up – Lee plans to roll out the red carpet and make the bar an after-party spot for cool music events in the city.
Price: RMB100-200
Who’s going: the cool kids, musicians, French wine aficionados
Good for: relaxing with good music, craft cocktails, bold flavors
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