Season is one of a bevy of fresh watering holes unleashed on Shenzhen with the opening of the KK One shopping mall. With less-than-ideal exterior seats, it shines inside where a retro, cozy interior greets the eye.
When we visit, Season has a humble assortment of six beers on draft and a beer-tasting combo (RMB50) that gives us healthy swigs of five of them.
Vedette Extra Blond and Vedette Extra White neatly fill the light-beer niche, while the Boulevard Pale Ale sets itself apart with a creamy mouthfeel and nutty undertones. Liefmans Fruitesse is the girls go-to for its mix of fruity flavors.
Beer buffs will cheer the FireStone Walker Union Jack IPA, an intensely bitter libation with a nutty, chocolate aftertaste.
Manager Seven Miao explains that there is a policy of keeping beers in stock for seven days maximum, which sometimes leads to discounts or specials on brews approaching the weeklong mark. Bottled beers are available also; of note, the relatively rare Rochefort 10 (RMB56).
Season is not just a place to build up a beer belly, but also offers afternoon tea and the usual cocktail suspects, though they are not listed on the menu. Nightly live music starts at 9pm, with bands or singers performing on a small stage next to the door.
Food-wise, Miao admits that the burger and spaghetti are not the bar’s strong points. What is listed as “beer and fried chicken” (RMB38) is actually crunchy beer-battered fried chicken (sorry, no free drink), while the supreme sausage (RMB48) is a serving of three salty sausages, some salad and slightly sweet mashed potatoes. A Michelin star may not be on the horizon, but the dish pairs well with a pint.
If you’ve lightened your wallet at KK One and also want to take some weight off your feet, Season is definitely worth a sit and sip.
Price: RMB50-100
Who’s going: beer aficionados, KK One shoppers
Good for: craft beer, live music, chatting with friends
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