The Place
If you’ve ever spent a night trolling the packed bar streets at Coco Park (and be honest – you have), you know that the music selection has historically been limited to EDM, top 40 hits and EDM remixes of top 40 hits. However, the opening of brand-new funk and soul club Zazoo Live on one of the main strips marks the addition of some much-needed variety to the party.
Zazoo Live is a decidedly high-end incarnation of the classic live house. Rather than a small, intimate room, the club boasts a huge, luxurious space dominated by tables, with a bar and a small dance floor leading into the spotlighted stage. Live bands play that funky music every night of the week, with DJ breaks in between sets.
Image via ZAZOO Live
The Drinks
We browse Zazoo’s formidable cocktail menu and settle on the James Brown (RMB88), a sweet and milky rum-based cocktail with amaretto. When it arrives, we are surprised to see that not only the rim, but the entire outside of the glass is covered in cocoa powder. While the presentation doesn’t exactly make for easy drinking, it does add a unique touch to what is ultimately a well-made, if somewhat forgettable, cocktail.
For those coming on dinner dates, the menu includes a selection of pizzas, snacks and several entrees. Although we don’t get a chance to try these, Zazoo’s shared ownership with neighboring upscale eateries Shark and Azzurro holds great promise for the club’s kitchen.
The Vibe
We arrive to an eight-piece band blasting some energetic funk tunes. On a Wednesday night, there are a couple of brave souls on the dance floor, but the majority of the patrons are enjoying the music from their tables. This isn’t the place for clubgoers expecting a down-and-dirty vibe – the atmosphere is refined and a little reserved, although we expect that things get a little rowdier on a weekend.
Image via ZAZOO Live
In any case, it’s still early days for Zazoo, which is already providing a welcome change of pace from the typical Coco Park haunts. As this newly opened club continues to generate buzz, we’re sure that the growing crowd will bring even more soul to the venue.
Price: RMB75-250
Who’s going: classy clubgoers, lovers of luxury, live music enthusiasts
Good for: groovy tunes, date nights, lounging
Nearest metro: Shopping Park (Exit B), 5 minutes’ walk
Open daily, 8pm-3am. See listing for ZAZOO Live.
[Cover image via ZAZOO Live]
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