One year ago, a late-night escapade into the mysterious open-air lounge hidden below a highway overpass near Huacheng Square would have seemed disappointing at best. Chances are the place would have been deserted, scattered with abandoned menus demanding RMB80 for a simple cocktail.
Today, one month after German model Maxim Mette took over management at the struggling venue, the tables have turned. The tiny indoor section of the bar is bursting with new, energetic and gorgeous guests (most clientele thus far have caught word of the place from Maxim himself) while the sprawling outdoor patio is full of dashing Europeans sipping classy drinks and posing flawlessly for photos. It feels like a private party you’d catch in the Hollywood Hills, and we’re pretty sure that’s what the crowd of Chinese onlookers thought while stopping along the pedestrian walkway overhead to survey the sea of Western partiers below.
Far from being exclusive, however, La Villa Rouge is moving forward with a mission: to become the go-to place in Guangzhou for daytime and evening parties. Maxim hopes to plan get-togethers every weekend, weather permitting of course, including “daytime dancing” to follow in his hometown’s tradition. “Everyone loves dancing in the day,” he laughs, “and out here, when the sun goes down and the lights of Guangzhou fill the sky, it’s just magical.” The view outside La Villa Rouge truly is other-worldly: situated among IFC and the Guangzhou Opera House, guests can enjoy a radiant spectrum of city lights on all sides, with the Canton Tower glowing front and center.
New menus have been printed, shiny shishas purchased and speakers turned up a notch. Where guests used to sit in silence, now they can enjoy conversation-friendly electronic dance tunes turned by a team of savvy international DJs. Lawn chairs and stand-alone tables are scattered about the spacious patio.
Classic and special cocktails (RMB48) include all the favorites and then some, prepared in a tall glass with a crazy straw and kissed with lemon. A complete collection of spirits and liquors are available, as well as a range of imported beers. We were thrilled to see Newcastle Brown Ale for a change, alongside Guinness Stout and Erdinger Weissbier (RMB38-48).
Spotting La Villa Rouge from the road can be tricky. Keep a lookout for a large stone with red Chinese characters located directly across the street from the main entrance of IFC. Follow the narrow trail lined with white lights and you’re in the homestretch, set to surrender your heart on the dance floor.
Price: Approx. RMB50 per person
Who's going: Guangzhou’s model circle, the young and restless
Good for: A casual night out with friends, spontaneous amateur dancing
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