D-22 wins Bar of the Year at 2007 tbj Reader Awards
D-22, Centro, Suzie Wong’s and newcomer China Doll were the big winners at the 4th Annual that’s Beijing Reader Bar and Club Awards held at The Bank Lounge and Club last night in front of an alcohol-fueled crowd of 500.
Host Chelsey Mark kept the proceedings lively, while fire dancers thrilled the audience not only with their performance but also with almost setting the stage on fire twice. The crowd was also treated to a risqué pole dance by Qiao Feng, one of the finalists from last weekend's pole dancing competition in Sanlitun that was either talented and sexy or low-class, depending on how many free glasses of Freixenet and Stella Artois you had quaffed.
D-22, the Wudaokou live music house that has been steadily winning over crowds with its diet of local and international rock acts, was the dark horse winner of the Bar/Club of the Year prize. Opened just a year and a half ago, the bar quickly drew a loyal following, large enough to propel it the runners up positions in awards for Best New Bar and Best Live Music in last year’s awards.
China Doll, Centro and Suzie Wong’s were the top award-getters in last night’s ceremonies, each taking home awards in seven categories.
A complete list of the winners is listed below; read the full report in the August issue of that’s Beijing.
Best New Bar: China Doll
Outstanding New Bar: MAO Livehouse, The Rickshaw
Best Wine Selection: Centro, Kerry Centre
Outstanding Wine Selection: Aria, China World, La Baie des Anges
Best Bathrooms: Lan
Outstanding Bathrooms: Suzie Wong's, Zeta, Hilton
Best Student Hangout: Lush
Outstanding Student Hangout: D-22, Nanjie
Best Outdoor Terrace: Kokomo
Outstanding Outdoor Terrace: Bar Blu, Suzie Wong's
Best for Cheap Drinks: Nanjie
Outstanding for Cheap Drinks: Kai Club, Shooters
Best Sports Bar: Goose and Duck
Outstanding Sports Bar: Browns, The Den
Best for People Watching: Suzie Wong's
Outstanding for People Watching: Centro, Kerry Centre, China Doll, Vics
Best Place to Start the Night: The Tree
Outstanding Place to Start the Night: Aperitivo, The Rickshaw
Best After-hours Club: Suzie Wong's
Outstanding After-hours Club: Bed, China Doll
Best Night Away from the Kids: The Tree
Outstanding Night Away from the Kids: Centro, Kerry Centre, Face, Latinos
Best Place to Find a Date: Suzie Wong's
Outstanding Place to Find a Date: China Doll, Vics
Best Place to Bring a Date: Bed
Outstanding Place to Bring a Date: Face, Stone Boat Cafe
Best Happy Hour: Bar Blu
Outstanding Happy Hour: Centro, Kerry Centre, The Rickshaw
Best Dance Club: Vics
Outstanding Dance Club: China Doll, Latinos
Best Cocktails: Q Bar
Outstanding Cocktails: Centro, Kerry Centre, Kokomo
Best Live Music: Yugong Yishan
Outstanding Live Music: D-22, MAO Livehouse, Stone Boat Cafe
Best Business Networking: Centro, Kerry Centre
Outstanding Business Networking: Aria, China World, The Bookworm
Best Décor: Lan
Outstanding Décor: Bed, China Doll
Best Events/Parties: Alfa: 80s Night
Outstanding Event/Parties: Kokomo: Sundays on Top, Suzie Wong's: Ladies' Night
Best Service: Centro, Kerry Centre
Outstanding Service: Lan, Press Club Bar, St Regis, The Tree
Bar or Club of the Year: D-22
Outstanding Club of the Year: China Doll, Suzie Wong's