Unparalleled Bars: Where to Catch the Olympics
The Olympics have finally arrived. The wait is over, the Olympic torch has been passed around a fair proportion of the British population and has covered more miles than Kip Keino, organizers have brushed up on their knowledge of national flags, and now the fun can really get going. A glorious 16 days of top sporting action gets underway late tonight/tomorrow morning with the hugely anticipated, Danny Boyle-directed, USD 42 million Opening Ceremony in London (which you can catch on CCTV 5 tonight) and continues relentlessly for over two weeks.
Beijing has certainly caught Olympic fever. Bar proprietors and restauranteurs have been feverishly ensuring their satellite feeds are intact and legal for what's sure to be a thrilling period of top-class sporting action.
Chinese workers are certainly getting used to pulling sickies to swerve work in order to catch late night sport from Europe. A new survey of eight countries found that Chinese workers are the most likely to call in sick to work after a hard night of sport, with 58% admitting to feigning illness to avoid work. Comparatively, France had only 1% admit to deceiving their bosses.
Anyway, after asking around the city's favorite sports bars, we've put together a list of venues where you can enjoy the greatest sporting event on the planet over the next two weeks.
If you know of anywhere else showing the action, or want your establishment added to this running list, you can shoot me an email at paulryding@thebeijinger.com, or leave details in the comments section below.
Black Sun
The Chaoyang Park stalwart will have daily drinks promotions throughout the Games and will show as much as people are interested in with English commentary. They also have a sizable beer garden with a large screen. Their Olympics get off to a flying start with a themed party on Saturday from 4pm. (6593 6909)
Cu Ju
Cu Ju will show selected events (see their website, Twitter and Weibo feeds for regularly updated schedules) and will kick off by showing the Opening Ceremony live. They're also going to have regular drinks promotions. (6407 9782)
The Den
The Den never sleeps, so it's only right to expect them to be open right the way through the Games. They'll show everything CCTV has to offer, but can't guarantee you won't be badgered by out-of-towners on a two-day bender. (6592 6290)
Frank's Place
Frank's will be open throughout for the Lido crowd and will show all of CCTV's action. (6437 8399)
The Green Cap Bar
All of it. Everything is what The Green Cap plans to bring the Shunyi set. They'll also offer daily drinks deals during events.
The Irish Volunteer
Another option for Lido residents is The Irish Volunteer which will show all the events that folks care to watch, and will be offering RMB 10 Tsingtaos and Stolichnaya vodkas during events.
The James Joyce
The James Joyce will also be open throughout and are offering Happy Hour drinks prices during events. (6415 9125)
Little Britain
Another option for Lido residents is Little Britain. Surely there are few more apt venues to take in the action. They'll begin with live coverage of the Opening Ceremony and will kick on showing as much as there is sufficient interest in. They'll also offer 30% off drinks during events. (186 1174 0582)
Paddy O'Shea's
the Beijinger's Sports Bar of the Year will be showing all events attracting sufficient interest on their myriad screens and are offering drinks deals on towers of beer during events. They'll also be showing the Opening Ceremony. (6415 6389)
Lugas Villa
The Sanlitun spot will show any action where there is sufficient interest out on the patio with its big screen. (6416 2575)
Plan B
The Shuangjing newbie will be open for all the events as long as someone is there to watch; they'll have large TVs complete with full English commentary. "Canada's home bar" will reward its patrons with a Canada Rum Cocktail for every gold the Canucks scoop, a Rye and Ginger for every silver, and a maple syrup shooter for each bronze notch. (5821 1353)
Tim's Texas Bar-B-Q
Tim's will be show any event that garners enough interest. (6591 9161)
