Back to Basics: Square One Opens in SOHO
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If there's one thing missing at Jianwai SOHO (apart from a soul), it's a British-themed bar room with stone print walls, a roaring (effect) fireplace, a union flag in the window, a TV cranking BBC, and a tatty print of the London Herald mounted on the wall proclaiming England to be World Cup champions.
Always a safe bet for a themed bar, the Blighty-styled boozer is usually a fool-proof blueprint for a successful watering hole. The British-themed pub should be relaxed, unpretentious, comfortable and welcoming. All things that are relatively easy to realize.
Something of a hangout for off-duty teachers, Square One is certainly a place of comfort. The sizable bar room is ringed with snug benches enabling a view of the Lego set SOHO setting. It spreads back towards two leather-loungered nooks ideal for a studious language lesson, or some extra-curricular drinking sessions - depending on what time of day you drop by.
The drinks selection is on the modest side, but to-the-point; a varied cocktail list runs over three pages of the menu (RMB 40-60). A very limited selection of six bottled beers (Corona RMB 15, Hoegarden RMB 35) is chalked out on the wall suggesting Square One caters more to the cocktail crowd than the beer swilling one. And snacks are provided courtesy of the excellent Tavalin Bagels (RMB 15-50).
Jianwai SOHO has another relaxed, cozy and understated bar room. But cocktails and bagels? How very un-British.
Square One
Daily 10am-2am. 606, building 1, Jianwai SOHO, East 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang District (5366 5531)
北京市朝阳区建外SOHO东区1号楼606室
This article was originally featured in the November issue of the Beijinger. Read it online.
Photos: the Beijinger
