White Rabbit to Close in Tongli, Seeking New Space
White Rabbit, voted "Best Nightclub of the Year" and "Best After Hours Club" just two months ago in our 2010 Reader Bar & Club Awards, is closing in Tongli Studio, 6 months after moving to downtown Sanlitun. This weekend's parties, featuring Berlin techno DJ Ben Klock (Friday, June 18) and Rabbit regulars The Syndicate (Saturday, June 19) will be the club's last hurrah for the time being. Sad news for electronic fans, who will pretty much only have Lantern to rely on, at least for now. White Rabbit's management are looking for a new location - one that will bring back the stripped-down, underground feel that made the old Lucky Street location such a hit.
Co-owner Thomas Gaestadius explains the closure:
"The space was just not right for White Rabbit. It didn't have the underground feel of the original White Rabbit, so we're in the process of finding a more suitable location and space. The street (Sanlitun Houjie) is also a bit too commercial for us. Too much of a party vibe, and not the dance vibe we need. Basically, the street is more focused on the social aspect of partying, while we are more focused on music and dancing. Therefore, this space didn't suit us as well as we had hoped."
What's next for White Rabbit? Stay tuned to the Beijinger for the next installment in the saga.