Branching Out: By the Tree Adds Sport to the Mix

Have a look inside this bar. From the archways to the brickwork, right down to the tablecloths, you know where it came from. That’s if the name didn’t already give it away. The Hidden Tree (RIP). The Tree. Nearby the Tree. And now By the Tree. The bar looks almost identical to its siblings, with a similar taste in bottled Trappist beers and drafts including Chimay Red (RMB 40), Leffe (RMB 40) and Tsingtao (RMB 15).

A new emphasis on sports seems to be the main difference. As with Nearby, there’s a good-quality pool table, complete with house rules: Sit on it at your own peril. I didn’t know there was such a thing as a high-end foosball table; after losing 6-0 to owner Patrick, I was well aware.

And two screens set the bar up as a potential venue for watching football (not to mention other sports) when new seasons get underway in August. The bar will have its own menu soon, but for now you can have a pizza sent over from The Tree. While you take it slow with a pint of Leffe, ponder what the next “Tree” venue might be. Under the Tree? After the Tree? Tree House? You can’t help but feel there’s more where this came from.

Go for: Strong beer and games
Also try: The Tree, Nearby the Tree

By the Tree
Wed-Sun 6pm-late. 2/F, Youyi Youth Hostel, 100m west of Sanlitun Bar Street, east of Sanlitun Hospital, Chaoyang District (6415 1954) 朝阳区三里屯酒吧街往西100米三里屯医院东面友谊旅馆2层

Photos: Sui