Winter is Here: Where to Watch 'Game of Thrones' Season 8 Premier in Beijing
The weather may be warming up in Beijing but in Westeros, winter has arrived. After an excruciating 20-month wait since the last episode of season 7 of Game of Thrones aired, fans can finally find out the fate of favorite characters like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen and, indeed, the Westerosi world as we know it.
Unlike previous seasons which ran for seven to ten episodes, season 8 is set to be just six episodes long, although to make up for it, each will run up to 90 minutes. The storyline of the HBO series has since overtaken that of the published books, so like season 7, this final season is made up of original content as revealed to the showrunners by author George R.R. Martin. As expected, fan theories have been running rampant, although we won't give away any spoilers here.
The first episode of the final season of Game of Thrones hits screens in the US on Sun, Apr 14 and you can either watch live or catch a replay at the following venues around the city. Here are the options, in order of screening time.
Monday, Apr 15
9am (live) and 8pm: Queenie's Sandwiches
Chow down on an American breakfast while watching the episode live at Queenie's Sandwiches' new location on Jiaodaokou Dongdajie or wait until 8pm for the replay.
9am (live) and 9pm: Caravan
Watch live at Caravan at 9am or head over in the evening to enjoy the show alongside a bottle of the official Game of Thrones beer released by Ommegang Brewery in cooperation with HBO. Thrones-themed food specials will also be available.
9am (live): The Bookworm
The Bookworm are throwing open their doors at 9am on Monday morning, but be sure to reserve your ticket (RMB 20) in advance, as spots are limited. Don't worry, the booking price goes towards a meal or a drink.
8pm: The Local
The Local will be screening the episode on all their 65-inch screens upstairs. Add WeChat ID: localKenn to reserve a table (tables held until 7.30pm).
8.30pm: Soi Baochao
Soi Baochao is showing the new episode on their big screen with free popcorn thrown in to boot.
8.30pm: Anchor 2.0
Anchor 2.0 will be screening all episodes of the series, beginning Apr 15, at 8.30pm on their 180-inch screen.
9pm: The Great Outdoors
Head over to Fangjia Hutong to catch the new episodes of GoT at The Great Outdoors. The bar will also be showing the previous week's episode at 8pm.
9pm: 3 Little Pigs
3 Little Pigs will be showing the episode at 9pm (they also have the official Game of Thrones beer).
9pm: Side Street
Side Street are celebrating the new season with pints of Slow Boat Monkey's Fist for RMB 35 and buy-one-get-one-free burgers with the purchase of an alcoholic drink (6-9pm). Come early to grab a seat.
9.30pm: Q Mex Taqueria
Munch on half-price burritos (if you're not too excited to eat) and RMB 45 margaritas while you watch the episode at Q Mex Taqueria.
Tuesday, Apr 16
8pm: Paddy O'Sheas
Paddy's will be screening episodes of the final season at 8pm every Tuesday night, alongside their usual offerings of tasty pub grub and beers.
Tue, 8.30pm onwards: 4corners
Finally, test your knowledge of seasons past (and don't forget the books) before you sit down to watch the new one at 4corners, where they will have five rounds of trivia starting at 8.30pm followed by a showing of the episode at 10.30pm. Drink specials all night.
READ: Where to Get Your Groove on This Record Store Day, Apr 13
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