A Visit to Beijing's Forgotten First Irish Pub, Durty Nellie's
It is that time of the year again, when even China changes its favored red color against a full-on green outfit – well at least a tiny little part of the population. St. Patrick’s Day has arrived and countless bars in town are fishing for their thirsty customers with offers on food and drink.
Among them are well-known Irish pubs like Paddy’s in Dongzhimen or Buddy's in Lido. But one pub that seems naturally designated to join the party but isn't advertising as much, is Durty Nellie’s Irish Pub.
Many newcomers to town might not have even heard of it, which is surprising for two reasons. For one, it is just walking-distance (or at least share-bike-distance) away from Paddy’s (they even share the same Chinese name, 爱尔兰酒吧 Aierlan Jiuba), just a little bit up north next to the MOMA. And maybe even more important, it was the first real Irish Pub to set foot in China’s capital.
Way back in 1998, a group of Irish and English investors teamed up with a Chinese company to finally end the Irish Pub-free period of Beijing. The details of this adventure can still be read on the Irish Times website, in an article first published on Sep 7, 1998.
Why the name Durty Nelly, you ask? Legend has it that she was a woman of “considerable charm” who showed “great hospitality” to the many -- mostly male -- travelers who crossed her path. While this leaves enough room for interpretation, she definitely seems to represent some attributes a great bar should have!
Over the past few years, though, it’s been rather quiet for Durty Nellie’s. It is definitely not the top choice for those who want to enjoy their drinks in a big crowd, surrounded by loud music and make tons of new friends during a night out. The charm of this bar comes more from its chic interior design including different couches, a nice and spacious outside garden, and – surpisingly – a little fish tank in one corner.
Besides this, it comes with the “classics” of an Irish Bar, like Guinness (RMB 60 for a big, RMB 35 for a small), Irish coffee, Darts, TVs for live football or rugby matches, and typical bar food like fries (RMB 50) and even pizza and Irish Stew.
All in all it still makes a very charming bar. Different from the rather loud and crowded “party places” in Sanlitun, it’s a place where you can meet with a friend, have a good conversation over a cold pint and, if weather conditions allow for it, even sit outside in the sun.
Durty Nellie's Irish Pub 爱尔兰酒吧
B1F, Block 3, Dangdai Wanguo City, 1 Xiangheyuan Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区香河园路1号当代万国城3座B1楼
READ: Get the Luck of the Irish with these Saint Patrick's Day Events
Images: Ole Engelhardt, Dianping
