The first half of 2018 has been monumental for the F&B industry in Guangzhou. There have been a number of high-profile bar and restaurant openings, the reopening of second and third floors at numerous pubs and eateries in Tianhe and, of course, the widely reported on launch of Guangzhou’s first-ever Michelin Guide. 

Below, in no particular order, we walk you through our top three favorite bars that we’ve reviewed in the past six months. 

1. Harena

Image via Harena

Beer-pong. It's a pastime more often associated with the sticky frat house basements of North American college towns than the ritzy club scenes of major Chinese cities. So we must admit that we didn’t quite know what to expect from Harena’s recent entry into Xingsheng Lu’s crowded and competitive barscape.

It’s an odd mix of classy and laid back, but it works. The sporty, competitive atmosphere of athletic wall decals, referees and bouncing ping pong balls is offset by chic lighting, professional staff and a club-like vibe. This novel dichotomy is reflected on high-mounted flat screen TVs, which alternate between live soccer broadcasts and fashion show runway reels. 

The pong itself, played on sleek, lit-up tables bearing the Harena brand to the thumping beat of driving hip-hop, costs RMB128 per 1.5-liter round. Price-wise, this means RMB42 pints consumed in a unique and entertaining battle of drunken dexterity. Though the game is relatively new to many in China, the wealthy ex-emigres and Eastern European models who, on the night of our visit, seemed to make up the bulk of Harena’s clientele, have taken to it with enthusiasm. 

Price: RMB150
Who’s going: nostalgic ‘sea-turtles’, fans of Animal House, live-streaming celebs
Good for: settling scores, a high-energy night out with friends
Nearest metro: Liede (Exit D), 8 minutes

Read our full review here. See listing for Harena.

2. Whispers

Image by Matthew Bossons/That's

Celebrated Japanese author Haruki Murakami once said, “Whisky, like a beautiful woman, demands appreciation. You gaze first, then it’s time to drink.” Mr. Murakami would find lots to gaze at inside Whispers, where veteran Guangzhou expat Rob Turnbull and his staff tend to a collection of 88 whiskies – from Scotch and Irish whiskey to bourbon and Japanese varieties.

Behind the bar, three shelves divide the lounge’s selection of whiskeys and whiskys based on price: RMB60 per 50-milimeter dram from bottles on the bottom shelf, RMB80 per dram from the middle-shelf bottles and RMB100 and up for top-shelf pours. 

On our visit, we sampled the Bowmore 12 (RMB60), a single malt scotch whisky with a delicate and intriguing peat-smoke taste. Smooth from nose to finish, we found this Scotch an accessible starting point for Islay-style experimentation. 

Price: RMB60-100
Who’s going: Panyu’s classiest drinkers, single malt maniacs 
Good for: pondering life while sipping a cool glass of  whisk(e)y
Nearest metro: Nancun Wanbo (Exit A), 10 minutes  

Read our full review here. See listing for Whispers.

3. Spin

Image by Daniel Plafker/That's

Tucked down a quiet street in Zhujiang New Town, brave adventurers hunting for mixological glory might have a challenge ahead of them if they seek out Spin. An unassuming vape shop serves as the downstairs ‘front’ to the operation and a little creative snooping will be necessary before the truly well-hidden entrance is revealed. 

The disciplined mixologists behind the magic at Spin are headed up by Jackwing, a fierce female cocktail conjurer at the top of her craft. With years of experience in the bar departments of several top-tier Guangzhou hotels, Jackwings brings a meticulous attention to detail to her boozy creations along with boundless creativity.

On our visit, we sampled Spin’s spin on the classic Old Fashioned: the Holmes cocktail (RMB108). A little sweeter than we’re used to, to be sure, but the spicy, herbal swirl of homemade cinnamon syrup and smoked rosemary alongside premium bourbon and amaretto make for a compelling swallow.

Price: RMB200
Who's going: rum runners, cocktail conniseurs, fuerdai types 
Good for: bespoke beverages, clandestine rendezvouses
Nearest metro: Gangding (Exit C) 20 minutes, Liede (Exit C) 20 minutes

Read our full review here. See listing for Spin. 

READ MORE: Our Top 10 New Guangzhou Restaurants of 2018... So Far

Read more Guangzhou bar reviews.

[Cover image by Daniel Plafker/That's]