Memoirs of Beijing

Designed by world famous architect Philippe Starck, this bar boast of opulent furnishings and European class that stands out in Beijing.  With a floor area of 6,000 sqm and located on the F floor of LG Tower, people who wanted to be seen and impressed flock to this bar.

In my almost four years stay in Beijing, I’ve been to this place only three times.  The first time was two years ago with my travel buddy, hoping to try out the promo they featured in cityweekend.  When we arrived, we were advised that there was no promo and the staff can barely speak English.  To top it off, taking photos is a no-no.  We just ordered some sandwiches and soda and left the place disappointed.

The second time I went to this place was last Saturday for the 2nd anniversary of Accupuncture Records.  This time, I’m quite happy with the place.  As the place was quite big, they split the area into two with one side playing techno music and the other side playing disco music.  Since I’m a product of the 80s, I went to the disco music area.  Certain drinks were 35 rmb while the others are 50% off.  The rum and coke that I ordered was a little bit strong for my taste but the vodka and tonic my friend ordered was pretty good.  We didn’t ordered any snacks as basically you have to groove with the music.  I had fun!  We also got good pictures inside and I was able to see the infamous bathroom that I keep hearing.  (Note:  People don’t bring tissue paper to the bathroom, they bring cameras!)  

The third time I went to this place was yesterday for dinner.  A friend of my friend visited and treated us for dinner.  Lan Club is known for their Sichuan food as their sister restaurant is South Beauty.  They served this delicious mushroom dish that tickles your palate.  Then, a dish with wrapped vegetables with sesame sauce.  This one was just ok.  Next, was this spicy beef that was really spicy.  We then had some beggar’s chicken which they had a gong ceremony before they even serve it.  Beggar’s chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves, with fill-ins inside the chicken.  Next, was the infamous Beijing roast duck.  I have to say, Dadong roast duck is better.  The duck they served may not be oily but it was a bit bland.  You put the duck on a pancake wrap and using a Chinese brush, put sauce on the wrap.  The soup which they used the leftover parts of the duck though is superb!  It wasn’t too salty and the flavor was so good!   We were then served sweet and sour fish.  I have to say, the fish had a lot of flour coz you can really taste it more than the fish.  The sweet and sour sauce was neither sweet nor sour.  We had several more veggies which by that time I was already full.  We also had a fruit plate which was composed of grapes, plum, watermelon, kiwi, dragon fruit and star fruit.   The watermelon was sweet, the kiwi and dragon fruit was a little sour while the others I didn’t try anymore.

All in all, the dining experience was good.  The way they presented the dishes were impeccable.  You really get your money’s worth on the service and food presentation.  After eating the sumptuous cuisine, we toured around the place and was stunned.  There were several private rooms that would really wow people.  From the pink room with that long table and elegant setting.  To the Victorian red room, the King’s room, the small rooms perfect for couples on a date, the Egyptian room with the matching sofa that will make you feel like Cleopatra and the cigar room with the rhino head and fake fireplace.  This club have seen celebrities both local and international.  From Zhang Zi Yi, Tony Blair, Leonardo di Caprio, NBA players, models and dignitaries.  You won’t really notice them as they hide behind the private rooms.  A comment though, the English skills of the staff needs to be improved.

If you don’t want to break your wallet, Lan Club offers lunch specials.  The prices are quite reasonable but don’t forget to add 10% service charge.

Verdict:  4.5 out of 5.  Mainly due to the cost and the English speaking skills of the staff.

Lan Club : 4/F Twin Towers, B-12 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing :                       http://www.lan-global.com  :  (10) 5109-6012 & 5109-6013