The nightlife in Hangzhou has been growing rapidly over the past few years, with top level bars, clubs, and restaurants opening all over the city.
Flamingoes is a perfect spot to kick it all off, with aperitivos either by the indoor pool or on the terrace.
Late Market is a perfect example of the up and coming bar scene in Hangzhou. Jinn, the group manager, is slinging well-crafted drinks and the best bar snacks in the game along an intimate long bar.
After a number of baby martinis, Mark pulled us along to Xanadu where GK Bai hawks made-to-order cocktails which is a true speak-easy style bar. Nearby to this is the expertly designed More Fun.
At Harbour, which Mark manages, the bar uses ingredients like Buddha’s Hand in their cocktails to showcase local flavours. Martinis and highballs all night.
Talking late night, the team ended up at YOLO with the generous bartenders there who shared their love of laybacks, and then to Spy & Smuggler. A perfect time for a coffee cocktail which is convenient because Jush from Spy & Smuggler does incredible things with coffee infusions.
Followed by 3 a.m. street food, sterile hotel, and criminally early trip to the train station.
Much love to the Hangzhou family!
No trip to Hangzhou is really complete without a few honourable mentions: our friends at MILL, who make some of the best negronis this side of the Himalayas; Godfather, headed by Kono who has more creative ideas about barrel aging than any person alive; and the legends at Wood and Morph keeping it real.
We were overwhelmed by the love and support shown to Peddlers from the Bars we visited in Hangzhou and look forward to getting back for another visit soon!