Fab Night-Club Double Act

Babyface and Angel Clubs

This separate but neighboring pair of night-spots, individually owned by two brothers who are also close friends as well as competitors, rate among the best of their kind in Beijing. Their individual premises are located each side of the popular Gongti 100 Bowling Lanes in Gongti Xilu.

My first evening visit to both clubs found them both full, which explained the large number of cars, especially Mercedes and BMWs, parked end-to-end outside. No clubs could have asked for a higher level of what boils down to free advertising. The clubs are class acts in their differing ways, and marvellous venues for well-heeled partygoers and the local glitterati in particular.

The first Babyface was opened in Guangzhou, where fame and fortune were almost immediate. Today a Babyface can be found in many other Chinese cities, all operated under go-ahead entrepreneur Jimmy Lee's brand of that name. He has opened eight Babyface clubs in the past two years.

Beijing's Babyface, said to be the brand's largest investment to date, is pretty much in line with the decorative style of other branches. Part of this style makes guests feel they are at the centre of a stage, a flattering position for anybody and especially pleasing to guests who like to be in the spotlight.  Parties, dancing, contemporary music and good company are the meat and drink of Babyface, the current hot place to see and be seen. Its reputation as an international-standard professional club is well earned.

Jimmy Lee's brother opened his Angel Club after making his name and gaining wide experience at places like Destination, a Babyface branch, and the famous Green Teahouse Restaurant. The Angel is characterized by excellent design and the liberal use of sexy red and pink décor at almost every turn, and top DJs' highly individual spinning performances.

The club is also great at organizing professional parties, and popular for its intimate private cubicles for guests. Like Babyface, the Angel pulls in customers galore, often more the swinging type who love to dance and down a few drinks. It's a spirited place that is highly contagious for fun-lovers.

If you want to party either at Babyface or the Angel, try to get there early. Although parties don't often get under way much before 10pm, Beijing's movers and shakers have been crowding in much earlier, especially if a top DJ is on the turntables.

Best, then, to make a reservation to ensure entry. I learned the hard way the first time I visited. A staff member stopped me entering because I had not booked in advance. Only the fact that I was there to write about the place got me through.

Address: Address of both clubs: 6 Gongti Xilu, Chaoyang District

Tel: Babyface: +86 10 6551 9081

    Angel: +86 10 6552 8888