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UK’s first Chinese-inspired bar to open in Bristol
Bristol will soon get a taste of Chinese-inspired cocktails in a new bar.
Its owners claim that Jaded Dragon will be the UK’s first Chinese Tiki Baijiu bar – serving up a range of cocktails, specialising in baijiu, a popular Chinese spirit.
The Jaded Dragon team, consisting of co-owners Ben Salguero and Ed Sargent, and business partner Kedar Subedi – who recently opened a second branch of his Thai tapas restaurant Mangosteen on North Street – believe that there is a gap in the UK market for a bar selling baiju.
is needed now More than ever
While many bars across Europe may have one type of baijiu available, Ben said Jaded Dragon is the first in the UK to be dedicated to baijiu:
He said: “We are going to have the biggest collection in Europe. We’re going to demonstrate all of the flavours where possible. I’ve got stuff coming over from China that’s never been in the UK before.”
Baiju is a Chinese liquor that is typically colourless and made from a variety of grains – photo: Ben Robins Photography
Ben moved to Bristol in 2011 and found a love for bartending in his early hospitality jobs. After many years in the cocktail industry, he is now a leading UK specialist in baijiu.
He has helped open many bars and restaurants in Bristol, including London Cocktail Club on the Clifton Triangle, as well as Cosy Club and Mowgli on Corn Street.
Ben described baijiu spirit as something completely different to other alcohol, having a deep and complex tasting experience.
He said: “It’s thought to take about 300 shots of Baijiu before your tongue, and your brain, starts to understand what it’s tasting.”
The bar will offer a total of 54 cocktails, 12 of which include Baijiu. The rest of the menu features classic favourites, to accommodate everyone. They will also offer their own Jaded Dragon lager and wine by the glass.
Jaded Dragon is in the space previously occupied by AlterEgo on Whiteladies Road, next to the WG Grace pub and opposite Everyman cinema.
The bar is designed into three different areas depending on what kind of evening you want to experience. The main bar area is lively, while the terrace inspired upstairs is more mellow, for a more laid back experience. The back room is like a club, playing music and having a large open dance floor.
Ed said in the future, they’d like to expand and offer a baijiu tasting room, to allow guests to engage further with the spirit: “We’re here to have a good time and have a good party with good drinks.”
The Jaded Dragon is due to open on January 29.
The cocktail bar is opening in what was the mobile bar hiring service AlterEgo – photo: Holly Lambert
Main photo: Ben Robins Photography
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