Tag Archives: hutong

June 21, 2011

Is this the best fitting room in Beijing?

The amazing fitting room

Wuhao, a boutique and arts space hidden behind a hefty wooden door on Mao’Er Hutong, may well be one of Beijing’s most exciting hidden gems. A mesmerising Spring installation currently inhabits the space (Wuhao changes its themes and wares seasonally) consisting of paper butterflies, eco-friendly clothing, foldable furniture and limited edition designs inspired by the elements of wood and earth.

But Wuhao’s best kept secret – the pièce de résistance if you will – is its fitting room.

Imagine being given the best hug ever. By a real-life bear, and you’ll come somewhere close to understanding what it feels like. Soft cuddly fur covers both the floor and walls, and makes you want to roll all over it and giggle like a little child. Add to that a playful pillow-chair and a full length mirror that is incredibly flattering (we don’t care if it’s an optical illusion, WE-LOVE-IT), and you’ll understand why it took us some time and a lot of self-discipline to leave. Did Que Yang, Wuhao’s project assistant, notice us trying to sneak back in at every opportunity? We think so, but we didn’t care, it was worth it.

In a nutshell: Wuhao’s fitting room is pure awesomeness in a single room. It’s where every woman, man, child and pet would like to be when trying new clothes.

Scratch that. It’s where every woman, man, child or pet would like to be at all times.

We are now thinking of recreating it at Bespoke HQ. An office meeting will be held soon about the issue.

Wu Hao: 35 Mao’er Hutong Dongcheng district (+86 189 1135 5035 - Call to book an appointment)

Susu

For some reason, the name of this restaurant makes us want to sing a certain Phil Collins song, but the main reason we are telling you about it is because it’s a great new addition to Beijing’s dining scene.

Don’t get us wrong, we love Chinese food. Otherwise we wouldn’t be here. But sometimes it’s nice to eat something a little lighter, and Susu -a new Vietnamese restaurant- delivers just that.

Nestled deep in a hutong north east of the National Art Museum of China, this stylish little courtyard playing 20s jazz sets just the right tone for a tête à tête over lunch or a relaxed dinner away from the crowds.

What’s more, given the lack of reputable Vietnamese restaurants in Beijing, aficionados will be pleased to hear that the owners have employed two experienced Vietnamese chefs to create and execute the menu.

The result is a great selection of classic, well-prepared and tasty dishes including pho noodles, fresh nem rolls, and even chewy banh mi sandwiches perfect for a quick lunchtime snack. Our favourites include the vibrant Three Colour Salad with its crunchy lotus root and surprisingly delicious pig’s ear shavings, and the supremely tasty barbecued fish spring rolls.

Altogether now:” Su-su-ssudio….”

Checking In…The Orchid

We heaved a sigh of relief when we first visited The Orchid. Not just because it took us a while to find the first time around, you understand, but because someone finally succeeded in creating a truly chic and comfortable hutong hotel in our beloved city.

Situated in the maze of lanes surrounding the city’s ancient Drum and Bell towers, The Orchid feels like a hidden gem from the outset.

As you slip down the barely visible alley that constitutes the hotel’s entrance off Baochao Hutong, you might want to avert your eyes as you pass the back door of a grubby local kitchen and focus on the gleaming white oasis of cool up ahead. For once inside, you’ll enter a tranquil little world where traditional Chinese roofs meet modern white balconettes* and the hustle and bustle of the city simply melts away.

Hats off to the hotel’s little-known Hong Kong architect, who has designed a multifaceted space that feels much larger than it actually is. Kudos is also due to the hotel’s Tibetan and Canadian owners, who have created a laid back environment that makes you feel instantly at home.

The Orchid’s ten rooms are decorated extremely simply with big poofy duvets, bamboo lanterns and the odd potted plant. Mercifully, wooden beams have been left exposed and bathrooms are sleek and fully equipped.

Even better, there’s free WiFi; breakfast is included; and guests can even access a central film database from their widescreen TVs.

The Bespoke Verdict

Sound the trumpets, we’ve finally found a hutong hotel that we really like. Whether it’s the English-speaking owners, the soft beds or the soft and airy rooms, The Orchid ticks all the boxes others don’t. And the location couldn’t be better. Situated on one of the prettiest streets in the old town and a stone’s throw from Beijing’s hip boutiques and some of our fave local restaurants, it’s hard to beat. Orchid, we salute you.

*this is our word for little balcony. We’re not sure whether we made it up or not. A glance at Google suggests we have. Or rather muddled the meaning somewhat.

Tag Archives: hutong

Is this the best fitting room in Beijing?

Susu

Checking In…The Orchid

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