Hatchery's Newest Concept Space Arcade

Polished concrete may just be Beijing’s favorite F&B non-look du jour. At Arcade, the cold warehouse aesthetic couples with black fencing, white tiles, primary-colored furnishings, and neon lights to conjure a setting akin to a Double Dragon level and the halcyon days of side-scrolling beat-‘em-ups. We suppose blood would certainly scrub out easily off Hatchery’s newest venue, located in what used to be the all-day dining space in the former Trader’s Hotel (now 5Lmeet Guomao at China World).

Arcade's decor is decidedly retro-chic

Fortunately, you’re more likely to experience a firm thrashing on one of foosball or ping pong tables or free-to-play arcade machines dotted through the bar than to suffer a steel barrel to the face. When you’re not getting your arse handed to you on a plate, regain some finger dexterity and mental determination via Arcade’s culinary wares; currently a selection from two of Hatchery’s previously tested food concepts, Canteen and Common Burger. The former acts as a global salad bar – choose from premade healthy renditions of meals from across the world: poke (RMB 65) to bun cha (RMB 50), and Southern-style rib bowl (RMB 50) to Mexican el pollo picante (RMB 50). Alternatively, build your own for RMB 40-50.

Common Burger has traveled well from Hatchery to its new post in Arcade

At Common Burger, which you order from the neighboring diner-style counter, you can go large with their excellently priced range of beef, chicken, fish, and veggie burgers (RMB 25-45) and a variety of sides (RMB 25-40). The kitchen here may be limited compared to that of Hatchery’s original Zhangzizhong Lu site but the strongest attributes survive, including good service and superior (to the point of nearly being overwhelming) meal personalization. The bar, a separate island towards the entrance, has a similarly extensive menu, spanning draft and bottled beers and cider (RMB 35-55), wines (RMB 50-60 per glass or RMB 210-285 for the bottle), cocktails (RMB 50-80), and punch bowls for the truly brave (RMB 288).

Arcade makes for a fun alternative to the CBD’s snootier establishments. Given that the low prices remain despite the shinier Chaoyang setting, we can imagine that it will receive its fair share of foot traffic from young-at-heart office staff and post-work pinters alike. However, success of the venue will for us depend on whether the machines are kept in working condition – lame joysticks and sticky buttons are the bane of any gamer – and care for the merchandise will elevate Arcade from a simple gimmick to a knock-out hangout spot.

Arcade 游乐场
Daily 10.30am-late. 5Lmeet Guomao (Formerly Trader's Hotel), 1 Jianguomen Outer Street, Chaoyang District (6500 2884)
朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸共享际一层（原国贸饭店）

This article first appeared in the January/February 2018 issue of the Beijinger, which you can read via PDF online or in hard copy at all of your favorite venues across town.

Photos courtesy of Arcade, Tom Arnstein

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