Bar Review: Blackstone Magic Bar

By Betty Richardson

We’ve just about had it with gimmick-laden bars. Can’t we all just agree that one does not need a theme to get drunk? This is especially true if you happen to be of English descent. 

Blackstone Magic Bar does have a theme, but with good reason. It is part cocktail bar, part magical theater. As in, a proper little amphitheater where magical illusionists host intimate performances every Thursday to Saturday, and a proper little cocktail bar with a menu designed by the insouciant-looking mixologist Chris Xi. The place was founded by Bund 18 owner Anson Chen, who along with co-founder Joe Deng is also a magician and performer at Blackstone. 

The theatre itself is a miniature but grand little affair, all velvet seats, dramatic stage lighting and structured acoustics that negate the need for microphones. As for the shows themselves, which run just under an hour, we won’t be giving away any details of what they entail, but guests can prepare for bamboozlement in the form of sleight of hand, misdirection, and what we suspect might be straight up witchcraft. Tickets for the shows are RMB240 (RMB300 for the front row), and include a drink. 

Those drinking at the bar won’t be denied a dose of magic either, as the house performers step behind the bar to perform at regular intervals throughout the night. It’s a nice touch that makes the trip to the still-not-quite-finished Found 158 worth it (at time of writing.)

If you were expecting solemn classic drinks at Blackstone, then think again. Xi and co. have outdone themselves with a whimsical booze menu that is determined not to be overshadowed by live magic. The Mexican Joe (RMB95) arrives with pink gelatin pearls suspended in its mezcal and banana liqueur insides, topped with balls of watermelon, honey dew and cantaloupe. 

The Classic Force (RMB95) is another candy-inspired libation, a sizeable cloud of egg white foam concealing a pleasingly tart brandy, lemon juice and bitter concoction underneath. A single maraschino cherry is concealed within an edible sugar casing and adhered to the base of the glass.

Perhaps the most intricate of all is the Red Hot Mama (RMB150), a trifecta of alcohol infused ‘makeup’ items (a pair of gin and chili lipsticks, a ‘powder box’ of Pernod and rose water pearls, and a spray bottle of gin, crème de menthe) alongside a single glass of rosé Champagne. 

Elaborate is an understatement; and you either dig these sort of drinks or you don’t. And for those who don’t, Blackstone has 12 no-nonsense classics like martinis, Irish coffees and negronis for RMB80. Either way, Blackstone is worth a trip for the curious and open-minded. 

Price: Drinks from RMB80, shows from RMB240 per person

Who’s going: locals and expats

Good for: dates, small groups

Blackstone Magic Bar, 158 Julu Lu, by Ruijin Yi Lu 巨鹿路158号，近瑞金一路

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