X’ian Bar
197 Banbury Rd
(01865) 554239 Those of you who are connoisseurs of Chinese cuisine will
certainly know of the X’ian restaurant in Summertown since
it serves, without a doubt, the best Chinese food for several
counties. If you haven’t been tempted to trek up the Banbury
Road to sample its crispy duck and spring rolls you should
consider a visit to its bar. X’ian’s bar isn’t huge, it certainly isn’t
anthing like a bar in its own right, but perhaps it’s all
the more alluring for that fact. One can recline on the comfy
Chinese-print sofas while enjoying a Mai Tai and chatting to
one’s fellows without the blare of hideous house music
making meaningful conversation impossible. This bar is for the
more discerning visitor. Don’t turn up intending to get
plastered – you’ll get thrown out on your ear. But if
you’re after a quieter alcoholic evening then X’ian is
the perfect experience. As we come into the summer months X’ian has an extra
benefit: outdoor seating. Their license covers the al fresco
consumption of delicious alcoholic beverages, and drinking in
their sweet little garden under the pegoda front is a seriously
pleasurable experience. X’ian doesn’t have a dress code
but I recommend dressing up for your visit, it only adds to the
fun. Pretend, for one night, that you’re not a scruffy
student and become instead, in a Stars in Their Eyes type
transformation, a glamorous bohemien ready to indulge in the
finer things in life, good wine, witty, sparkling conversation.
And, this not being some slummy little bar, you’ll still be
sober enough by the end of the night to make it back into town
alive. And, if you’re bored of the regular cocktails offered by
all the other bars then ask the manager to serve you their
speciality – vodka spiked with scorpian tails. If that
doesn’t excite you then nothing will!ARCHIVE: 5th week TT 2004
DRINK: X’ian Bar
