Europe’s ‘first’ specialist baijiu bar opens

China’s native spirit baijiu has been given its own dedicated pop-up bar in Liverpool, which claims to be a “first” for Europe.

Located a short walk from Liverpool’s Chinatown, FU aims to help guests become “acquainted” with baijiu through its menu, which lists different brands according to four categories: strong, light, sauce and rice.

Patrons can enjoy the spirit as neat shots, as is traditional in China where consumers cheers glasses in the lowest possible position as a gesture of humility.

Alternatively, FU has also created a cocktail menu and “unique infusions” of the spirit, including saffron, vanilla, pineapple and cinnamon.

“We are thrilled to introduce the world’s most prolific spirit, which few people will have tried before, to Liverpool,” said Elliot Robinson, co-founder of FU.

“The food and drink scene in Liverpool is so exciting at the moment and there is so much experimentation with flavour and ingredients; there are vibrant microbrewers, coffee roasters and home-grown food producers popping up all the time.

“I see FU, with our unique focus on mixing and infusing baijiu, as a continuation of the Liverpool-spirit to innovate, explore and introduce the public flavours and sensations they have never experienced before.”