Black Sails is a sleek new bar in Tianjin located near Renmingongyuan and just a short 10 minute walk from the subway. It is owned and operated by Bakhtiyar (or Baha, to his friends). The bar has a stylish Western feel that Baha has been cultivating for the last 6 months. Now, he says, it finally feels right.

Baha came to Beijing as a student about 6 years ago and says that his goals for Black Sails are for it to be a “fun, safe atmosphere with high quality drinks.” He runs the bar with a business partner named YouWei who also manages the gym downstairs. YouWei has had a large impact on day to day management and Baha explained he has been a key partner of his.

In addition to the promise of quality liquor stock, the bar offers a rare experience: Shisha. Shisha is an Arabic specialty that Baha has imported from his neighboring country. It is an aromatic smokable tobacco product, a healthier and more social alternative to cigarettes.

Baha is passionate about creating a vibrant social atmosphere in Black Sails. There are movie discussion groups (30rmb for popcorn and beer), Jeopardy nights, Karaoke, and an impressive collection of board games and card games. And don’t miss out on Mafia night, which features the cards and themed outfits.

Baha’s attentiveness to detail extends to the noise level in the bar, which he carefully adjusts so as not to stifle free conversation. He is also committed to supplying authentic drinks, going to great lengths to ensure that there is no counterfeit alcohol in Black Sails.

More than just a bar owner/operator, Baha is the consummate host. This is reflected in the bars hours, which Baha gives as, “9-3am, or until the last customer leaves.”