This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
On a recent Saturday evening, I found myself at the Blue Door Lounge in Nairobi, attending a Rotary function. The event was held in the lounge's Beer Garden, a spacious room with a high-definition screen for watching sports and a well-stocked bar.
As I looked around, I noticed that the women Rotary members outnumbered the men, which was impressive. The club has been implementing community service projects in its surrounding neighborhoods since its founding five years ago, focusing on healthcare, water, and education.
The Blue Door itself is a modern Chinese restaurant serving classic South-East Asian dishes with a contemporary European flair. Its cocktail lounge offers a range of drinks, including 'London Shanghai' cocktails.
After the function, I returned to the Blue Door on Sunday for lunch and a quieter look-around. The lounge was much less crowded, with only a few patrons in the main bar. I was intrigued by the photographs on the walls, featuring icons of my generation, such as the Beatles and Elton John.
I ordered the Smoked Duck and Bacon with cherry tomatoes and sampled the Bateleur Bila Shaka Ipa Beer, which promised a 'crispy hint of spice and tropical fruit with a bitter finish.' While I couldn't identify the fruits, I enjoyed the beer and the atmosphere of the Blue Door.
