The fringe of Beijing for chilled-out venues offers a motley crew of cool pastiche to backward rooms with broken white tiles. But not all is lost for those around Sihui railway station.

Quebecois Jean-Martin and Pierre have transformed a derailed Chinese restaurant into a quaint quartier for Chinese and foreign folks alike who need not venture out into the centre of kitsch for entertainment. Even their dog Simatai vies for customers' attention.

Dry martinis and beer on tap, home-style burgers (RMB45) and Italian poutine (RMB40) round out quiet conversations. The Chinese feel still lingers, but the mix of gentry makes the neighborhood pub an unpretenious way to meet new people fast. Not exactly something to write home about, the pub isn't worth a trek out of the way, but is cozy for those in the area.

Address: No. 7, Bldg 1, Tonghuijiayuan, Huiminyuan,, Chaoyang District
Tel: 010-65579004

[City Weekend]