(That's Beijing)
Updated: 2007-05-14 10:51

What's in a name? Well, if The Rickshaw is anything to go by, quite a lot. Spurred by the promise of a free beer on entry for the next six months, over one hundred Beijing drunkards entered a competition to decide on a name for the new bar. As a result, there's been quite a buzz attached to the new Nansanlitun venue, which made its home in the building formerly occupied by Midnight and Grappa Pizzeria. While the competition generated ample publicity for Kris Ryan's new venue, fans of The Saddle and Cox will no doubt conclude that the hype is justified. Taking the values held dear to these two Sanlitun favorites – good food, drinks and music – The Rickshaw simply stretches them out over two floors and then sprinkles on a few welcome additives.

Downstairs provides a cosy area to enjoy coffee on plush sofas (a la Friends, minus that nob, David Schwimmer), wireless Internet access and a garden terrace for outdoor seating. Those who can't find their place in the sun can still enjoy the summer breeze by the large picture windows looking out onto the street. Upstairs boasts a generously sized balcony, while the bar from the old Midnight has been preserved to ensure Coronas and cocktail pitchers are on hand well into the summer. Interactive entertainment is provided on the pool table and, for the sports spectators among us, a plethora of flat screen televisions are dotted around the bar. As can only be expected from the team who took Sanlitun's takeaway options to another level, the menu extends its reaches to the realms of all-day breakfasts and pizza by the slice, while still finding room for old favorites such as burritos and chicken wings.

Rickshaw
Location: Nansanlitun (north of the turn-off to The Bookworm), Chaoyang District
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours
Tel: 010-65004330