(Beijing weekend)
Updated: 2007-05-17 11:32

After more than two months of renovations, Salud is back in Nanluoguxiang with a new image.

The mastermind of local French favorite, Cafe de la Poste, has bought a 50-percent stake in Salud from its original Hong Kong owner, who now spends most of his time in London.

Salud has been transformed into a tapas bar. Graffiti, Confucius shrines and sofas have made way for a sleek terracotta interior with light wood tables and high-backed chairs.

The prevailing influence of the former landlord is conveyed through the portrait of a bratty kid - the ex-owner in his younger years - to the left of the curved bar.

In terms of interior design, impressive split levels reflect Salud's new emphasis on dining.

It is a switch that does not come without some teething problems. Alarm bells rang when the French manager said there was no tapas on the menu - the same menu that had the words "Tapas Menu" at the top.

But on ordering a refreshing draught beer for 20 yuan, we were rewarded by the tapas of the day.

This unfortunate concoction consisted of a chicken nugget, a hash brown and a gherkin wrapped in lard all skewered by cocktail sticks, with a slice of tomato smothered in cocktail sauce on the side.

The other dishes on the menu included chicken curry and a mixed grill - a bizarre interpretation of Spanish snacks.

But despite my intense irritation at this lesson in disappointment, I'll be going back.

Free of expectations of manchego, boquerones and chorizo, the menu contains incredibly reasonable fare such as a minced steak burger and chips for 38 yuan.

And then there are the ten flavors of house rum at 15 yuan a glass, ranging from ginger and honey to orange and clove. Posters promise live music on Monday nights.

Text and photos by Chris O'Brien

Salud, Daily 1pm-2am
Address:66 Nanluoguxiang, off Di'anmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District.
Tel: 010-6402-5086.