(That's Beijing)
Updated: 2007-07-16 13:55

This Gongti Beilu venue is the newest addition to Beijing's alternative bar scene and hidden in its dark recesses is a charming bar. After negotiating the stairs and dragging one's self from the lure of the entrance hall message board, your prize is a deceptively large saloon.

The distressed concrete decor and exposed brickwork bring to mind an illicit drinking den but the salubrious seating confirms that this is the genuine article. The healthily sized dance-floor means there is no excuse not to break out your dancing shoes for those weekend funk nights.

Otherwise, you can sip cocktails from the extensive menu – RMB 30 to 45 – including the exclusive and lip-smacking house special Cosmo-BJ (RMB 40).

There is also a surprisingly wide selection for Beijing's teetotal community and the flowers on the bar add a touch of warmth to the abundant chrome, which should keep its clientele coming back for more.

Cosmo
Location: Grand Rock Plaza, Gongti Beilu (opposite Asia Hotel), Chaoyang District
Opening hours: Daily 8pm-late
Tel: 010-51908918