By Jonathan White (That's Beijing)
Updated: 2007-12-25 10:55

The torture chamber of Orwell's Room 101 is "the worst thing in the world," but the eponymous bar in Andingmen isn't so bad.

The budget appears to have been siphoned away from decoration. There are no hungry caged rats, but the bar is quite sparse, with claret walls, leather sofas and a stage area downstairs. On the other hand, the dartboard, TV and French "gentlemen's" magazines give the cozy feeling of relaxing in a high school friend's basement.

Up the spiral staircase, the rope barriers are akin to a cruise aboard the Love Boat and there's a shipshape second bar. Room 101 comes into its own with its live music policy, open-mic night and a menu as comprehensive as you'd expect from the Gallic gourmands behind Cafe de la Poste and Salud. Drinks are well-mixed and the bartending is both friendly and impeccable.

An admirable drink selection includes Boddington's (RMB 40), Pastis (RMB 20) and Hoegaarden (RMB 70). The bar aims to provide the area somewhere to drink, and in that it has been successful. With the bands and the midnight happy hour- one of three daily (6-8pm, 12-1am, 4-5am; buy one, get one free)-it might not just be the locals who pop in.

Room 101
Open: Daily 24 hours. 199 Andingmennei Dajie, Dongcheng District
Tel: 010-6402 7532