Long gone are the days when this redbrick three-storey building was a hub of learning. A secondary school built during the turmoil of the 1970s, it has recently been transformed into one of the classiest new bars in Beijing. The only thing you're likely to learn about now is how to craft the perfect champagne cocktail or ask for a pint of Tetley's ale in Chinese.

A lot of thought has gone into decorating this school-turned-bar and restaurant. The yellow walls are adorned with artefacts from across South East Asia, sumptuous burgundy sofas and chairs make up the seating area and an ornately decorated bar splits the main room into two.

A pool table stands by the entrance and outside, clumps of bamboo, a man-made stream and carved wood stools create what must, in the summer at least, be a surprisingly atmospheric place in which to kick back and relax.

The promotional blurb on the front of the drinks menu states: "We have set out to create a warm, cultural, friendly oasis where traveller and trader, in the great tradition of silk route caravansaries, can meet and socialize." This sounds nice, but you have to question how many "travellers and traders" would be happy forking out 40 yuan for a bottle of Tsingtao before the 10 per cent service charge.

Still, there aren't many bars in Beijing where you can enjoy a pint of Tetley's (70 yuan) under the gaze of a three-foot Buddha's head. The menu includes a vast selection of champagne cocktails from 95 yuan a pop as well as wines, spirits and shooters.

Face Bar remains rather quiet Monday to Thursday but heats up at the weekend, drawing a fashionable crowd happy to pay over the odds to drink in a bar that is head and shoulders above the rest.

Face Bar
Location: 26 Dongcaoyuan, Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District.
Tel: 010-6551-6788