(That's Beijing)
Updated: 2007-12-18 10:50

Immediately upon entry, Dongzhimenwai’s new Irish pub allays any fears the epithet conjures.

Beijing bar stalwart Glenn Phelan’s venue feels like a pub, not the soulless formulaic faux-Irishry that is seen the world over. Once you get past the huddled throngs chattering over Duran Duran, you can also see it has the look of a classic public house, with high ceilings and a generously proportioned bar. The rest of the decor is devoted to Irish heritage and retro Guinness adverts.

This sits well with the best-poured Guinness in the capital (RMB 50) and whiskeys enough to warm the worst that winter has to offer. This hostelry is equally suitable for a quiet afternoon pint (Carlsberg, RMB 25), watching the match on the plasma screens or devoting yourself to the kind of drinking that will see you unable to focus on the white ball at the pool table.

An afternoon-long happy hour (3-7pm, 30 percent off everything) precipitates the flow of beer and might move many in the soon-to-open upstairs to a cheeky jig.

Food is on the way – hearty Irish pies, among other traditional grub – and Beijing’s newest Irish bar may well be its first genuine pub

Location: 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District
Opening hours: Daily 10am-late
Tel: 010-6415-6389