(economist.com)
Updated: 2006-10-17 15:05

Here is a list of three bars in town for blues and jazz lovers to while away after work hours. Read on to know more about them.

Icehouse

Occupying the outhouse that once supplied the Forbidden City with ice, this club is the place to enjoy live blues and jazz, which are often played by well-known American bands. Icehouse is the bar of RBL.

Location: 53 Donganmen Dajie
Tel: 010-65221389
Open: 7pm-2am

CD Jazz Cafe

This cafe, with jazz memorabilia hanging on its walls, was established by a well-known former rock star, Liu Yuan. Mr Liu's Chinese jazz ensemble plays here every Friday and Saturday; an expat band, Ah Q, struts its stuff on Thursdays. Sometimes, local musicians also put on impromptu performances.

Location: 16 Nongzhanguanlu, East Third Ring Road
Tel: 010-65068288
Open: 4pm-midnight

Centro

This lobby bar is one of Beijing's more sophisticated, upscale drinking venues, and is arguably the capital's best cocktail lounge. While the drinks here are not cheap, portions are generous and the cocktails impress. Evenings are enlivened by live jazz.

Location: Kerry Centre Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu
Tel: 010-65618833
Open: 24 hours