Grinders, Beijing China

A pleasant local pub recently opened in Shuangjing (just down the road from fellow pleasant local pub The Brick). It is the newest venture to bear a stamp of approval from Chad Lager – formerly of The Rickshaw, currently owner of Fubar.  Grinders’ plain green walls are decorated sparsely, although a large bar stacked high with wine bottles on one side and spirits on the other adds character. A first floor mezzanine reached via a spiral staircase overlooks the main area, where tables and chairs are laid out in a fashion that suggests restaurant rather than bar. Shuangjing is an area densely packed with foreigners. As well as rival bar The Brick, the same small street also plays home to popular American diner Lily’s. If the aim is to get a loyal crowd of regulars, then this area is a good choice. The distance from Sanlitun may put people off, but Grinders’ high quality service, affordable prices and convenient location means it should have no problems staying busy.

• Shuangjing / Dongsihuan 双井东四环
• Unit 3-02, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang District
• 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院天之骄子2号楼底商3-02