Amilal

Relax in a mellow and humble courtyard

Located in a hutong just off Gulou Dong Dajie, east of Nanluoguxiang, Amilal is an intimate, converted siheyuan, which is bound to charm any visitor lucky enough to find it.

Like many of the bars in this area, the hutong locale is played to the fore. A gnarled tree grows in the courtyard, the single-storey rooftops are covered in weeds, and beautifully captured photographs dot the walls.

Amilal manages to catch the Nanluoguxiang vibe better than most of the bars actually on Nanluoguxiang. The drinks menu offers a number of German, Belgian and Dutch beers, which range from 20-50RMB.

Most of the floor space is taken up with tables and the bar makes good use of its small size. While many bars would consider being in a relatively hard to find spot a hindrance, Amilal is bound to do well out of this detail – people will want to show their friends this intimate little place.

It’s reminiscent of the bars that used to be in Houhai before everyone’s favourite lake got drenched in gaudy neon.

Not the kind of place you’re likely to go to looking for a wild night out, but the subtle, relaxed vibe marks Amilal out as one of Beijing’s true hidden gems. Ross Goulding

Amilal 48 Shoubi Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district (no telephone). Open 4pm-late daily. 东城区鼓楼东大 街寿比胡同48号