Happiness Lounge

Take in the gorgeous view from the Happiness Lounge

Located on the 21st floor of the Pangu Plaza Hotel, Happiness Lounge boasts a world-class view where patrons can marvel at the peculiar architecture of the Birds’ Nest and Water Cube from a high vantage point.

Whether you’re there day or night it’d take a pretty cynical soul not to be impressed. Sadly the inside of the bar doesn’t carry on this theme of jaw-dropping beauty.

The décor is perfunctory high-class chic, marble flooring and incongruous chairs with well-trained staff and tables lit by candlelight.

The space is well thought out, though, with two winding staircases leading up to a set of small private lounges with fake fires and giant TV screens in case the view begins to bore you.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with the way the bar has been designed, it just doesn’t take many risks and isn’t likely to leave a lasting impression.

After leaving you’ll be talking about the view, but not much else. The bar is as well stocked as you’d imagine from a hotel like this; an impressive selection of single malts and a dizzyingly detailed wine list remind you you’re in multiple-starred territory.

The cocktails are well mixed, original, and tasty. Their Mint Mule (78RMB) packs a real kick and adds an interesting twist on the standard drink.

But be warned: prices in the Happiness Lounge are, as you would expect, on the high side. A Tsingtao will set you back 58RMB, champagne cocktails come at a wallet busting 235RMB, and martinis range from between 88RMB and 120RMB.

All these come with a standard 15 per cent service charge, making for a very expensive night out.

Once the warmer weather rolls around Happiness Lounge will be able to utilise its outdoor sections, which are easily the highest terraces in Beijing, and are sure to be one of the summer’s hottest attractions.

Until then the fantastic drinks and spectacular view are probably enough to make people trek up to the Olympic Village, but the unimpressive décor and inconvenient location mean repeat visits are unlikely. Ross Goulding

Happiness Lounge Pangu Plaza Hotel, 21st Floor, 27 Beisihuan Zhong Lu, Chaoyang district (5906 7777). 朝阳区北四环中路27号21层盘古七 星酒店