If Twilo existed in a cartoon, it would probably be hidden inside a seemingly innocuous tree trunk. As with Haze, a few meters away, an extremely steep staircase leads you to the basement dance floor – although at Twilo you emerge awkwardly behind the DJ booth. At least it looks good, thanks to a futuristic, contoured design.

Accessed via struggling Italian restaurant Abella, Doron falls short of the impressive standards set by other Japanese bars. The shabby, threadbare carpeted stairs up to the bar inspire little confidence, and the decor does nothing to alleviate those doubts. The space is split between a lounge with deep couches, and a fully stocked but uninspiring bar area whose design appears inspired by a back-alley pool hall.

When I go out with friends on a Friday night, I want a good bar with cheap drinks and plenty of space to dance. This new club answers on both counts. Inheriting the space most recently used by the short-lived Mango Club, Wu is all black and red decor, with raw, unplastered walls. (Designer Paul Gelinas also worked on The Bridge Cafe and owns Guozijian store Lost & Found.)

The first thing you should understand about The Drive-Thru is that it’s not a bar. They do have a great selection of beers, starting with Kingfisher at RMB 19, but it’s intended primarily for you to take home. There are a few seats, though, and you’re welcome to stay for a beer. Owner Ryan Johnston (founder of The Brick) expects to have Slow Boat Brewery’s beers on tap soon, and wants to operate a tasting bar offering a regularly rotated lineup of draft brews.

Owner Jeff wants you to treat Mai like home. That’s partly why the name sounds like “My.” That’s also why the beer fridge is out front, El Nido-style – so you can grab your own drink. The beer selection isn’t huge, but offers a variety that has become essential for any aspiring bar: Rogue, Chimay, BrewDog and more.

Mai is really about the cocktails, though. An Old Fashioned or Queen’s Park Swizzle (both RMB 40) here is a great way to start the year. The whiskey list is also good for Gulou. The selection is comparable to Amilal’s, and marginally cheaper – Highland Park is a bargain at RMB 45. As a bonus, they make a sweet mijiu (rice wine), served hot for RMB 40 per pot.