After a December relaunch that was the nightlife equivalent of a 100m false start, Souk relaunches for real tonight. Former Brown’s, Frank’s Place, Pavillion, Paddy O’Shea’s and Danger Doyle’s manager Glenn Phelan has brought his experience on board as a consultant; he hints that the new-look Souk will take Beijingers of a few years’ standing will back to the 2006 glory days of Brown’s – bar-top dancing and all. There’s an open bar from 8-10pm.

What's going on this week in Bars & Clubs? There are openings, dragons, qipaos, tattoos, love, hate, comedy and quizzes. Not all in the same bar, unfortunately.

A few hours later than normal – lots going on this week – here's your weekly check-in on what's making the news in Beijing's bars.

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.