Here, in a nutshell, is what's going on this weekend:

Friday night sees Acupuncture DJs play upstairs and downstairs at The House, the Funk Fever boys play at Migas, the latest installment of Hot Pot (Lomang has left town, but DJ Wordy is keeping things going) is at Punk, Suzie Wong's hosts its monthly Suzie's Night, and there's hip-hop and more from The Cypher at 2 Kolegas.

Run by Trevor Metz, with the capable aid of one of Beijing's most instantly recognizable bar personalities, Chad Lager (Metz' brother-in-law), new Shuangjing venue Grinders has now launched its food menu. The full selection is not yet available, but there are several sandwiches, salads and pastas to give you a taste of what's to come. The roast beef (RMB 55) was big enough for two, featured very tender (and not overcooked) thinly sliced roast beef garnished with peppers, onions and cheese, and was accompanied by a small side salad. Not all the kinks have been  worked out of the service, so don't expect your order lickety-split. However, Wednesday night demonstrated the pull of the place, with several tables filled on a frigid evening when neighboring venues The Brick and Lily's were both empty.

And so it begins. Chinese New Year parties for those of us left behind here in Beijing might be a good way to pass the week off work. I intend to be pretty sozzled for the majority of it, and luckily there'll be enough to do in town to accommodate me. I'm just looking forward to being able to freewheel around town in cabs I haven't had to wait 15 minutes for on near empty streets. Bliss.

He's been described separately as unique (and cartoon characterish), a genius, instantly recognizable, as well as having potentially the finest aptronym in Beijing. He's been immortalised with his own sandwich, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of '80s music, and has won countless awards and nominations for various nightlife accolades in the city.

Belated Happy New Year wishes to you all. Here's to another fine and fulfilling year in Beijing boozing. It's good to be back after a brief rest over the holidays. How was your festive period, then? Many Beijing expats took the opportunity to flee the bitter BJ chill and headed for sunnier climes, while others toughed it out here in Beijing – Lord knows there was plenty to keep the hardy entertained.