Brand New Pad: New Irish Bar in Sanlitun

After years of successfully fending off all-comers who challenged its status as the city's champion sports bar, Paddy's has now made the move into another weight class. Like a cruiserweight stepping up to his first heavyweight bout, Paddy's has beefed up as it graduates from Sanlitun satellite Dongzhimen to the comparative lion's den of Tongli Studio. Many have attempted the step up and failed, not least its erstwhile predecessor Bourbon, who lasted mere weeks in the bear pit.

Recognizing the challenge of attracting the Sanlitun Houjie set, they've scaled back on the live sport aspect that has served the franchise so well (though still boast three large TVs) and are instead attempting to craft a standing as a live music venue. Sensing that their new clientele might need more than the hurling finals and a pint of stout to make them stick around, they've incorporated a large stage area and a high-spec sound system at the back of the sizable room, and plan to host regular live acts throughout the week. There are some recognizable Paddy's features that have transferred over Xindong Lu – a premium-priced Guinness (RMB 55) and RMB 30 Carlsberg among them. As well as the daily buy-one-get-one-free happy hour (3-8pm). There'll also be a new food menu focusing on pub grub.

Incongruous as it might sometimes seem, Sanlitun is still Beijing's glamour spot, though at times it's more gangland than it is Gangnam. If we can expect anything from Paddy's, it's the convivial atmosphere that made O'Shea’s so popular, and that has often been in short supply around Sanlitun Houjie.

Also try: Paddy O'Shea's, Cheers

Paddy's Irish Bar Daily, 4pm-late. 2/F Tongli Studio, Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (6415 0299) 朝阳区三里屯北小街同里大厦二层, 朝阳区

By Subway: 1km northwest of Tuanjiehu station (Line 10)