Capital Bites: New Spots in Gulou and More Terraces Open

Along with white balls of cottonwood suspended in warm breezes, alfresco dining and drinking in the city herald the arrival of spring and coming of summer. Soon-to-open cafe and bar space The Fort on 5 Dongsi Liutiao promises a secluded rooftop with "bagel-centered meals, private parties and morning yoga classes." Construction is wrapping up, and with an opening party on the way, we'll let you know when you can check it out for yourself.

Head north a bit and you'll find that the crew behind The Taco Bar has opened a new eight-seat spot on Jianchang Hutong which they're calling The Hardware Shop. Next door to the Arrow Factory, it's an early morning (7.30-10.30am) and evening (5.30-9pm) joint for grabbing a quick coffee and piece of toast or glass of wine and some cheese at the beginning or end of your day.

Nali Patio shines during these months. The other weekend – freezing as it was – marked the first rooftop parties of the season for Migas and Fez. Now the terrace at Enoterra is open, too, so stop by on one of these warm evenings for a glass of wine.

Down a level, Niajo is offering their business lunch through the holiday (weekdays, noon-2.30pm). That's RMB 98 for three courses, a glass of wine and coffee following dessert. They're keeping things fresh and light, appropriate to the spring weather this week with choices ranging from seafood-vegetable tempura or a tomato and cucumber gazpacho to start and a lemon tartlet with meringue to finish.

Rapidly expanding wholesale wine importer Cheers has opened a new Xinyuanli branch. They're open daily (11am-10pm) on the northeast corner opposite The Capital Club on Xinyuan Nanlu.

Finally, just as it seems spring menus were rolling out, summer menus are hot on their heels. Obentos is launching their new menu for summer on Saturday, May 4. They have a sashimi salmon bento and two new maki rolls (a cucumber avocado and a salmon rocket) to look forward to.

Photo: instagram.com/obentos