Top 10 Bars

Estaminet. Trendy cellar off Shanghai Road where students, journalists and lawyers hang out to drink, chat and party. Quality, but unobtrusive music, including a great selection of jazz, soul, latin and R&B. Free pool table.

Other bar owners, please note – there’s ice-cold beer in all weathers. The laid-back, friendly boss believes in giving customers what they want, not what Confucius says is good for them.

There’s also a varied menu and a good selection of European and New World wine.

Prices: $

Rating: 10

The Thames. Bar with upstairs restaurant. The Thames has a loyal following, despite the fact that getting a cold beer can be hit and miss. There’s a large pool table but the to-and-fro of waiters and customers can cramp your style. Tables and chairs outside for those who can stand the traffic fumes.

Prices: $$

Rating: 5

Behind the Wall. The most stylish bar in Nanjing; a convincing pastiche of a Mexican cantina with a beautiful terrace, perfect for sipping romantic cocktails on balmy moonlit nights. You’re even serenaded by a live flamenco guitar.

So, with all this going for it, why can’t the boss get it together to organize a cold beer? The whole show is further let down by lousy food, and slipshod service delivered by apparently comatose waiters.

Prices: $$$

Rating: 5

Bahama Bar. Hidden away on the 11th floor of a tower, Bahama is a favorite with Xinjeikou office workers. Lush décor and friendly service make this a great winter hangout but getting a cold beer can be a problem unless you get your face known and develop regular drinking habits.

The locals come here to eat as well as drink and the food is good.

Prices: $$

Rating: 7

Blue Sky Expat Bar and Grill does exactly what it says on the tin. It has pretty much all you’d expect from a traditional expat watering hole, including brass plaques recording the winners of pool and golf competitions. This is the place to sign up for hashes, marathons, triathlons and other crazed pursuits.

The formula is tired, but the beer is ice cold and the food is OK. The main drawback is the price of the beer, which is a bit steep for students and those struggling on a foreign teacher’s wage.

Get there about 9 pm to get a good view of the beer guts.

Prices: $$$

Rating: 6

Pacific Bar and Grill. Worth a visit for an early evening drink to meet Franklin, the head barman, who is a class act. Five star service with five star prices.

Prices: $$$$$$

Rating: 4

Danny’s Bar. Thoroughly plastic and soulless “Irish” Pub with astronomical prices. If you like this sort of thing you are already beyond help.

Prices: $$$$$$

Rating: 1