US songwriter Bernie Higginsends Beijing hotel tour with show to make grand opening of R Lounge. Todd Balazovic reports.

The capital's sleek and chic club scene got a major new addition last Friday as R Lounge officially opened its doors with a two-day grand bash. Located in Shuangjing, the stylishly decorated venue sated Beijingers' thirst for free flowing drinks and 1980s pop stars at its launch party on Friday and Saturday.

Formally known as D, the Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel began renovations on the bar last year before finally having a soft opening in February.

Musician Bernie Higgins, the 1980s songwriter responsible for songs like Key Largo, which hit No 8 on the billboard charts in the United States, and Casablanca, which dominated charts in Asia, serenaded audiences of more than 100 as he wrapped up a two-month tour of the capital's hotels.

His performance was followed by a soulful display by the Jackson Twins, who had formerly been performing at LAN club.

The classy new watering spot is billed as a perfect blend of Beijing's bass-bumping clubs and Sanlitun's gritty bars.

"It's a unique mix of pub and club," said Shen Ye, 26, a Beijing tour guide who attended the grand bash on Saturday. "It's got a nice balance to it. It's spacey but feels intimate at the same time."

Although guests to the grand opening were welcomed with free-flowing drinks, the bar had already begun building a name among wine connoisseurs for it's "buy two glasses and get the rest of the bottle free" deal on Fridays and Saturdays.