(worldsbestbars)
Updated: 2006-08-01 14:32

As luxurious as the most exclusive private clubs in London, New York or Tokyo, Merchant Prince, close to Chaoyang Park West Gate, is an oasis for the Beijing elite.

A plush, carpeted piano bar and cigar lounge, you enter a dimly-lit upstairs space and find a lounge of small white coffee tables rimmed by brightly-coloured chairs and sofas. A pianist plays jazz or classical on a baby grand in the corner, while immaculately-attired waiters bring menus offering the finest champagne, wine, whiskey, brandy or cigars.

It's the perfect post-dinner drinks spot but there's a dining room too, and for the true romantics among you we suggest you ask for the cosy table-for-two on the balcony overlooking the street. Members and the biggest of big spenders get access to an even more exclusive VIP lounge upstairs. We never got near it, so we cannot comment.

Merchant Prince Club
Location: Hong Ding Shang Ren, Beijing 
Tel: 010-65931082
Opening time: Mon-Sun 6:30pm-2am