After a five-month hiatus, Latinos reopens and is set to inject some much-needed salsa spirit into what has so far been a soulless re-imagination of the imperial granaries at Nanxincang.

Twice the size of the original Latinos (previously at Chaoyang Park South Gate), manager Antonio has designed the layout for his new venue from scratch ¨C his vision: the perfect place for the ultimate Beijing salsa experience. The decor is kept simple, with dark reds and granite, not to mention the welcome absence of neon points of sale and disco lights. "Such things are distractions," says Antonio. "The atmosphere will come from the people and the music." Evening soundtracks come courtesy of resident Venezuelan-Colombian band Makore, and guest dancers from across the globe are set to visit each month. Meanwhile, every quarter, big-name DJs from the Americas will be invited to spin reggaeton - a Latin-American fusion of reggae and hip hop that has taken the Latino music scene by storm.

Not much has changed in terms of the drinks menu: reasonably-priced beers range from RMB 25-35, cocktails starting at RMB 40 can be ordered at one of the two bars at either end of the venue, and a secluded seating area provides a cool retreat from the balmy Havana nights that lie in store.

Latinos
Opening hours: Daily 9pm-late.
Address: A12 Historical Complex, Nanxincang, Dongsishitiao, Dongcheng District
Tel: 010-64096997