Contempio

Contempio offers a classy atmosphere in a picturesque location guaranteed to impress your out-of-town friends. Opened in early summer, Contempio is located just behind the Bell Tower, in front of a charmingly busy hutong courtyard. It is divided into three separate parts – a coffee shop, a lounge/club area and an outdoor sliver. The lounge area takes its cues from Bed Bar and LAN, featuring a mirrored rhino statue and opium-den beds. The coffee shop section comes with white leather sofas and is easily transformed into a bar area once the midday café Contempio vibe has evaporated.

The outdoor section, meanwhile, looks like reclaimed land from the temple that sits behind it. There are Tsingtaos for 25 RMB, cocktails are 35 RMB and a modest range of beers each selling for 30 RMB a pop. It’s genuine and never feels forced, making the affectations of bars such as Xiu seem tacky and ersatz. If Contempio can find a way to become popular while retaining its hidden nature, then there’s a real possibility it will become one of the best bars in Beijing.