From the brushed metal crossbones above the door, it's evident that the latest addition to Sanlitun's Courtyard 4 area (Nanjie, Salsa Caribe) has paid attention to its decor.

Inside this two-storey, gangsta's paradise, Sanlitun booze hunters find black walls, black couches and a black bar, all illuminated by the purple glow of lights embedded in tables and TV projectors' casting endless montages of hip-hop videos.

The ambiance suits the rap that blasts from Heat's speakers, but the true selling point is Heat's prices: shooters for RMB10, mixed drinks for RMB20 and cocktails for RMB40.

Ladies Night (Thursday) offers half price for "dressing up ladies,"and Saturday is Foreigner's Night (as in you "tall nosed devils" not the band), at which anyone who doesn't know a "dudou"from a "doudou"pays half the locals' price.

Heat Club
Location: Courtyard 4, Sanlitun Nanlu
Opening hours: 24 hours
Tel: 010-6595-8008

(City Weekend January 7, 2008)