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A Pub for All Seasons

The John Bull Pub, 44 Guanghua Road, Chaoyang District (at rear of International Post Office)

Something of a surprise in the centre of Beijing, the sights and sounds of a traditional English-style pub are welcome spirit-lifters far from home. The pub, owned by American Frank Siegel, has the distinctive feel that any Brit in particular would recognize, including bar stools usually occupied by regulars who like to hold forth, bar games, pool, darts, quiz nights, chilled draught beers, a fine dining room upstairs and, adjoining the pool room, a superb bakery owned by an hotel.

While John Bull offers "pub food" under the genial guidance of a new chef, the menu has been extended to include a la carte lunch and dinner dishes that cater to all tastes. Whether you're in need of a quick snack or something more, the menu offers traditional fare in Fish and Chips and Shepherd's Pie, and more exotic staples such as chicken-stuffed Pitta Sandwich and delicious Seafood Chowder.

Find: The John Bull is on the corner of Guanghua Road in the center of Chaoyang's Jianguomenwai diplomatic area. Tel: +86 10 6532 5905/6502 or on the web at John Bull Pub