Vein

Given the large wine rack, we're convinced this tiny bar was intended to be called “Vine.” Whether or not there was a setback involving a careless printer, Vein has wrung something out of limited potential. If the back room feels like a staff lounge, it’s probably because the staff spends most of their time lounging there. A country soundtrack twangs gently, marking the Guns N’ Roses curtain as a particularly odd detail. However, the front room charms with soft lighting and only three tables. Tsingtao and shooters are RMB 10, so a younger crowd might invade before heading next door to Alfa. Meanwhile, a selection of decent German beers takes Vein just - but only just - outside of bar-by-numbers territory.