One of East Beirut’s calmer bars, Time Out has been decked out like the living room of a quiet English country house. Consequently, the crowd is slightly older and attracts plenty of cigar-smokers and those in search of an intimate chat. Built inside an old Achrafieh house, Time Out has been around for years and occupies two levels, with a wide-open terrace for the summer months. A good selection of imported whiskies, gins and vodkas are on hand to help wash down the food, which includes chicken brochettes, sushi and sashimi. But really Time Out is for chilling out, as the name suggests. There’s no other place like it in Beirut; relaxing, and good for a romantic drink, it makes a great alternative to all the designer venues in town.