B 018

B 018 is one of the best-known underground clubs in Beirut, Lebanon, set on Charles Helou Avenue in the Karantina district near the port. The venue was designed by the Lebanese architect Bernard Khoury and is recognised for its circular, partly buried structure and a roof that opens to the sky, which makes it as much an architectural landmark as a nightspot. The crowd is mostly local twenty- and thirty-somethings, along with visiting DJs' followers, expatriates and curious travellers, and the atmosphere is dark, intense and focused on the music rather than on being seen. Dress is generally relaxed and urban, with dark casual clothing the norm; the door is more concerned with the mix of the crowd than with formal wear. The programme centres on electronic music, including techno and house, with occasional rock and alternative nights, so the genre depends on the event listing. The club opens on event nights only and activity builds late in the evening, with the dancefloor usually busiest after midnight and running into the early hours. Weeknights are quieter and often dark unless a special event is scheduled, while weekends are the main draw. Drinks follow a standard club format of spirits with mixers, beer and simple cocktails, with Lebanese arak sometimes ordered by the group. Entry charges vary by event, so the event listing should be checked in advance, and tables or bottle service can usually be arranged for groups through the venue. Because Karantina is an industrial area with little late-night public transport, most visitors arrive and leave by ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Bolt, or by taxi arranged in advance. Visitors should carry some cash in US dollars or Lebanese pounds for incidentals, carry identification, and confirm opening nights before travelling, since the schedule changes with events and the security situation.