Dining under century-old pomegranate and date trees in the central yard of this old courtyard house, acoustically cut off from the hustle and bustle just steps outside it's imposing, lantern-lit doors, is a serene and relaxing experience.

The Source serves a particularly good set menu of Sichuan specialties for just 100 yuan per person. The menu, which changes every two weeks, includes several appetizers and hot dishes, a few improvised by the chef. On request, the kitchen will tone down the spiciness of your food.

The complex that today houses The Source was once the home of a Qing dynasty general regarded by the Qing court as "The Great Wall of China." The general was made a prince in the mid-1800s as a reward for his victory against the Tai Ping Rebellion, the greatest peasant uprising in 18th century of China. Unfortunately, he was killed in 1865 while fighting another large-scale peasant uprising, the Nian Rebellion.

The courtyard house has been meticulously renovated. The inside, with its subdued lighting and antique-style furnishings, has the feeling of a living room of a wealthy family in old Beijing.

Avant-garde artist Bing Bing, also the proprietor of the Yen Gallery at 798, originally intended the structure to be a gallery. But the Sichuan native says that her clients were so impressed with the food and ambience that she changed it into a restaurant.

14 Banchang Hutong, Kuanjie, (tel 6400 3736). Open 11am-2pm, 5:30-10:30pm daily. Set meal 128RMB or 198RMB per person, does not include drink.

都江源南锣鼓巷板厂胡同14号