Night Talk: Four New Venues

Brix

What: Bar/live music venue with great food

Why: You like competitive drinking and cover bands

How much: Pints RMB 38 – 58, Cocktails RMB 68, Fish n’ Chips RMB 118

Where: 5F, South Bund 22, 22 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, near Jinlin Lu. Tel: 6328 6766. Web: www.brix-shanghai.com

Like its name suggests, the brick heavy interior gives this upscale pub a rather cosy feel. Located on the fifth floor of the recently renovated and expanded South Bund 22 building, Brix is one of the first businesses to open in this food and entertainment hub.

Suds rule the day here. Numerous international beers are available on draught through either the bar or taps at many of the tables – a first for the city. Drinking is very much encouraged – competitively even – with every table’s consumption amount displayed on televisions around the bar. If a pint is not what you’re after, Brix also carries a sizable list of European bottled beers, cocktails and shooters. For large groups or heavy drinkers, special discounted packages of beer and/or shots will set you back RMB 198 – 258.

The alcohol is paired quite nicely with a very extensive food menu boasting very large portions. International favourites are available, but Brix’s Austrian-Germanic offerings from chef Mario Tassotti like Tafelspitz (RMB 188) are definitely a winner.

For entertainment, Brix employs an international, six-member band Peachy playing pop, rock and R&B covers Monday through Saturday from 10pm on. They are joined by another singer Smokey on Saturdays, while he shares the bill with local crooner Fei on Sundays. The space is also perfect for stand up comedy and management is considering adding a night of laughs if the demand is present.