Bar Review: Stampede

What: Nightclub/go-karting hybrid

Why: You like to walk on the wild side

How much: Cocktails RMB 60 – 80, Bottled beers RMB 35 – 45

Where: Basement Section C, Bailian Shopping Center, 1288 Zhenguang Lu, near Meichuan Lu. Tel: 6139 5095

Not exactly new, Stampede Karting is the second try for the go-karting track. Initially the bar was something of an after-thought to the racing itself, basically just a place to nurse a beer while waiting for your spin around the track. Now, almost two years after opening, Stampede has renovated in an attempt to revitalise the bar half of the location and steal some of the limelight from the winner’s circle.

The second floor space has been pimped out, with comfy sofas for lounging, a 40,000 watt sound system in place and DJ booth complete with dance floor. To keep the party vibe up, there’s even lighting effects, but they can’t totally distract from the action going on just one floor below. Perched on top of the race track, the floor-to-ceiling windows give you the perfect perspective into the world of drunken auto racing.

Topping out at around 50 cocktails, plus bottled beers and a liquor store worth of bottled spirits, the drinks menu is decidedly classy for a bar that encourages drink driving. They pour ‘Cool and Jazzy’ martinis and gimlets, ‘Tropical’ caipirinhas and mojitos and some more obscure cocktails like the Golden Cadillac and Zombie.

A bit of a hike from the city centre, Stampede isn’t a drinking destination; the main draw here is the fact you can pair your partying with a whirl around the track. RMB 85 nets speed freaks seven minutes of hair-whipping, brake-tapping, adrenaline-rushing laps around the track. And while it’s all in the name of good fun, you may end up going home with a balloon-sized lip, or even whiplash. Though the track has several safety guards who quickly rush to your aid when accidents inevitably occur, Stampede might still want to consider enhancing its security, starting with proper visors on helmets and offering shoulder straps as opposed to mere lap belts. Sure it’s fun, but at the end of the day, driving while under the influence is never a good idea.