Bar Review: The Camel Pudong

What: One of Shanghai’s go-to sports bars establishes a new spot across the river

Why: You don’t want to go half-way across the city to the other Camel to catch the game

How much: Draft pints RMB 40 upwards; pizzas, sandwiches and Mexican favourites RMB 45 upwards

Where: 116 Weifang Xi Lu, near Pudong Nan Lu, 5879 5892

Before I begin, I should note that most of the time when you hop into a taxi in Shanghai one can dispense with the xis and the dongs – the wests and the easts. However, when you head out to The Camel Pudong make sure you’re heading for Weifang Xi Lu, otherwise, like your humble nightlife reviewer, you may find yourself looking for an address that doesn’t exist.

Following Shanghai’s standard practice of bar mitosis, The Camel has brought its successful blend of sports bar and local pub to the other side of the Huangpu river. Unlike the expansive space of the original in Puxi, their newest incarnation is a little more compact, spread over two floors. Still, like the original, there’s a particular focus on the two sports bar essentials: ensuring that you don’t miss the game and making sure that there’s always a drink in your hand for toasting/commiserating. You’ll find TVs just about everywhere you point your head, even embedded in the staircase and above the urinals in the bathrooms, and each floor has its own bar to make sure the suds are flowing strong.

The bar also plans to keep up with the traditions that it’s been known for. There’s a quiz night every Wednesday on the second floor and a weekly Sunday roast (RMB 80, 11am – 6pm) including a half roasted chicken, veggies and more to while away the afternoon. It all adds up to yet another reason for Pudong’s residents to (gasp!) stay in Pudong when they play.