Bar Review: The Office

What: Straight ahead local with one of Shanghai's most famous cover bands 

Why: You’re looking for live music and a low-key drink

How much: Bottled and draft beers RMB 40 upwards; cocktails RMB 45 upwards

Where: SML Centre, 1F-F09, 244 Taikang Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu

The Office isn't in the most conspicuous of locations. Tucked away in the half-occupied rotunda of the SML Centre, the mammoth new mall across from Tianzifang on top of line nine's Dapuqiao Station; The Office can be a bit difficult to find. However, on any night when the band, The Friction, is playing (Monday – Saturday) all you'll have to do is follow your ears.

The Friction - who you might have seen more recently at Luna - has been covering rock classics in Shanghai for around15 years, and it shows. Every member of the band plays with confidence and solid showmanship. The singer remains strangely composed even as she croons and swoons right on cue with the music, while the lead guitar player struts around in front of the stage, wailing away on his guitar with a smile that says "yeah, I could play this with my teeth if I wanted to". The band's repertoire is also large enough to be able to accompany almost any drunk divo or diva inspired to take up the mic and torture delight the crowd. Be sure to look in particular for the band's cover of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' featuring the entire band going a cappella.

Atmosphere and drinks-wise, the bar has all the features - or lack thereof - of your standard dive. The décor is functional yet nothing out of the ordinary. Don't expect signature cocktails or fancy pants beers, either; you'll get a place to sit and bit of grog in your hand. Pastas, sandwiches (both RMB 38 upwards) and pizzas (RMB 55 upwards) are on tap to satisfy your appetite. And for you die-hard dipsomaniacs out there (I'd call you drunks, but that'd be impolite), The Office has a daily happy hour from 10am to 8pm, buy one get one free.