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Chris Taylor

The choice of bars and clubs in Shanghai these days is bewildering. You can make it easier for yourself by heading  to the Maoming South or Tongren bar streets, or alternatively to Hengshan Road, where there is a good mix of bars and restaurants. But bear in mind that some of the ever-shifting top picks are scattered around town.

Bar Rouge

Bund18, 7/F

18Zhongshan Dong Yi Road

63391199

Rouge is one of Shanghai's best early evening destinations, but it's also recommended for a night cap later. With fabulous views of the Bund and the futuristic Pudong skyline, Rouge is a favourite with newcomers and old-timers alike.

Blue Frog

88Tongren Road

64270320

There are four branches of the Blue Frog  now, with the original on the Maoming Road bar strip (206-7 Maoming South Road) still going strong. But the branch on the newer Tongren Road bar strip is a good place to dip gently into Shanghai's nightlife - light, unpretentious, friendly and with good street views, it is an effortless success.

Mint

333Tongren Road

62479666

At Mint you get the best of both worlds, with alfresco seating in the warmer months for evening get-togethers and serious house music later in the evening. With its no-frills, speakeasy decor, Mint is a welcome relief compared to the more style-conscious, snootier club venues elsewhere.

B:lo

4Xiangshan Road, near Sinan Road

53820838

A much acclaimed new arrival, B:lo is a dark, basement, clubby space with purple curtains and unfinished walls. If it is quiet, head upstairs to Madam Zung,  either to chill out in the lounge or to party.

O'Malley's

42Taojiang Road, near Wulumuqi Road

64370667

Sports, Guinness, expat fare, O'Malley's is for the most part a predictable formula, until you throw in the garden seating and the French Concession villa. It is actually the latter that makes it worth the visit - but don't  tell the guys watching football at the bar.

Manifesto

748Julu Road (near Fumin Road)

62899108

This lounge makes a quiet, unostentatious alternative to some of the Maoming South Road and Tongren Road expat hangouts. It is a good place to have a quiet drink  on a week night.

Arch

439Wukang Road (near Huaihai Road)

64660807

Arch is both a cafe and a bar. It will be too arty for some, but for others just what they were looking for in Shanghai. The creation of Yale-educated, Taiwanese architect Leslie Chen, Arch has evolved from an in-the-know alternative hangout to more of a mainstream place to drop in for  breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Check out the 'multimedia room' basement, which sees screenings and other happenings on a regular basis.

Peace Hotel Bar

20Nanjing East Road

63216888

Okay, it is the ultimate cliche - Shanghai's cooler denizens would not be seen dead here - but if you are new to Shanghai check out the bar's antiquated jazz band and recall how two decades ago this was as daring as Shanghai got.



On the town