(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2006-07-11 09:27

Situated across the street from Big Bamboo, Mela provides a study in contrasts. While the former is loud, flashy, and brightly lit, the latter is understated, calm and a tad down at the heel.

Both offer TV sports coverage, but while Bamboo draws a crowd of enthusiastic jocks, Mela's football coverage is cheered on by a few die-hard fans sitting in front of a single mid-sized screen. The narrow floor plan and haphazard decor may well prevent Mela from succeeding as a prime evening hot spot, but it has all the makings of the sort of laid-back dive where friends meet for an after work drink.

Indeed, if you stop by early, you can enjoy coffee or tea for RMB 10 until 7pm. Late night, choose from a selection of inexpensive cocktails (RMB 30-40) served by friendly waitresses to the beat of pop tunes, or choose an item from their small, unremarkable beer list.

Mela
Location: No.145 Nanyang Lu, by Xikang Lu
Opening time: Daily 10am-late. No cards.
Tel: 021-62581090