It's the UEFA Champions League Final this Saturday night - well, technically it's Sunday morning, as the game kicks off at 2.45am Shanghai time (honestly Europe, sort it out). If you're planning on staying up and watching Real Madrid play Atletico Madrid in an all-Madrid clash being played in... Milan, then here are 7 of the best places to watch it among fellow footy nuts.
Zapata's/Sasha's
Messrs Sasha and Zapata have joined forces to turn their shared courtyard into a football-viewing fiesta for the night. If weather permits they will be showing the game outside, and if not they will relocate inside to Sasha's. It is however a ticketed affair - 100RMB for standing or 200RMB for a seat, with both of these tickets including 1 litre of Heineken or 2 standard drinks. Doors open from 11pm so you've plenty of time to sip on that litre of slowly warming beer.
By the way, the same courtyard might be the place to watch the Euros next month - organisers are promising a 'fan zone' outside complete with giant tent and similarly large screen. It will also be ticketed, though. Keep an eye on our blog for a round up of the best places to watch Germany's inevitable march to the final soon.
Cages
Well this is certainly an eye-grabbing deal. Shanghai's home of the flying baseball-cheap beer combo, Cages is offering free flow beer (nondescript) from kick-off until the first goal, or the end of the first half if it's goalless. Yes, free beer. So at least if the game's dire you'll be nicely piddled by the break.
Tomatito
Where do all the real fans head for the big game? Sexy Taixing Lu tapas joint Tomatito, of course. In all seriousness, they must be happy it's an all-Spanish final because the deal they're putting on for el Fútbol is a goodie. Pintxos and tapas are only 10RMB each and sangria, beer and gin & tonics are buy-one-get-one-free from 11pm till late. Why not?
The big sports bars
Elsewhere, all the usual names are showing the game, including Big Bamboo who have a 100RMB door charge in return for two standard drinks, The Shed, The Camel and Shanghai Brewery. The latter three won't have a cover charge, but there aren't any special deals bar their usual happy hours either.
