Cheap drinks are often nice, but where to get them? Here are some recommendations.

Wendy Towell: Professional bartender, industrial design student

Lucky for me Kedi, Lawsons and Alldays are conveniently nearby most overpriced clubs. It's a good social scene there too as I just grab a beer and drink alfresco with dozens of other patrons.

We just munch on skewers, throw one back and actually hear the conversation. What a great phenomenon! If I need to head into a more established locale, my belly feels warm when visiting Time Passage, and it isn't just booze. This cozy pub displays photos of regulars, friendly staff and Charlie (the cat). The house band plays classic rock while the crowd drinks, laughs and rolls dice during chilly nights.

Finally Blue Frog at Xujiahui is my favorite for happy hour. With two-for-one drinks from 4-8pm I can afford to drink in swank style. The staff remembers names, booze of choice and they're fast. Monday's burger deal with happy hour is a bargain. Blue Frog cures my homesickness for Western bars.

Time Passage
Location: 183, Lane 1038 Huashan Lu near Fuxing Xi Lu
Tel: 021-6240-2588

Blue Frog
Location: B12, Yongxin Plaza, 131 Tianyaoqiao Lu near Xingeng Lu
Tel: 021-3368-6117

(City Weekend January 25, 2008)