As concept bars go, the latest slick venture from restaurateur David Laris will take some beating.

Urban 18 attempts to merge the pleasures of golf with the atmosphere and luxury associated with a contemporary lounge and restaurant.

Quality Laris-esque food and beverages are all present and correct, but most eye-catching are the six virtual golf simulators offering replicas of the greens at over 70 world-famous golf courses. Patrons are naturally invited to play a "round" themselves. When asked what makes Urban 18 so distinctive, marketing manager Phil Boyle comments: "Essentially it's the golf side of things. No other venue in Shanghai offers this kind of service. It has been a big success in London, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and a lot of other cities; now it's Shanghai's turn."

The internationally-renowned chef David Laris says of his new creation: "There's a little something for everyone. There is a real need for a concept like Urban 18 that brings the sport to the city, a perfect place to be part of a community."

Urban 18 has a large open kitchen and the food on offer includes a reasonably priced English-style breakfast, a couple of Malay and Thai dishes and beer battered fish and chips. An extensive cocktail and wine selection is also featured.

The bar's membership policy, might lead some to regard Urban 18 as being marketed towards punters with deep pockets. The management, however, is quick to dispel any such notion. "In no way is it our aim to become exclusive," says Phil Boyle. "Sure, membership is a fantastic way to experience the full benefits of the venue, but there is always room for everyone. The mornings will see a lot of Chinese, Korean and Japanese women coming to Urban 18 for golf coaching, while lunch is a business crowd. During mid-afternoon there will be lots of opportunities for kids golf coaching and also corporate teambuilding or meetings, and evenings are focused on after-work drinking while hitting a few balls."

Golf, we are told, is becoming increasingly popular in China and the management of Urban 18 believes the venue can be a genuine aid to its future development by promot-ing the sport and getting locals involved from an early age through coaching.

"It's a place that parents can take their children during the day and weekends, and in the process perhaps inspire the next great Chinese players," says Laris. "At the moment there is a real lack of such options in Shanghai."

Add: Central Plaza, Unit 201A, 227 Huangpi Road North (near People's Square)

Opening hours: Everyday from 7 am to 12 am

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