Over the year, Shanghai has witnessed ups and downs in nightlife, with bars, clubs and pubs opening and closing.

Ah, as a rather eventful year comes to a slightly anticlimactic close, we have much to be thankful for simply because we are still here.

It can be said 2008 was not kind to many and 2009 threatens to be even worse; let us, for the time being at least, be grateful that it is not us having to catch the deluge in a paper cup.

We've seen an incredible investment on the South Bund go sour (the space is still up for lease and the equipment still up for sale, if anyone would like to have another go), while we also saw the old favorite Face Bar turned away from the Ruijin Guest House. Losing that location was truly a shame, but losing the previously lofty-level of service was even more heart-wrenching.

Joke of the year had to be The Wall, which opened in a terribly inaccessible part of Lujiazui in Pudong. Even the Walls of Jericho had a better chance of standing up on that morning of the seventh day than this otherwise well-designed nightclub. Management was all at sea, and the "No foreigner" opening fiasco was a sign of things to come. We're not mourning that one for too long.

The Big Bamboo finally spread its wings, dipping into first Jinqiao and then Hongqiao. Our longtime mate Jason got speared into heading both operations and subsequently aged 50 years in the process.

His hair-tearing efforts were worth it though - he has helped his masters to be along nicely in building an empire of bars. Business is a little tougher these days, but we pity the fool Big Bryce catches letting standards slip.

On a similar note, the Malone's boys narrowed their gaze and put all chips behind their core brand. Thumb Plaza may still be as exhilarating as a pair of copulating mollusks, but the three-story outlet there makes it slightly more bearable.

We found a new watering hole when the Bulldog reopened, and the place was thoroughly scrubbed and de-Cooperized. The venue may still smell bad, but the plethora of theme nights, 24-7-two-for-one offers and good company in the form of ze German, Carsten prove a solid draw for punters from all walks.

It was even better when he bade "auf wiedersehen" to the cover band, giving Sexypaul more time to play there.

It was a year where we really took a look at ourselves, and had to ask what we were doing here. A few of these columns may have suggested we might be stricken by the dreaded J-word, but we assure all that we are far from jaded.

Perhaps a few of the battles we had to fight, whether it be with mighty conglomerates or pesky subordinates, might faze those made of far less sterner stuff than we, but we were more troubled by the lack of forthcoming support home and away. No matter; no better two feet to stand on but our own.

Another indicator that we were far from being done, being amazed here was at the Moet & Chandon end of year party two weeks ago. Now, we're no strangers to these events and hob knob with the creme de la creme of Shanghai society, but even we were impressed with the crowd M1nt club had assembled.

The obviously wealthy and good-looking class emerged from their fitness centers and beauty spas to sip the popular bubbly. The glamorous Champagne marque even had an Atelier where the evening's most affordable celebs were gifted bottles embellished with their names in Swarovski crystals - a highly personal touch handy not just thorough the festive season but also for special occasions.

We admit to say we misjudged the evening - we had expected to see more riff raff like us trawling the bar, but it seems we had wandered far from our pack. Many thanks to Cerentha to take pity on our aimless prancing; we didn't mind speaking to the PR lackeys, but isn't that cheating? It would be like going to a talking bar, only in reverse.

Anyhow, merry Christmas one and all. We can't stand the holiday (there is no Santa), so a huge bah humbug to all of you; have a lump of coal while you are at it from all at Invite Only.

(Shanghai Daily December 25, 2008)