The Shanghai World Expo doesn’t only have an abundance of food options, but places for drinking are widespread too. However, drink options are especially concentrated in the European area, in such places as the German, Irish and Belgian Pavilions. There, special bars have been set up serving top quality beers from the respective countries. However, as one reporter recently discovered, the drinks taste authentic, but the prices are high. Therefore, visitors craving a chilled beer amidst the scorching Expo heat better be prepared to pay for the luxury. Below is a quick guide on three of the best bars at the Shanghai World Expo.

Belgium Pavilion Bar

Irish Pub – Most Comfortable Pub
Although it’s called “Irish Pub”, this bar isn’t actually found within or beside the Ireland Pavilion. On the contrary, the pub is found sandwiched between the Belgium Pavilion and Poland Pavilion. This independent building also happens to be one of the most eye-catching ones in the European area. A red wooden bar counter and tables surround a huge alcohol shelf, while a big television screen airs football matches and other major sports events. The bar is quite large, a couple dozen square metres or so. From the interior deco to the design, the bar emanates the same kind of style as that in the Harry Potter movies. What’s more, all the barmen/women are golden-haired, green-eyed foreigners, and the bar staff are Chinese. Therefore, ordering drinks either in English or Chinese is hassle-free.

Good points: space is large and finding seats is fairly easy.
Bad points: It’s very noisy, drink prices are high
Prices: The specialty beers cost between 60-70 RMB per glass

Germany Pavilion Bar – Most Authentic Bar
German beer is famous throughout the world. It’s not surprising then that the Germany Pavilion pub is a huge hit among visitors. The Germany Pavilion Bar is situated beside the Germany Pavilion square, and one doesn’t have to queue up the same way as those entering the Pavilion itself. The only downside is that it’s unfortunately too small to accommodate a large number of people. Two queues within the bar is already enough to fill the place up so you can’t move. Therefore, those lucky enough to get a beer there are better off just taking their drink outside. There are lots of shops around the bar so browsing shops while enjoying a beer is an enticing option. The furniture and equipment has been imported from Germany for an authentic look. When compared to the Irish Pub, the Germany Pavilion Bar has a more uplifting atmosphere, and staff dressed in traditional costumes are more than willing to have their photos taken with guests.

Good Points: authentic flavours
Bad points: bar too small
Prices: wheat beer 55 RMB/pint, most other beer 49 RMB per glass

Belgium Pavilion Bar – the Simplest Bar
This is the simplest bar at the World Expo; beer is served from a couple of take-out windows, served in disposable plastic cups. The bar is situated just outside the Belgium Pavilion, and looks similar to one of those MacDonald’s take-out windows. A small closed-off square is situated just outside the take-out window where Belgian ice-cream and cookies are sold. Customers can sit in this area to drink their refreshingly, delicious Belgian beers and nibble on Belgian treats. The most expensive beer here is 30 RMB for a 330ml glass. The cheapest costs just over 10 RMB.

Good Points: you can take-away the beers, prices are low.
Bad Points: There’s no inside bar
Prices: 30 RMB/glass

Source: Beijing News (Xinjingbao)

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