Boxing Cat Brewery

This is the second venue from Shanghai craft brewers Boxing Cat, who brought microbrewing to the city in 2008, saving a grateful and thirsty expat crowd from a diet of watery Chinese beer. Boxing Cat provides three storeys of laid-back, beer-friendly fun in the French Concession's Sinan Mansions.

Exposed brick and air con ducting, cosy leather sofas and outdoor seating, plus a pool table and table footie set-up up top make this home from home for a swathe of Shanghai's American residents. Big screens play movies downstairs, while wifi draws the self-employed.

And the beers are not bad either. Boxing Cat produces ten main lines plus seasonal favourites off-site, and offers a list of 30-ish imported craft brews. Their TKO IPA is fruity and hoppy, and we enjoyed a seasonal Pumpkin Ale from a six-brew sampler at 65RMB.

The menu of firmly US-led comfort food - think burgers, brisket sandwiches, salads and chunky fries - is inspired by goodies to be found on Interstate 10 and works well. A place to settle into for a lazy afternoon or even lazier evening.