By Courtney Donovan Smith Translated by Vanessa Wu

      Taichung's pub scene has recently exploded with variety and diversity, with one of the loudest "bangs" emanating from over the hill in Shalu town. Big Rose Bang started life last spring as a small, cozy pub with a long wooden bar, featuring inexpensive drinks and a good music collection. A free Internet connection and downstairs pool table helped make Big Rose Bang one of the best places to unwind in Shalu.

      While financial pressures, exhaustion or simple loss of interest defeats many new pub owners, owner Andrew Marychurch has implemented every one of his early dreams and plans. His dedication has paid off, catapulting his establishment into the ranks of one of the most entertaining and interesting options in the Greater Taichung area.

The large downstairs area now entices sports fans and movie buffs to enjoy the huge satellite screen and comfy sofas. The decor has been upgraded and improved with art on the walls. Musicians now flock to perform and jam on the stage in the downstairs area, turning Shalu into a budding musical talent incubator and welcome antidote to endless cover bands. The upstairs remains cozy and quieter, and the tradition of inexpensive drinks continues. From Monday to Thursday, cocktails featuring a designated spirit are all on sale for NT$50 each.

      Located on Taichung Kang (Taichunggang) Road (known as JungChi Road in Shalu) near the bottom of the hill and across from Providence University, Big Rose Bang attracts a fair number of students from the area. However, the after-work crowd is also in evidence, as are the few Shalu-based foreigners.

      In spite of the Taichung Kang Road location, the pub is easy to miss. The sign isn't very prominent and the front of the pub oddly doubles as a jewelry shop. To locate Big Rose Bang, follow Taichung Kang Road down the hill for about five minutes after passing Tung Hai University, locate Providence University (on the right) and walk directly across the street. Big Rose Bang is also located on the COMPASS map.