Attention sports buffs

Cityplus correspondent goes on a trip to Manchester United Café Bar and comes back with certain reservations
The newly opened Manchester United (ManU) Cafe Bar has gotten sports lovers excited. ManU fans claim that visiting the café is like visiting a holy place. Nothing short of a pilgrimage for them! The walls are adorned with pictures of ManU idols and the menu is nothing less than a ManU bible. But what about non-ManU fans? Do you dare enter if you dislike sports altogether? What about the food? We'll give you a short guide to why you should or shouldn't visit Manchester United Cafe Bar.

Visit ManU if…
•You love watching sports on a big screen
No matter which part of the café you're seated in, you're sure to have a clear view of the match. Apart from the huge projectors, there are plasma screens in every corner.
•You like good booze/beer while watching a game
Approximate price for a pint: `225. International brands of alcohol are also available. If you don't drink, make sure you have enough company (of drinkers) to keep you entertained.
•You don’t care about having a full meal
Step in if starters and drinks is all you care about. The food here is decent, not great. The Florentine Risotto is creamy but may not be the best you've tried. The meat on the Manchester Sizzler Platter also seemed to be a little bland. The food just lacked the wow factor.
The upside is that there are loads of starters and munchies to complement your drink. Try the Cheese Popper Basket or United Nachos. One appetiser that you must try is the Jack Daniel's Chicken Wings. It was made with a special Jack Daniel's sauce that was smooth as the drink!
•You like Karaoke or loud music
At the Malad ManU Café Bar, Karaoke nights take place on Wednesday nights. The waiters assure you that it gets crazy that night. Even otherwise there's music playing. An in-house DJ constantly mixes tracks.
•Of course, if you’re a ManU fan!
Even if you support the opposing team, it's worth the fun and experience! I'd say, look at it as a challenge to stand by your team in the home of the opponent.
And of course, if ManU is your team, there's nothing better than to cheer for them along with other supporters. Just don't beat up supporters from the opposing team.

Don’t visit ManU if…
•It’s not a big match day
It might be a little disappointing on off days, especially if you've been here on match days. On these days the café is just like any other. To keep the magic alive, visit only when there's a big game.
•You’re a vegetarian
The café bar has fewer options for vegetarians. My vegetarian friend had the Grilled Veggies On Rosti Potato and it was very greasy. The flavours were not balanced i.e. some veggies were very salty and some were sweet. Disappointing! Veggies, stick to the likes of nachos and onion rings.
•You like quiet sit down dinners
Forget about having a conversation with friends (leave alone a date). There’s loud music at all times. If not, then there’s probably a match going on.
Not a sit down dinner place! So boys, never get your girlfriend here (unless she's a sports junkie).

Cherry on the cake
Do not leave without trying either the Chocolate Volcano or Blueberry Cheesecake.

Verdict
3.5/5, too many conditions!
(The review was conducted at the Malad outlet.)

--Meirah bhastekar