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Shanghai Bars & Cocktail LoungesPearl of the Orient and Whore of the East, Shanghai has been dragged through an incredibly chequered past of invasions and occupations. This created a wild city of opium dens, underground gambling joints, brothels, gangsters and decadence, all brought to an abrupt end by the suffocating grip of Communist rule in the late 1940s. But, Shanghai is staggering from the shadows once more. The honorary capital of China has that old glint in her eye again. To get a flavor of the city take a Huangpu river trip for great views of the Bund, which was Shanghai's thriving Wall Street in the 30's, or visit the lively Frenchtown area for great food, shopping and nightlife. The stunning Shanghai Museum and incredible, gravity-defying Huzhou Pagoda, which beats the tower of Pisa in the leaning stakes, are also well worth a visit. |
Ritz Carlton Bar
The Sky Lounge might get more media mileage, but in its own understated way the recently renovated Ritz Carlton Bar is every bit as exclusive. Its chief draw is an extensive cigar and whiskey menu, by some way the best in the city, with everything from rare Cohibas to the most upscale of Irish malts on offer. When the nightly performance of the Washington Jazz Trio starts up and you sit back, sip your Jameson and cut your favourite cigar, you realise Shanghai can still put on the Ritz. |
Bonne Sante
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Arch Bar
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DR Bar
What’s an American-designed minimalist martini bar doing in a former Communist Party meeting hall? Being part of the sexy Shanghai district of Xintiandi, that’s what. Boston architect Benjamin Wood was the man behind the revitalization of this historic neighborhood, and his fabulously sleek martini bar with marble counters, chic black furnishings, silver bar counter, and curvy roof tiles is now one if its hottest haunts. Artists, actors and tycoons sip martinis, champagnes and wines at the tables and staff in black silk slacks and collarless tops shuffle effortlessly between the tables as if on roller skates. A serene calm comes over everyone and chaos of the city suddenly evaporates. Someone call a DR! |
T8 Restaurant and Bar
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in the elegant and ultra-hip shopping and dining district of Xintiandi - the
West Village of Shanghai if you will - T8 is located down a narrow alley of
19th century stone-and-brick buildings. You enter on a slate path set over
fish-filled ponds and take your place at a cosy cocktail bar. From there you
can gaze out on the full glory of the open-plan kitchen and dining area,
done up with dark lacquered furniture in warm Asian tones. The food is a
sexy Mediterranean and Asian fusion brought to you by an award-winning
Aussie chef, and the fabulous wine list, dominated by new world Aussie and
American reds, is the best in the city. Great drinks, design, décor and
dining – T8 is a don’t miss. |
We
don't know much about Chinese wines but we do know that this chic, loungey
wine bar decked out in sultry Asian shades specializes in Nectar of the Gods
from all corners of the globe. They do tastings twice a month, a pastime
popular with Shanghai's up-market A-set - well-traveled connoisseurs in
smart suits and evening dresses here to sample bottles from Europe, the US,
Australia and South Africa. But the ambience is rarefied and refined the
rest of the time too, and the swanky setting reminds some of old Shanghai of
the 1920s. Good health indeed. 
Internet
café meets cocktail bar meets film lounge – Arch is many things to many hip
Shanghai people. The minimalist interior might recall a standard western
style bar, but design magazine’s artfully placed on low tables bring it back
to chic coffee shop. Either way, it has a laid-back vibe, one to make the
many westerners who frequent it right at home. The kitchen does soups,
salads and sandwich’s and bar staff offer some choice cocktails – the
Shanghai Surprise anyone? – as well as imported beers. But it’s those free
movie nights, best enjoyed with friends and a pint, that have them all going
back.