Local Talk: Shanxi Nan Lu

Just around the corner from the former Xiangyang Market, Shanxi Nan Lu is home to peddlers and hawkers who moved their counterfeit goods from stalls into old lane houses down nearby alleys. Maison Pourcel’s general manager Harry Vieujot walked with TALK down the street to show off some of his favourite places to eat, drink, relax and shop.

Restaurant La Table

On the top floor of the historic Red House building, Maison Pourcel’s chefs serve authentic French and Mediterranean dishes at La Table, using fresh ingredients from local markets. While the food is the main draw, the restaurant itself is a gorgeous property － a fact Vieujot takes pride in, saying, “The décor of the dining room is very elegant and has French influences. It gives guests a romantic dining experience.”

8F, 35 Shanxi Nan Lu, near Changle Lu. Tel: 6215 8777. Web: www.maisonpourcel.com

Garden Books

Housed in an old villa on the corner of Changle Lu, this bookstore offers a selection of imported English, French, German and Spanish books, magazines and newspapers. Vieujot enjoys leisurely browsing the aisles. “It’s very nice and relaxing to sit in the café and grab a book off the shelves,” he says. The corner cafe serves coffee, sweet snacks, sandwiches and ice cream.

325 Changle Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu. Tel: 5404 8728

Studiobar

Two stories below La Table, you will find Maison Pourcel’s art-deco lounge Studiobar. The cocktail and wine menu is impressive and the place serves a whole assortment of gastronomic snacks. Vieujot explains that there is also a wine cellar that offers guests the chance to sign up for wine tasting courses, and the cosy terrace is great hideout for after-work drinks this spring.

6F, 35 Shanxi Nan Lu, near Changle Lu. Tel: 6215 8777. Web: www.maisonpourcel.com

Cloud Nine

This tiny shop has only two other branches in the world (London and New York, to be specific) and has some stylish limited edition items for men, such as leather bags, belts and suitcases. Vieujot enjoys the customised bags, shoes and pants, saying, “It’s nice to own something that is unique, given that there are only a few of the same items in the world.”

510 Changle Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu. Tel: 5403 5392