Bar Reviews: Malt Fun & Upstairs @ URBN

Malt Fun

What: Single malt whisky bar in the west-end of the Concession

Why: You’re after a nice, quiet dram

How much: Whisky RMB 80 – 530, cocktails 70 – 80

Where: 123 Hunan Lu, near Yongfu Lu. Tel: 6212 8728

From the sidewalk Malt Fun looks like a small venue, but walk in past its whisky, wine and cigar ‘cellar’, and the deceivingly large bar unfolds into a spacious room decked out in woods, subtle lighting and a fantastic zigzagging bar. Despite the size, antique furniture, Tiffany lamps and decent jazz on the sound system help it maintain a cosy feel.

For whisky enthusiasts, Malt Fun will be a welcome addition to Shanghai’s line up of bars specialising in the drink. Although it’s just a short walk from Tam O’Shanter, the atmospheres of the bars couldn’t be any more different, as Malt Fun is perfect for a drink alone or a quiet conversation in the hidden shadows of the bar.

The bar’s iPad menu is as slick as the interior design. Single malts are divided by region – 12 in all – including Taiwan and Japan. Some bottles are available for purchase, but mostly you’ll need to order by the glass – from the affordable to the you-better-know-what-you’re-buying. At the moment the venue has over 150 varieties, with plans to expand. Cocktails, absinthe, wine and finger foods also get their own digital menu pages.

Those concerned with service staff’s knowledge of their whiskies should not be troubled. According to Whisky Live’s Stephen Notman, Malt Fun’s bartenders certainly know what they are talking about and are enthusiastic in sharing their expertise with customers. With a great location, and excellent product, hopefully Malt Fun will make its mark on the whisky scene.