The Fennel Lounge

What: A new contender in Shanghai's craft cocktail market

Why: There's nothing better than a well-mixed drink

How much: Cocktails from RMB 68, draft beer from RMB 50

Where: 217 Zhenning Lu, near Dongzhu'anbang Lu. Tel: 3353 1773 

The world of Shanghai's cocktail bars is a tight rope walk that all aspiring entrants must brave; you've got to have class, but you want to avoid coming across as pretentious. On this count, The Fennel Lounge seems well-prepared to hold its own.

The venue launched quietly, soft-opening last month with its three-in-one concept: a small full-service dining room, a lounge complete with VJ and DJ and the all-important cocktail bar. While this kind of set-up could result in a disjointed feel, the minimal, unobtrusive design of the bar allows each section to have its own character while maintaining continuity. Custom-made copper lamps complemented by exposed hard wood floors, chairs with backs that look like wagon wheels and the (almost requisite) presence of antique bric-a-brac channel Western saloons of old – but not too much, mind you.

As the magazine was going to press, the kitchen was the in process of revamping its menu, but diners in the 25-seat dining area can expect Italian-based cuisine with a good selection of pastas as well as mains. There will also be a solid appetiser list for those looking to grab a nibble. In the lounge you'll find resident DJ Mia's playlist tending towards jazz and world music.

And the cocktails? The bartender Ivan Sun, who polished his mug at drink-conscious establishments like Chinatown, has come up with a list divided into categories: sweet, sour, old world, new world, hot alcohol and non-alcoholic. You'll also find a healthy selection of whiskeys, scotches, bourbons, wine, champagnes, craft beers, apertifs and digestifs, but it doesn't stop there. Sun is also a big fan of making cocktails off menu, asking customers for their favourite flavours and doing his best to wow them.