TOPS @ Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund
What: Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund’s classy new bar
Why: To appreciate one of the most stunning views of the historic Bund, Huangpu River and Luijiazui financial district in town
Where: 19 Gongping Lu, near Haiping Lu. Tel: 2509 1188
How Much: Entrance fee RMB 150 on Tuesdays and Sundays including 2 drinks, RMB 150 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays including 1 drink and RMB 150 on Wednesdays Ladies’ Nights, when ladies can enjoy free flow beverages from 7pm to 9pm.
This cool terrace, atop Banyan Tree On The Bund, is a destination bar. Set apart from other popular city nightspots, guests will have to plan an excursion to this northerly section of the Bund, rather than stumbling upon it. However, once you arrive, you are in for a treat. Although some may think that the RMB 150 cover charge on the door is pretty steep, it does include drink(s), the quantity of which depending on what day you go and what sex you are (that night at least). On Talk’s visit to TOPS, the Bar Manager told us that this was to discourage all those pesky backpackers from trekking up to the venue only to slowly sip a water and hog the best stools, chairs, sofas and loungers. It is clear that this bar is marketing itself at more exclusive clientele; it certainly has the credentials to.
Although our trip to TOPS was rescheduled numerous times due to adverse weather conditions, when we did finally make it to the top, we were blown away by the view (not literally, it was a pleasant and balmy Shanghai evening). TOPS promises a 180 degree panorama of the Bund, across the Huangpu River and over to the skyscrapers of Luijiazui but we think it is worth mentioning that this figure is actually a lot higher, if you are interested in seeing the more industrialized area further north up the Huangpu River.
The bar is very chic and modern, with a white color theme throughout and cool blue, UV lighting as the sun sets, adding to the contemporary style. There are a variety of areas to relax on the large terrace, including private sections and tables that can be booked out for groups of friends. There is also a DJ spinning the latest tunes every night.
Head to TOPS, order a cocktail and some tapas, specially created by the Banyan Tree chefs, and enjoy this new, unique and unobstructed view of our beloved city.
