Night Talk: O. Gossip

What: A newly opened Wine Bar

Where: 1/F, bldg 6, 18 Gao’an Lu, near Hengshang Lu. Tel: 5404 7625. Web: www.o-gossip.com

Why: Because a glass of French wine in a secret hideaway is bliss

When: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 11pm.

Everything can already be found in Shanghai, however, having said that, new concepts also arrive every day. O. Gossip is a wine bar located in the heart of the French Concession, hidden away from the noisy streets. It is not easy to find, but once you find it, you will instantly adore this cozy and exclusive place. It is dark and small, yet joyful and intimate. It is a place where fashion, art, music and wine collide. The name might sound familiar, as owners JP Lam, Celine Niu and Chanzy Lu are also the founders of O. Gallery, the small gallery, in the same lane, exhibiting emerging French and Chinese artists.

The concept of the bar, to promote talented artists and to decorate the bar in a unique way, is not actually too far-fetched, but a nice way to push forward young artists. You will find fledgling and talented artists’ art hanging on the walls. However, the art is not limited to paintings; it goes from paper dresses to canvasses to photographs. Artists such as Gu Ming, a Chinese designer, and, Arylisse O’Hayon, a young American artist, are currently displaying their art for free. The partnership with young designers and artists in Shanghai gives them the chance to exhibit trendy art, and allows a platform on which to represent themselves in this gigantic city.

Where you find art, you will find fashion, and O. Gossip is the perfect name for this place; fashion bloggers and young artists meet here to share their passions and “Gossip Nights”, where media and fashion bloggers will be invited to discover those young artists, are already planned.

Cocktails are not on the menu, and this is not the place to go for a pint (although they will serve you a beer if you insist). This bar offers only wine, coffee and soft drinks. All the wine is imported from France and the prices change according to the provenance. Connoisseurs can enjoy a glass of good Bordeaux wine at RMB 60 and bottles vary between RMB 300, RMB 500 and RMB 800.

Last but not least, O. Gossip hosts live band events every Saturday where guests can interact with the performers. On Sundays, patrons can also enjoy an “O. Melody After Brunch”, from 4.30pm to 7pm, which promises to include some of the best musicians in town. As the space is limited, you really feel like you are part of the event!

This bar is intended to be exclusive, and as such, requires membership (RMB 4,200 - RMB 6,000 depending on level) or a reservation in advance. Members benefit from four culture sharing workshops: red wine and art education, white wine and flower design education, Champagne and fashion education along with coffee tasting and French lessons. These workshops are intended to connect members into a network where interests and passions can be shared. Expect a young, fashionable and artsy crew in this hidden-away place.