Library Distillery
What: A 1930s speakeasy style bar
Where: 6/F, 133 Yuanmingyuan Lu, near
Beijing Bei Lu. Tel: 6361 1086.
Web: www.light-n-salt.com
Why: For classic, classy cocktails
Part of the Light & Salt premises, (the new all in one dining room, bookshop, bar and art space which includes Ms. Ding Dining, L&S Books, and in the near future, Wondullful Archives accompanied by Printo Labs), is still in its soft
opening phase. However, this is not at all obvious to the untrained eye as bar operations run like clockwork, and the well-trained staff cater to your every need. The only clue giving a hint to the novice nature of this bar is the drinks list which is printed on tatty, over thumbed paper, as the absolute definitive drinks menu has yet to be nailed down; we have been led to believe that it will eventually take the form of a menu disguised as a magazine. But hey, we’re not complaining.
Sticking to the 1930s theme of the whole Light & Salt venture, housed in the old YWCA building at Rockbund, Library Distillery follows the design concept right down to a tee. Although, upon entering the bar, the waitress asking us for a password (which we didn't know) before letting us in through the large sliding door felt a bit gimmicky, the interior made up for it. A large range of rare and vintage spirits are hidden behind a sliding chalkboard, in true prohibition style, and a secret mirror-window hides the extravagant wine cellar. Fixed in the centre of the bar area is a (fake) roulette wheel, and the interior is completed by 1930s stylised leather furniture, dark wooden fittings and red tinges. Finally, masquerading as mirrors, are shutters that look into the dessert bar, complete with wide-eyed, minuscule pastry chefs that could have come straight out of the 1976 Bugsy Malone movie.
The bar itself looks like a laboratory, where Bar Manager Rick Starr concocts his secret potions with exotic bitters, home made syrups and a smoking gun machine (using cherry wood hickory, applewood or whatever he can get his hands on). Starr by name, star by nature, and star tattoo on his wrist… this hipster, skateboard riding mixologist is fresh out of New York with a whole bunch of energy and an outgoing nature. If you want something a little special created that is not on the menu, you can just tell Starr your mood or which flavours you fancy, and perhaps he will even name your concoction after you if he happens to be looking for a muse that night. On the night we visited, one of our party asked for something whiskey based and received gin, although after Starr had worked his magic by pumping smoke into a crystal decanter filled with the questionable spirit, we were none the wiser, as the taste was so rich, deep and smoky! This is just one example of the light hearted, mischievous and playful manner of the bar. Starr told us that Shanghai is the teenage version of New York, and he is bringing his bartending expertise to a city going
through rapid nightlife puberty.
Cocktails start from RMB 95, which we think is bang for your buck when talking Bund wining and dining. Make sure you try Starr’s interpretation of the classic Negroni, Na-Ge-Ni (RMB 105). This bar is the perfect place to grab a late night intimate drink with friends or that special someone. Make sure you say “hi” to Rick!
