Waima Lu
By Eva Clifford, 2014-06
On the South Bund, a new neighbourhood is being born. With shops springing up on each corner, Waima Lu is making the not-so-easy transition from characterless concrete dockside, to a road resplendent in upmarket boutiques and eateries. Though seemingly deserted at first, Waima Lu actually radiates an air of promise, with its rising influx of innovative designers, chefs and artisans taking over the old warehouses and factory-buildings that once played a vital role in Shanghai’s history. One of the main attractions on Waima Lu is inevitably The Cool Docks – a large square formed around a centrepiece of water and home to variety of places including top-rated restaurants, coffee shops and artisan jewellers. Although the docks lack the glamour of the Bund, the area offers an escape from the full-on intensity of the city.
The Waterhouse At South Bund
If you plan on visiting Waima Lu, why not make a weekend of it? Highly camouflaged with its staple grey exterior, The Waterhouse hotel has already become part of the furniture on Waima Lu – but just wait until you see the inside! For design lovers, especially those with a penchant for pristine, minimalist design, you will love this place. If a stylish retreat from the city is what you’re after, then this place should be on the top of your bucket list right now. Stunning vistas of Pudong can be seen from the rooftop bar, and Jason Atherton’s Table No. 1 on the ground floor offers an exciting social dining experience.
The Waterhouse At South Bund. The Cool Docks, 1/F, 1-3 Maojiayuan Lu, near Zhongshan Nan Lu. Tel: 6080 2988. Web: http://waterhouseshanghai.com/
Yaang Life Concept Store & Café
Even if you’re not looking to buy, a trip to this design store is a must. The talented and well-travelled designer Yang Wang is the driving force behind the store; her designs bear influences from cultures all around the world, which she blends with remarkable prowess. Here you can find over 1000 products, all determined to bring stunning aesthetics to the home environment. The products, which include furniture, fashion, gifts and homeware are modern, yet consistently loyal to their Chinese heritage. There is also a café where you can order from a variety of drinks and lounge on the garden terrace overlooking the Huangpu.
Yaang Life Concept Store & Café. 659-661 Waima Lu, near Wangjiamatou Lu. Tel: 6280 5368. Web: www.yaanglife.com
Bund Beach
Now that summer’s fast approaching, Bund Beach is the perfect destination for lazy Sunday afternoons. A visually impressive place in itself, with the man-made strip of sand looking out towards the futuristic skyline of Pudong, this is just one of the places that have injected new life into Wharf 1846. Sunday beach parties offer a range of activities including volleyball, badminton, yoga, massages and even painting classes. There is also a bar and canteen, meaning that you never have to leave the beach – everything you need within a beachball’s throw. Simply lie back, drink in hand, and soak up the Shanghai sun. Entry costs RMB 50, but the activities cost extra (usually between RMB 100 and 150).
Bund Beach. 421 Waima Lu, near Maojiayuan Lu
Y2C2
Located on the top floor of a converted warehouse, Y2C2 is a venture by F&B specialist VOL Group (the people behind Bar Rouge and Ultraviolet). This restaurant aims to put a modern spin on classic Cantonese food, with a huge variety of experimental, lavish dishes. However, it’s not only the food that is guaranteed to impress, the place boasts a stunning interior and with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic river views - it’s not a bad backdrop to eat by. The name Y2C2 reflects the restaurant’s driving concept: Yin vs. Yang / Classic vs. Contemporary. Cantonese Dim Sum is offered daily in an all-you-can-eat brunch from 11:30am – 15:30pm and is priced at a very reasonable RMB 158 per person.
Y2C2. 5/F, 579 Waima Lu, near Zhuxingmatou Jie. Tel: 6339 1188
Bubba’s Cool Docks
Second in the chain of Ken Walker’s highly popular Texan-saloon family, this is Bubba’s at the Beach. Bubba’s has made its home at the Cool Docks and serves Chinese-Texan fusion dishes (where else have you heard of this concoction before?!) with the menu consisting of fantastic, mouth-watering selections including classic ribs, steaks and burgers with an unmistakeable Chinese kick. An excellent choice for the summer season.
Bubba’s At The Beach. The Cool Docks 2, Section 4, 653 Waima Lu, near Wangjiamatou Lu. Tel: 5302 7588. Web: www.bubbasasia.com
Mythos
Sometimes living in Shanghai can leave you longing for a getaway to the calmer shores of the Mediterranean. Mythos, located in the Cool Docks complex, features a Greek interior which will momentarily leave you feeling as if you’ve been transported to a scene in Mamma Mia. An iconic blue-and-white colour scheme and the stonewalls will help aid the delusion as you are briefly whisked to some Greek island. The specialty dish here is the Moussaka, rich in taste it epitomises the flavour of Greece. For a sobering reminder of where you really are, you can move to the rooftop patio with views out to Pudong, and then realise Shanghai isn’t so bad after all!
Mythos. The Cool Docks, Bldg. 6, 479 Zhongshan Nan Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu. Tel: 6152 6755
MEXO at the Bund
This place has completely reinvented Mexican food by giving it an elegant and modern new look. Expect things like soft shell crab tacos or sweet-and-sour slow cooked pork leg. Take a look at their online menu, as you might want to prepare in advance for the amazing selection of choices that are almost impossible to choice from.
MEXO at the Bund. The Cool Docks, Bldg. 3, 601 Waima Lu, near Zhuhangmatou Jie. Tel: 3330 0977. Web: mexoatthebund.com
Sigma Film Club
Boasting the largest rooftop terrace at The Bund, this place doubles up as an independent cinema and private club. Lounge on the outdoor terrace or hop inside to catch a flick. The venue is also available for events.
Film Club. 3/F, Bldg. 3, 601 Waima Lu, near Zhuhangmatou Jie. Tel: 6330 1555
