Shen

2015-06

What: A new rooftop bar on the Bund
Where: 7/F, 7 Yan’an Dong Lu, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu.
Why: For fantastic views in a laidback environment with a modern Chinese feel
 
Newly opened Shen is different from the other rooftop bars you may have come across on the Bund. This new cocktail bar is located directly above Goodfellas and next to Lost Heaven; surrounded by the luxury shops and flashy lights of the Bund.
 
Shen is the product of San Francisco native, Michael Ohlsson, owner of Dada in Shanghai and Beijing, and Sichuan-born Brain Huang, also a partner of Dada who bartends, manages and DJs there. Shen’s director, Jerry Chen, previously worked at Yuan, Fennel Lounge and Starling. A stellar cast it would seem.
 
If you don’t feel like getting too dressed up to see spectacular views of the Bund, then this seventh floor hotspot is ideal. With a Chinese inspired menu, and a wide range of cocktails, Shen offers the perfect, low-key, Bund-view destination for you to have a chilled-out night.
Although Shen is predominantly a cocktail bar, it is also home to a fantastic Anhui chef who uses traditional Chinese cuisine as inspiration. Chef Sun Jian Jun serves up delicious bar snacks such as ‘ma la’ fish and spicy chips, hot and spicy Sichuan chicken or, our personal favourite, shrimp wrapped in cotton candy (all RMB 48).
 
Up until now, the Bund lacked a middle ground between the glitz and glamour of the heritage bars and a cheap hostel terrace (looking at you Captain’s) to get a good deal. Shen’s mellow atmosphere allows for a relaxed dress code, offers great views and tranquil ambience. The simple outside décor is decked with Chinese designed cushions and deep red lighting, allowing you to focus on the amazing views of the Bund.
    Prices are very reasonable with drinks at around RMB 88 per cocktail. On our visit, we drank the interesting Chongqing Mala-garita (RMB 88). This wild concoction is a flavourful mix of ginger, tequila and huang jiu (Chinese yellow wine). We found it a little spicy, but you can request how hot you would prefer it. We felt that both the tapas and cocktails were definitely worth the price so be sure to check Shen out at the end of June for their grand opening.