The Hotel Bar Supplement

2016-02
We have rounded up the best hotel bars in town, so hunting down your next venue for a tasty tipple is that much easier.
Xuan @ Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai
Xuan, meaning abundant bright colours in Chinese, gives a sense of life and vibrancy. Designed by Yoshifumi Tanaka, a pre-eminent architect from Japanbased design firm Tofu Inc., the bar features vibrant Andaz design in an “old and new” theme.
 
This two-storey bar is easy to access from street level and connected to Hai Pai Restaurant, the hotel’s most popular dining venue. Multiple seating options are available in this cosy place including comfortable sofa seating for small gatherings, a semiprivate room and outdoor terrace in warmer months. The mood of Xuan changes throughout the day, with all-day snacks and light refreshments, afternoon tea under an abundance of natural daylight, then a Happy Hour, before evening drinking and socialising.
In addition to sipping classical cocktails, a selection of modern Chinese snacks and tasty continental delicacies with local ingredients specially crafted by Executive Chef Jacqueline Qiu are also highly recommended.
Xuan. 1/F, Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai. 88 Songshan Lu, near Taicang Lu. Tel: 2310 1700. Web: www.andazshanghai.com
Cloud 9 @ Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Located on the 87th floor at Grand Hyatt Shanghai, with 360° spectacular night views of the entire city, the bar was selected as one of "The World's Great Gathering Places" in Newsweek back in 1999.
The intimate and mysterious ambiance of Cloud 9 is created by both the interesting spatial architecture and also by the warm and cool materials that shape the interior. Nestled inside this "grand attic", a complex three-dimensional structure – the flaming Art Deco crown of Jin Mao Tower – draws attention. The interior features an inextricable maze of vertical columns, angle tie-backs finished with studded stainless steel and curved connections finished in polished chrome on a dark mahogany background. The floor-to-ceiling, glassed, double-height section also holds a hide-away mezzanine bar.
In addition to the breathtaking views and design, Cloud 9 offers creative cocktails and a great collection of champagnes, sparkling wines, Asian tapas and desserts. Guest DJ performances with the newly installed sound and lighting system bring out a unique and exciting nightlife experience.
Cloud 9. 87/F, Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Jin Mao Tower, 88 Shiji Da Dao, near Dongtai Lu. Tel: 5047 8838. Web: shanghai.grand.hyatt.com

The Liquor Factory @ Intercontinental Shanghai Expo
The Liquor Factory is an English-styled bar consisting of heritage listed Villas 5-7 at Intercontinental Shanghai Expo. It was remodeled from the staff dormitories of the National Chemical Industry Factory, built in April 1935 by the China’s National Government Industry Department and renamed the Shanghai Liquor Factory in 1955.
The Liquor Factory, located within the hotel garden villas with 1960’s decor, offers great beers and food with an outdoor pool table and terrace in a unique setting.
The ‘Happy Hour’ offer is available daily from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. 
 
The Liquor Factory. Intercontinental Shanghai Expo. 1188 Xueye Lu, near Nanmatou Lu. Tel: 3858 1188. Web: www.intercontinental.com
 
 
Music Room and Shanghai Lounge @ Park Hyatt Shanghai

As well as being one of the highest hotels in Mainland China, Park Hyatt Shanghai also houses Music Room and Shanghai Lounge, Mainland China’s highest bars.
The 92nd floor is split into two bars, perfect for pre or post-dinner drinks. On the west side, the 145-seater Music Room is currently the highest nightclub in the world, featuring live music performances, a resident DJ and various themed parties.
The Western bar has also developed 20 creative signature cocktails for guests, including a Ginger Pina Mojito, where Cuban rum is infused with raw ginger for a fortnight before being muddled with fresh roasted pineapple, kaffir limes and organic mint leaves, then topped up with ginger ale (rather than the conventional club soda). Equally intriguing is the Bloodless Martini, which incorporates vodka infused with red and yellow bell peppers, celery, chillies and transparent “tomato water” and ground white pepper.
The whisky cellar, in front of the bar, offers close to 100 different varieties of the tipple - one of the most extensive selections in Shanghai - while a semiprivate whisky room allows connoisseurs to sip their favoured water of life in more intimate surrounds.
Exiting the actionpacked Music Room, a floor-to-ceiling cloisonné wall leads to the east side, the Shanghai Lounge. With sumptuous upholstery and intimate leatherlined booths, this cosy, 60-seat 1930s’ style bar is a quieter, more romantic affair.

Music Room and Shanghai Lounge. 92/F, Park Hyatt Shanghai. SWFC, 79-93/F, 100 Shiji Da Dao, near Dongtai Lu. Tel: 6888 1234. Web: www.shanghai.park.hyatt.com

 

Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar @ The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, offering the highest al fresco wining and dining in China on floor 58 of The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, has instilled refreshing vitality to Shanghai’s metropolis.
Designed by Super Potato, the world famous Japanese design company, the indoor décor of Flair is a warm blend of rustic and contemporary designs creating a loft-like lounge ambience.
Behind the freestanding glass racks for wines, couples may relish the private romantic corner for two and the breathtaking night views of the Bund. Guests can also opt to enjoy more privacy at the upper lofty level of Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar.
Facing the mesmerising Shanghai’s skyscrapers, chefs at the wooden bar will interact and serve guests with tantalizing Asian staples from Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, India, China and Thailand served tapas-style, whilst the sushi and raw seafood bar will further enhance guests' choices.
The beverage menu is extensive offering signature cocktail and spirit selections alongside 40 types of vodka,
and fashionable small-distillery rums.
The outdoor setting of Flair is casually elegant and relaxed with lounge sofas offering breath-taking views of the Huangpu River and across Shanghai. The iconic Pearl of The Orient TV Tower also forms an integral part of the magnificent scene to amaze Flair’s visitors.
Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar. 58/F, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. 8 Shiji Da Dao, near Lujiazui Huan Lu. Tel: 2020 1778. Web: www.ritzcarlton.com

 

The 1515 West, Chophouse & Bar @ Jing An Shangri-La West Shanghai
With an Old Shanghai movie vine combined with Classic American bar and grill décor, The 1515 West, Chophouse & Bar is accented by touches from Shanghai’s black and white movie era.
The main bar is in classic New York style and provides views of the piazza and the former resident of Chairman Mao Zedong. It offers Shanghai’s best beverage selection of classic and unique spirits from which a team of skilled bartenders will produce premium drinks and cocktails for guests.
The Raw Bar provides fresh oysters and seafood from around the world. Champagnes, vermouths, sherries, white wines and a cellar featuring a selection of New World wines and Reds ensure that their Wine Sommelier always has the best recommendations at hand.
The 1515 West, Chophouse & Bar. 4/F, Jing An Shangri-La West Shanghai. 1218 Yan’an Zhong Lu, near Tongren Lu. Tel: 2203 8889. Web: www.shangri-la.com

JW’s Lounge @ JW Marriott Tomorrow Square
The cosy yet sophisticated surroundings of the JW’s Lounge on the 40th floor make it the perfect venue to enjoy smooth live music and the spectacular Shanghai skyline.
 
The menu features different choices of Champagnes and sparkling wines, and a fine selection of cocktails and refined bar snacks.
The adjacent quiet lounge is an exclusive area offering comfortable alcoves where guests can enjoy premium cigars and single malt whiskies.

JW’s Lounge. 40/F, JW Marriott Tomorrow Square. 399 Nanjing Xi Lu, Huangpi Bei Lu. Tel: 5359 4969. Web: www.marriott.com

 

HU Bar & Lounge @ Le Royal Méridien
Located on the 64th, 65th and 66th floors of the fashionable hotel, the bar is named for and built to reflect the past, present and future glories of its home city.
 
Split into three parts, HU Bar consists of an exclusive penthouse-inspired event space, a classically styled bar and a modern nightclub. The inspiration for each comes from the character of Madame Hu, a longtime resident whose own life and family personify the old and new of the city.
 
HU looks back at the past while embracing the progress and fast-paced evolution Shanghai is known for, all while giving its guests towering, iconic views of the city’s skyline from all around.
 
The most exclusive section of the venue is the 64th floor, HU’s Atelier and HU’s Penthouse. Inspired by the HU’s love of hosting their artistic and creative friends in their penthouse, the Atelier is a unique residential-style venue featuring stunning views of the Shanghai skyline.
The 65th floor hearkens back to the storied past of the HU family and the city itself, echoing the classic comforts of the 19th century with a focus on fine wines and whiskies. This portion of the venue is all about revelling in the nostalgia of Shanghai in the 1930s and the tremendous private luxury afforded to the rich and wealthy of that time.
 
Local influences are seen throughout, with traditional touches everywhere from the classic cocktail bar to the jazz artists that grace the stage. The music program brings international names incorporating local twists and serves as a platform for local live artists to showcase their work.
 
The 66th floor, meanwhile, is built to represent the HU’s “wild granddaughter” and is the place to experience some of the best nightlife 21st-century Shanghai has to offer. Menus are stacked with Champagne selections and cutting edge cocktails, while live DJ’s, pump lively music for a fun atmosphere.
 
HU Bar & Lounge. 64-66/F, Le Royal Méridien. 789 Nanjing Dong Lu, near Xizang Zhong Lu. Tel: 3318 9999. Web: www.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien

The BREW @ Kerry Hotel Pudong
A craft brewery with its own signature beers created by the resident brew master, the concept is a first for a five-star hotel in Shanghai. The BREW is a lively, contemporary bar with pub-style favourite dishes, live music entertainment and seating for 195 people, including an outdoor patio. Beer connoisseurs or novices may enjoy lunch at The BREW or unwind after a hard day’s work, listening to live music entertainment, watching sports television broadcasts, or simply relaxing on the patio, taking in views of Century Park. Six handcrafted beers and one cider represent the tip of a vast selection of beverages on offer.
The venue recently announced the arrival of its new brew master, Nathan Ross. The highly decorated Australian has claimed a total of 12 medals at the 2014 Australian International Beer Awards and the 2014 New Zealand Brewers Guild Awards, in addition to six 2014 New Zealand New World Beer & Cider Awards. He now brings his extensive knowledge and understanding of world-beer styles and trends to add to The BREW’s own tradition of craft beer excellence.
With over five years of experience on two different continents, Ross has done just about every job in the brewhouse. It is this variety of experience that gives him the knowhow to take on the duty of ensuring The BREW continues cranking out Shanghai’s best suds.

The BREW. Kerry Hotel Pudong, 1388 Huamu Lu, near Fangdian Lu. Tel: 6169 8888. Web: www.thecookthemeatthebrew.com
Red Passion Bar @ Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Think you know cocktails? Red Passion Bar might have a thing or two to teach you, as Red Passion is stirring and shaking up 31 different cocktails throughout the season. Sip, swig and stir your senses with an impressive view of the Bund and Lujiazui. Invite friends or a special someone that you have your eye on, to tease and taste together. You can also enjoy a 50 per cent discount on the daily “Red Cocktail” from 5pm to 1am.
 
Red Passion Bar. 30/F, Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai. 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu, near Xinjian Lu. Tel: 3867 8888. Web: www.kempinski.com

When in Hong Kong…

MO Bar @ The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Savour delicious MO Bar classics from Nicoise Salad to Boston Lobster Eggs Benedict, alongside a free-flow of Champagne, white wine and red wine. Guests can connect with their favourite live DJ tunes played by Ivan aka Mr Sit and Roy Malig.
To start with, beyond the traditional steak tartare and refreshing vegetarian options such as the Mediterranean Salad, seafood lovers may opt for a Lobster Bisque with chunky lobster, pistachio and garden herb cream or crab cake served with lime mayonnaise and frisée salad, lamb rack with walnut and sourdough crust in cumin jus; classic Angus U.S rib eye beef roasted and lemon ‘brick’ chicken with green olives and pistachio are some mouthwatering choices for the main course. Finally, the sweet temptations mastered by the MO Bar culinary team are certainly irresistible. Homemade waffles and mascarpone cheese cake are a couple highlights to end a classic weekend brunch.
DJ Ivan aka Mr Sit’s contemporary fashionable tunes will release the stress of the week as the tempo goes up and down, with nu-disco, nu-deep house and deep grooves. MO Bar Weekend Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 2:15pm and includes one appetiser, one main course with a side order and one dessert, along with a free-flow of Moet and Chandon Champagne, red wine, white wine and soft drinks.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Hong Kong. Tel: +852 2132 0077.