Just steps down from my favourite “insider” izakaya, Teyandei, is another “insider” spot for cocktails…the These Library Lounge. Near the (in)famous Roppongi area, These is so subtly marked that it is easy to miss. It’s quirky, cool crowd likes it that way – it’s the kind of place that is known mostly through word of mouth, from friends of friends. And this is exactly how I discovered it on my last trip to Tokyo.

Eclectically decorated with endless rows of books, comfy sofas and soft lighting, These is a low key hideaway where those “in the know” go to hang out for cocktails and late night, end-of-the-evening sessions. Secret alcoves and hidden rooms add to the drama and mystery of the place, but it still manages to keep a light-hearted and fun vibe.  

These is known for their fresh fruit cocktails which appear on a menu in keeping with the bookish yet whimsical theme of the bar. But there are just as many serious cocktail drinkers sipping whisky and the like. This homage to books and cocktails is appropriately summed up in the back of the menu with a mission statement of sorts, “We like to think that getting to know books is just as important as getting to know people.”

These Library Lounge
2-13-19 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku
Tokyo, Japan
Telephone: +81 3 5466 7331
Hours: 19:00 – 28:00, 7 days a week. Sundays closing time is 26:00

Cocktail culture is sweeping Shanghai and there is no finer example of a proper cocktail bar / lounge than El Coctel.

Seemingly hidden in speakeasy style, El Coctel is located up an unmarked narrow staircase in the French Concession district of Shanghai. The soft spoken Japenese bartender Munne-san makes cocktails in the traditional Ginza style. In fact Munne is no ordinary bartender, he is a mixologist in the classic sense of the word. No nitrogen or molecular gastronomic elements, simply perfect cocktails, everytime.

When I ask Munne about what makes for a perfect cocktail, I learn that it is a lot more considered and thoughtful than I ever expected. While Munne is exceedingly modest, he is a world class bartender who can look at a bowl of fruit and know how much it will yield and if extra is needed for the night. Fruit is peeled or squeezed to order, so that drinks are at their freshest. He is as meticulous about the order of ingredients as a chemist. There is a very precise reason why some drinks are shaken (to add air and make it smoother and colder) -vs- stirred (keep a clear, crisp taste to the drink). Like an artist, he has studied color theory in order to bring this knowledge into his cocktails. He even hand makes the ice for each cocktail. It turns out that it has it has a huge role in the quality of the resulting drink. Whisky gets a single, large round sphere of ice – it melts slower, keeping the whisky in its proper neat form. Summer drinks like the Campari Basil Smash get crushed ice – to enhance refreshment. Other ice is hand cut from a large block of ice – these large chunks are perfect for drinks like a classic Gin & Tonic.

So, I am curious…I ask Munne what the most popular cocktail is at El Coctel, “the mojito,” he says. “And what about in Tokyo,” I inquire. He instantly shoots back, “classic Gin & Tonic.” I also favour the Gin & Tonic myself – but with Hendrick’s cucumber scented gin. Hendrick’s is nearly impossible to find in Asia…but they have all manner of exoctic rums, gins and whisky at El Coctel. Turns out the G&T is also Munne’s favourite cocktail and he gives me a hint on how to make a softer and rounder G&T. He suggests to add fresh lime juice (in addition to the traditional wedge) to tone down the sweetness of the tonic.

And on top of this Munne serves his classic cocktails in one of the most comfortable and cozy places in Shanghai. El Coctel, for me, is like cool speakeasy meets plush lounge. The soft lighting casts a golden glow on Munne and his customers as they sit in a mish mash of antique chairs and table and sip his masterful cocktails. Also what is unique about El Coctel is that the environment is lively enough to feel festive, yet quiet enough to have conversation. But make a booking, this is not a place you can just walk into and have a seat – ever since it opened almost 2 years ago, El Coctel has been a runaway hit.

(P.S. Insider tip – try the sandwiches, they are melt-in-your-mouth divine. I like the Asparagus & 3 Cheese or the Italian Ham & Mozzerella Cheese with Truffle Oil.)

El Coctel
2/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu
Shanghai, China
Telephone: +86 21 6433 6511

Beautiful people and glamourous cocktails and this river-view stunner

In the vein of big city bars with a view is The Glamour Bar on the Bund in Shanghai. I tend to have an affinity for Glamour Bar though, over say, the usual bar-with-a-view spots in Asia, e.g. Vertigo in Bangkok, Skybar in Kuala Lumpur or Felix at the Peninsula Hong Kong. Unlike many of its sleek, chic cousins, The Glamour Bar is bursting with personality…like your outrageous gay friend decked out in his most fabulous ensemble. It’s fun, lively, spirited and a little cheeky.

While honestly we are really more beer and wine drinkers, when we go to Glamour we like to experiment with the Signature Cocktails – just reading the menu is entertaining, with its cute and clever cocktail copy. On our last visit, Paul had the Scottish Crush, a signature cocktail of whiskey, mint and lemon juice topped with ginger beer.

I ordered the Pear Collins, a variation on the classic Tom Collins with gin, pear nectar and lemon topped with soda (both 88 RMB / $ 12.90 USD / $S 18.82).

The other thing I love about Glamour Bar is that the staff is super exuberant and friendly – none of the stiff, too-cool-for-school attitude you might find at a bar of a similar calibre in say New York or London. And all this with a stunning view of the Bund! A tip, while each table does indeed contain the requisite amount of glamour to ensure a good experience, for a truly luxe experience ask for a seat by the windows (book ahead on Fridays or Saturdays) and watch the brightly lit tour boats cruise down the Bund.

So next time you are in Shanghai, get yourself to The Glamour Bar. While it might not be a venue for hard core drinking (it is a wee bit expensive), I would highly recommend starting or ending your evening with a drink at The Glamour Bar. And then head upstairs to M on the Bund for dinner and visit one of the most famous and luxurious restaurants of Shanghai (where the view is actually even more stunning on the M on the Bund roof deck).

The Glamour Bar
from 5pm – late
6th floor
5 on the Bund (corner of Guangdong Lu)
Shanghai, China
Telephone: +86 21 6329 3751 or 6350 9988

Glam cocktails await in this Kowloon gem

Hong Kong has no shortage of trendy bars and watering holes. But if you’re looking for something special…something different than the usual scene in Soho and definitely removed from the Lan Kwai Fong madness…then head to Salon De Ning in the Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon side.

A short walk from the Star Ferry lies the oh so grand Peninsula hotel. While the Peninsula has several lovely spots to have an evening cocktail, like the rooftop bar Felix, my current favourite is their newest addition – Salon de Ning.

Tucked away in the basement, yes the basement, they have recreated the salon of 1930’s Shanghai socialite Madame Ning. Just tell the hostess at the top of the stairs you would like to go to Salon De Ning and she will personally usher you down to an unmarked door whereupon you are greeted a mysterious and flirtatious set of eyes (digital)… presumably embodying the late Madame Ning’s. The door opens and you are escorted into a lush and transporting interior. There are 4 themed rooms – Africa, Spain, Swiss Ski and Madame’s Changing Room (you must book ahead for a room). We sat in the ski room….very much a Swiss ski chalet with a comfy leather sofa, layers of cozy carpets and fluffy pillows. Every last detail is considered – even the flickering flames of a (mock) fireplace have been included to make the experience complete.

For drinks we always like Ning’s Favourites from $108 – 265HKG. Paul’s likes the Bombay Agatini – a sumptuous blend of Bombay Sapphire, Midori and Cranberry. While I like the Caliente a spicy and powerful punch of Grey Goose, Lychee Liqueur, Fresh Lime Juice, Cranberry and Tobasco. Although honestly this drink is so intensely flavourful, it is hard to imaging having more than one. I can also personally recommend the Ning Sling and the Ning de Chine.

(And if you are as inspired by the art deco Shanghai theme as I am, then head over to Hutong at 1 Peking Place for a divine Northern Chinese meal. Another lush 1930’s Shanghai setting with panoramic water views of the city.)

Salon De Ning
The Peninsula
Salisbury Rd
Tsim Sha Tsui,.Hong Kong
Telephone: + 852 2366 6251