Time Out Shanghai's Guide to Day Drinking

1

📍 577, Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu

⏰ Fri + Sat, 3 PM - 1 AM |
Mon - Thu + Sun, 3 PM - 12 midnight

Formerly known as Swrl, when it was a famous wine bar in Tokyo, Swirl is just one of industry veteran Shingo Gokan's countless establishments around the globe.

Shuichi Ofuchi, former bar manager of Swrl, was known for yaking great pride in carefully choosing the bar's wines, while chef Fumio Yonezawa, a yakitori and vegetarian cuisine specialist, helped create an innovative nose-to-tail and wine pairing experience.

Located inside a bungalow next to Speak Low, the new Swirl in Shanghai is perfect for enjoying tipsy moments in an exquisitely-designed space reminiscent of a retro gentleman's club.

Fusing history and modernity, the bar sees the building's original wooden floors, emerald tiles and modern wicker seats. 

Swirl's eight wine cocktails, each named after a city, are available from the afternoon onwards.

No shaking, stirring or basic bar tools are used to prepare these drinks; each boozy beverage is put together through the simple yet profound act of swirling the wine and cocktail ingredients together.

With Yonezawa also behind the new bar's food menu, guests can expect delicious things from the kitchen.

As a sous chef at two-Michelin-star restaurant Jean-Georges New York, Fumio's mastery of grilled meats and vegetables makes for a culinary experience that is as unique and unforgettable as the wine cocktails here.

2

📍 230, Jinxian Road, Huangpu

⏰ Mon - Thu + Sun, 1 PM - 1 AM |

Fri + Sat, 1 PM - 2 AM

In the history of Shanhai, Jinxian Road has never been short of stories. The small street of just a few hundred metres still has the 'flavour' of old Shanghai while carrying fresh elements. 

Walk up to the door of 230 Jinxian Road, where you'll see Pony Up's modern and striking signboard. Inside, we marvelled at the interior design, which still retains the characteristics of old Shanghai lanehouses.

From the original solid wooden roof of the building to the old clothes drying rack, Pony Up integrates the warmth of home in modern drinking culture, creating an experience that is equal parts relaxing and exciting.

When the afternoon sun shines in through the sunroof's glass panels and the shadows of the plane trees fall onto the black and white checkered floor tiles, Pony Up truly leaves a truly indelible impression.

Whether you're sitting by the windows and watching passersby or perched upon on a bar stool, the bar will quickly become one of your favourite places to enjoy a cocktail in the daytime.

In addition to Pony Up's classic cocktails, the mixologists here integrate local cultural elements in their new creations.

Perhaps you'll spot cocktails named after regular customers or friends, or taste ingredients you've never even imagined.

The daytime drinks list is thoroughly refreshing, and the bar snacks are not to be missed.

Not a big drinker? Pony Up also prepares well-crafted mocktails so teetotalers aren't left out.

3

📍 Room 101, 1/F, 11 Dongping Road, Xuhui

⏰ Daily, 2 - 6 PM; 7 PM - 1 AM

EHB, located in the Garden House at number 11 Dongping Road, offers a unique Nordic dining experience in Shanghai.

The first floor has been turned into Tearoom by EHB, a relaxing and exquisitely detailed space tailored for afternoon nibbles and drinks.

The colour palette here is redolent of a Song Dynasty painting, with freehand brushstrokes of natural scenery on silk, creating a harmonious sense of tranquility.

One good reason to come here: outdoor seating is an option. Drink in the views of the well-manicured garden surrounding the century-old mansion, and inhale the fragrance of the lush greenery and fresh air.

Curated by an outstanding team of sommeliers, Tearoom by EHB's Champagne list sees an outstanding list of vintages from famous historic chateaux as well as small farm estates.

Think hundreds of high-quality Champagnes from different terroirs in the Champagne region that are especially suitable for this hot time of year.

Much to our surprise (and delight), we learned that all Champagne at Tearoom by EHB is a full 50% off every Monday to Friday, from 2 until 8 PM — if this isn't your cue to enjoy a leisurely afternoon drinking bubbly in a garden, we don't know what is.

4

📍 208 Xinle Road, Xuhui

⏰ Daily, 10 AM - 10 PM

Transporting customers to the beloved bistros and brasseries of Paris, France, O'Delice is one of many popular brunch spots parked close by Shanghai's 'Golden Triangle' where Changle, Donghu and Fumin roads meet.

The first decision you'll have to make, before deciding what to sip, is where to sit:

Inside, the black-and-white checkerboard parquet floors and white ceramic walls exude a European atmosphere.

Outside in the covered patio, the blue-and-white furniture and finishings are surrounded by lush green plants. 

An instant mood booster, Château Cheny's Anjou rosé wine is pale pink — the colour of onion peel — with a hint of orange. We're partial towards its floral aromas, bouquet of red fruit, and hints of coconut and vanilla, fresh flavour and long finish.

Pair your wine with a classic French crêpe or galette. Well-portioned and utterly delicious, the smoked salmon option contains a healthy amount of spinach and generous amounts of seafood, and the sunny side up egg in the centre makes it all the more appetising. 

5

📍 191 Hengshan Road, Xuhui

⏰ Mon - Fri, 11:30 AM -  3 PM, 5 - 10:30 PM |

Sat + Sun, 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM, 5 - 10:30 PM

On Hengshan Road, where bars and restaurants vie with each other for the patronage of customers, is an Italian-style restaurant recognised by China's 'Black Pearl' guide.

Solo, which should not be confused for Solo Garden on Changle Road, is hidden away inside an old bungalow beneath the shade of French plane trees. Its minimalistic environment, impressive wine list, authentic Italian cuisine, and attentive service make this a restaurant that customers want to visit over and over again.

The choice beverage of day drinkers, the Aperol Spritz is as charming as a midsummer sunset. Containing Aperol, Prosecco and soda water, the cocktail is classically garnished with orange slices.

Solo's in-house wine selection is also outstanding. Furthermore, the restaurant and bar caters to wine lovers who wish to bring their own bottles.

Most regulars at Solo go the red wine route and order the cheese platters and signature pastas, which include a pappardelle tossed with a robust meat sauce and topped with cheese. 

Why this works: the red wine tannins neutralise the the heaviness of the carbohydrates and the cloyingness of too much cheese, if there even is such a thing.

6

Yuangu Wine House

( 元古云境 )

📍 137 Wuyuan Road, Xuhui

⏰ Daily, 11 AM - 2 AM

Knowing our readership well, Yuangu Wine House is probably the only place on this list that most won't recognise.

Traveling from Beijing to Chengdu before arriving in Shanghai, Yuangu Wine House has evolved from a Chinese dessert shop in a hutong to a lifestyle brand that celebrates the Chinese solar terms in its afternoon tea and wining and dining experiences.

The Wuyuan Road branch is filled with objects wrought out of natural materials, from clay to reeds, and that carry deep significance in Chinese culture.

Follow the flow of water in the Zen water feature and cross the mini stone bridge before ascending to the second floor, and behold the serene setting. Traditional wooden furniture coupled with beige textured walls create a harmonious vibe, and the indoor greenery by the windows completely sooth the body and mind.

Order the seasonal speciality, the Pu Feng Yao (蒲风摇) flavoured with watermelon and lime and laced with Chongming rice soju.

Light and refreshing enough to sip from midday until sunset yet boozy enough to leave you feeling something, it filled us with goodwill and made us glad to call Shanghai home.

All images were sourced via the respective establishments. This article is not to be replicated without prior consent.