Salon de Ning is an uber-cool bar in the basement of the Peninsula Hotel in TST. It is based on a Shanghainese 1930s speak-easy, and it certainly does exude that style the minute you walk in. It's dark, plush, art-deco France meets Chinese chic. In fact, it's so dark in there, that I would be afraid to see it with the lights up, just in case I was sitting in something sticky.
The main bar area surrounds a stage and small dance floor, and has a number of private alcoves jutting off in all directions. Depending on which table you have managed to reserve, booking is nearly always essential here, you may find yourself either sitting on the tallest spiky stool, or the most comfortable and luxurious sofa. It's a bit of a gamble, but I'm sure you can request to sit in particular areas at time of booking.
All around the bar is art-work, antique furniture, and historical haute couture clothing, so if your G&T is no good, you can at least drink in the view.
The bar menu is quite extensive, but also quite pricey. They are not the best made drinks in the world, but perfectly passable. I would have hoped for better given the price tag, but alas no. My impression is that one comes here for the kudos, and not to have a decent long island ice tea.
There is also nightly entertainment. At the time of writing, it is a very classy Florida based jazz band.
The staff are very pleasant, and have a wonderful effortless politeness about them. They are the antithesis of HK service, in that they are calm and quietly spoken.
Note, there is a smart casual dress code... read more