Opulent and OTT without tipping into Vegas vulgarity, Park Chinois is a pitch-perfect pastiche of a 1930s Shanghai dinner-dance spot, complete with a plush-yet-cosy basement bar and club where on-point cocktails afford a flavour of the venue’s full exotic experience while avoiding serious financial damage.
Well turned-out staff in white tuxedos produce an array of eclectic and premium Negronis alongside other show-stopping cocktails such as China Berkeley (a mouth-wateringly memorable Manhattan made with Michter’s rye whiskey, yuzu, pine liqueur and vetiver water, cut with white balsamic vinegar). There’s also a fabulous selection of vintage whiskies and Cognacs at vintage prices. To nibble, dim sum and spring rolls won’t necessarily break the bank, while the constant parade of beau monde preening peacocks is priceless.
The Wave Bar is now open as a dedicated cocktail den from Sunday to Tuesday, before becoming part of the Club Chinois experience, as before (Wednesday to Saturday).