Shanghai’s newest and biggest culinary attraction, The House of Roosevelt arrives on The Bund. What can Shanghai expect from the massive new Bund 27?

Located at the north end of the Huangpu, this high-end wine emporium boasts the largest selection in Asia with its 20,000 bottles covering over 2,500 labels. Is the posh, new RMB387 million superproject living up to the hype?

Roosevelt China Investments is spearheading the project, and they’re hoping to use the building that once served as the Chinese headquarters of Jardine Matheson to expand further into the luxury retail and F&B industries. “We wanted to offer wines from all over the world that would serve the local Chinese,” President Tim Tse tells us. “We also hope to encourage interaction among wine lovers.”

So why the Jardine Matheson building? “We wanted to give people a place with an old-school, old-money feeling, where they could share their favorite wines and cigars,” Tse explains. “House of Roosevelt offers a classic atmosphere that you just can’t find at Bund 5, 18, or whichever number.”

The restaurant-bistro-wine cellar definitely stands out, even on The Bund. The main draw is the second floor that’s dedicated to fine wine. It has specially engineered concrete floors, and the space is carefully maintained at 17 degrees Celsius to keep bottles at optimal aging temperature. The third floor is reserved for club members and includes a cigar lounge with RMB3 million worth of Spanish cedar humidors and private dining rooms serviced by butlers. Members can also keep their wine in a private cellar accessible by a secret door. A three-year membership goes for RMB180,000.

For the commoners, there’s a bistro, fine dining on the eighth floor and a ninth floor terrace and bar. On the ground floor is the world’s largest Rolex store. But some wonder: is it too extravagant? “They’ll need a lot of customers to carry the place up,” says Franck Crouvezier, a restaurant consultant and former manager at Kathleen’s 5. To get all their money back on their investment, it’s going to take a while.”

Russell Lichtenthal, a wine expert who’s worked for years in local wine retail, is enthusiastic about the project. “It’s the most tastefully decorated venue on The Bund,” he says. “I think it’s a big attraction for winemakers from all around and a fun playground for food and wine enthusiasts.”

What do you think of the new wine wonderland? Will you be shelling out RMB180,000 for a three year membership anytime soon?

DETAILS

What: The House of Roosevelt

Where: 27 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu

Tel: 2322-0808

When: 11AM - 12PM