Robert Zsolnay - Freelance Journalist
Checking out Shanghai bars for research reasons is always a good excuse to become a regular in some of them. Currently living in and writing a book on Shanghai, I look for inspiration in many places around me. If I'm seeking a good drink to go along with my "inspiration," I head off to Hamilton House (French) where I like the design. Sitting at the bar, most likely with a gin and tonic, overlooking the big space is always great. The next stop is JW Lounge on the 40th floor of the Tomorrow Square building. It has got one of the best views in Shanghai. Drinks are mixed with an eye for detail and watching the bartender is especially entertaining. Later that night I might go to Mokkos, a great Japanese bar with a fantastic laid back feel. Being a regular here, the owner already welcomes me with my favorite drink--a potato sochu--and it does not take a long time to meet other new and interesting regulars in this homey bar.