The Place
Image via Raffles Hotel
Take the lift up to the 71st floor and once the elevator doors glide open, you’re whisked into what feels like a James Bond (think Skyfall) movie. Raffles Hotel’s iconic Long Bar has just opened its doors in Shenzhen, and this two-story bar will not disappoint with its 270-degree panoramic views of the city. During the day, take in these spectacular views while enjoying traditional afternoon high tea treats paired with champagne. If you’re coming for drinks, we’d suggest making sure to catch the live band, which starts around 9pm.
The Drinks
Image by Phoebe Kut/That’s
The menu has a thorough list of cocktails, whiskies and champagne, but if you’re feeling peckish you can order a selection of oysters and caviar to complement your drinks.
The Long Bar’s signature cocktail is the globally renowned ‘Singapore Sling’ (RMB158) which was first crafted by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 in – you guessed it – Singapore. The gin-based drink has a well-balanced sweetness profile, with notes of cherry and pineapple throughout. The gin is handcrafted at the Sipsmith Distillery in London for Raffles, and primarily infused with Asian botanicals such as jasmine flowers, pomelo peel, lemongrass and Kaffir lime leaf.
If you’re looking for an even sweeter cocktail, Raffles has crafted a Shenzhen version of the Sling (RMB158), using Guangdong’s native fruit – lychee. The drink stays true to the original but with a largely pineapple and orangey flavor profile.
Next, we wanted to try something a bit stronger and opted for ‘The Big Smoke’ (RMB158). Staying true to its name, the smoky aftertaste is balanced by the sweetness of homemade walnut honey, which you detect upon first taste. This bittersweet combination is sure to intrigue your palate, as a dash of Pei Pa Koa (a traditional Chinese herbal remedy) is also mixed into the cocktail.
The Vibe
Image via Raffles Hotel
The centerpiece of the room is a wide, long golden bar – take a seat and watch the bartenders meticulously craft your drink with expertise. There are beautiful hanging fluorescent light fixtures which draw the eye upwards as you scan the room. The room’s earthy tones and wide leather seating evokes a comfortable yet elegant mood, and you’ll be sure to stay a while as you start swaying along to jazz renditions of your favorite classics performed live.
Price: RMB250
Who’s going: romantics looking to splurge, cocktail connoisseurs
Good for: classy beverages, swanky ambiance
Nearest metro: Dengliang (Exit A), 10 minutes’ walk
Open Sun-Thu, 2pm-12am; Fri-Sat 2pm-1am; see listing for Long Bar.
[Cover image via Raffles Hotel]
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