As in any other major city, the hospitality scene in Shanghai is in a constant flux. And also, given its sheer size, you could indulge yourself at a new spot every day of the week. Not surprisingly, the city is home to a demographic of both savvy entrepreneurs and patrons whose cross-pollination results in a growing number of cool hangouts. In the latter category falls Bird, a laid-back diner in the Changshu Lu neighbourhood, founded by Camden Hauge, Warren Pang and Lobin Tjia, an international trio with a combined background in hospitality, advertising and mixology. The entrepreneurs tapped local practice Linehouse to create a matching interior for their informal yet stylish dining concept. A distinct 1970s retro feel marks the premises, captured by a modest palette of wood and rattan that’s offset by the rawness of the bare concrete ceiling.
The bar counter continues through the space and lines the walls as a standing leaner and wraps in front of the window. An open kitchen window allows guests to steal peeks at the food preparation behind the wine counter. The walls are lined with blackboards and mirrors, and the latter optically enlarges the space. The menu at Bird lists may be concise, but lists delectable fusion dishes from across the planet, matched with a tightly curated wine list. And that’s not all. The restaurant comes with a smaller sister establishment right next door. and which is situated across the road. Called Bitter, it occupies a larger space and featuring a similar decor, but here it’s paired with both an exposed concrete ceiling and flooring of the same material. A café by day and cocktail bar by night, it boasts an open dining room which allows an easy transition from daytime to early evening cocktails.
Bird
50 Wuyuan Lu (Changshu Lu)
200031 Shanghai
Telephone; +86 135 01726412
Daily 11.30am-10.30pm
Bitter
58 Wuyuan Lu (Changshu Lu)
200031 Shanghai
Telephone: +86 135 01726412
Mon 8am-12pm
Tue 8am-5pm
Wed-Sun 8am-12pm
Publishers Note
Just to be clear – superfuture® is a design blog and not a political commentator. No surprise there. The scope of our content has always been global and borderless, however that can often mean covering projects in countries where we will not agree with the politics or actions of those countries. In a world that’s as screwed up as ever right now, the focus of our support is to those designers, architects and other creatives who aim to make the world a more liveable one – as opposed to people that try their hardest to destroy it. So if a project hits our desk and we like it based on its design credentials, we may choose to publish regardless of its location or creators nationality. superfuture® has always been inclusive and hopes for all current wars, aggression, violence, hate and extremism to end.
