District

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284 Yuyuan Lu

Chilled and informal, this split-level bar and eatery is located in a pleasantly peaceful corner of Jingan. Opened by American Clara Davis, District Bar & Kitchen offers a bar-style menu that lends itself well to both boozing and dining – a trend we’ve been seeing more of in Shanghai lately.


The drinks portion of the menu features a wide selection of beer, perhaps unsurprising given Duvel Moortgat Brewery is a partner in the bar. Prices start at the 25RMB mark for a small Vedett Blond and range up to 50RMB for Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale (at a jolly 8.5 ABV).


If you’re not a beer drinker, cocktails are refreshing, affordable and tasty. The Queen G (65RMB) is a blend of Aviation Gin, lavender lemonade, soda water and lemon bitters. It’s a long drink (topped off with a jaunty paper umbrella) and although served a little diluted on one visit, is enjoyable nonetheless. The Uncle Jimmy (55RMB) – basically a Negroni – packs a more alcoholic punch mixing Bombay Sapphire, Campari, Vermouth and orange rind; it’s well made and doesn’t last long in the glass.


The food options here are simple, but comprise plenty of dishes you’ll want to order. ‘Snacks’ head up the menu with a selection of boozing appropriate offerings. The pork rinds immediately catch the eye and although they’re not the crispiest pieces of pig skin we’ve eaten, the light dust of chilli powder and sea salt makes them tasty. At 15RMB, we’d order them every time. If you’re after more flavour and substance, the fries (either sweet potato or regular) are a good bet at 35RMB. Served with roasted garlic aioli and red chilli tomato ketchup, they’re hot, just oily enough and team perfectly with drinks.


If you’re after a larger bite, don’t skip the mac and cheese (45RMB); a heaving plate of comfort food that’ll warm you up and fill your belly. Similarly, the cod sliders (65RMB) warrant some stomach space; carefully stacking beer-battered Icelandic cod with nappa cabbage slaw and Sriracha tartar on a squishy white sesame bun, they manage to be delicate yet satisfying.


District looks set to become a great local for those in the area. Food and drinks are neither overwrought nor overthought and the atmosphere is casual – one to check out.

By Victoria Brownlee

Venue name: District
Contact:
Opening hours: 4pm-midnight daily
Metro: Jingan Temple
English address: 284 Yuyuan Lu, near Beijing Xi Lu, Jingan district
Chinese address: 静安区愚园路284号, 近北京西路