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