The Union Trading Company

Yao Lu has pushed the Shanghai cocktail scene in exciting new directions, but ironically the secret of his success is old-fashioned hospitality. Born in Texas, Lu studied hospitality management at the University of Houston and worked for influential bar guru Bobby Heugel. They are experiences that shine through at his buzzy, all-smiles neighbourhood bar, where style and service are evenly matched. Cocktails change regularly, but could include Miso Caliente (Scotch, miso syrup, honey, citrus and chilli) or Murder in the Vines (bourbon, citrus, rosemary, Ruby Port, raisin syrup).