Extraordinary Cocktail Lounge & Bar themed on the glamorous life of fictional 1930’S Shanghai socialite
September 17th, 2012
Salon de Ning is a unique entertainment venue that evokes an intriguing and luxurious atmosphere of sophisticated pleasures and indulgences. Superbly crafted and exquisitely detailed, the “Salon” beautifully combines an audacious opulence with a whimsical sense of a lifestyle of privilege and glamour, creating an experience of dramatic aesthetic originality. Salon de Ning offers a discerning clientele an exceptional entertainment experience of style and drama- distinctively different from the mainstream of nightclub venues.
The concept for the Salon de Ning lounge at The Peninsula Manila is a creative construct that draws inspiration from the glamorous lifestyle of a fictional, fabulously wealthy, globe trotting Shanghai socialite from the 1930’s- “Madame Ning”. The intimately sized Salon space is both a representation of her residences, and also a recollection of her travel adventures to the fashionable destinations of her time. Lavishly decorated in the Art Deco style of the period- featuring a fusion of “East meets West” – the Salon has been designed to represent the interior of a luxurious private Shanghai residence of the period when Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the East” . The Salon de Ning concept was first introduced at The Peninsula New York in 2008, and was followed by further lounges in The Peninsula Hong Kong (also 2008), and The Peninsula Shanghai (2009) and most recently, at The Peninsula Manila (2011).
The Salon de Ning consists of the main Salon – featuring plush lounge table settings that overlook a stage where musicians perform nightly; the intimate bar in one corner; and the four distinctive theme rooms- each entered through an over-size gilded frame that creates the sense of being drawn into a movie set. The rooms all feature lounge seating for approximately 12 guests each, and can be individually booked for small private groups.
Salon de Ning is also very much a vibrant live music venue- showcasing many of Manila’s finest performers with two different bands on stage nightly. The music style is predominantly contemporary jazz, with the resident DJ also playing an eclectic mix of tunes during the breaks between band sets. The musical acts change every night, each bringing their own performance style to the stage, and providing regular guests with a constant variety of entertainment.
The refreshments at Salon de Ning include the exotic signature cocktail creations of the bar- and especially noteworthy is the sumptuous “Ning Sling” cocktail. Another highlighted drink is the Salon de Ning Rose Champagne– exclusively bottled for The Peninsula by Deutz of France. Further selections of wines, champagnes and premium spirits are all served from the bar, and are complimented by selections of small snacks and platters for sharing.
THE SALON INTERIOR
The dramatic opulence of the interior- with furnishings evoking the Art Deco designs of the 1930’s, and highlighted by the stunning chandeliers that are suspended upside-down parasols encrusted with translucent chips of shell, resin and crystal.
The main Salon floor space – looking back towards the entrance from the far corner of the musician’s stage.
The central space of the Salon- with the Boxing, Shoe and Shanghai theme rooms opposite.
THE ZEPPELIN ROOM
The spectacular Zeppelin Room is adjacent to the entrance and the bar and re-creates the glamour of air travel by Zeppelin in the 1930’s.
Inside the cabin of the Zeppelin guests can re-live the adventure of floating past the Manhattan skyline. The detail of the faux re-construction is extraordinary- with dials, gauges, and all kinds of mechanical fittings. The view through the windows is a moving film projection of Manhattan onto a screen.
The glowing red eyes of the legendary King Kong peer in from his perch atop the Empire State Building as the Zeppelin passes by.
THE BOXING ROOM
The Boxing Room is an expression of Madame Ning’s passion for the raw masculinity of the pugilist- and she was rumored to have had a fling with Joe Louis- with one of his pre-fight robes on display in the room.
One section of the room is set-up like a boxing ring- with the ropes affixed around the walls. A whimsical lighting fitting overhead features individual boxing gloves on the end of mechanical “arms”.
The Boxing Room has a masculine feel- with dark brown leather sofas and armchairs, the heavy punching bags suspended from the ceiling on chains, and photos from classic boxing duels of the 1930’s. Signed gloves displayed at the entrance include a pair signed by legendary Filipino World Champion, Manny Pacquiao.
THE SHOE ROOM
The themed rooms are entered through over-sized gilded frames- evoking the feeling of entering a movie set
Madame Ning had a passion for footwear- and glass cabinets in the Shoe Room showcase 240 pairs of individually crafted shoes. The Shoe Room has received the endorsement of another aficionado of footwear- former First Lady, Imelda Marcos.
Some of the glamorous 1930’s style footwear of Madame Ning
THE SHANGHAI ROOM
The largest of the rooms- a re-creation of Madame Ning’s private sitting room in her Shanghai residence. The room features antique furniture, exotic pets in cages, framed photos from Madame Ning’s travels, display cases of memorabilia and objets d’art collected from her travels, and even leopard-print rugs on the walls.
Comfortable sofa and lounge chair seating in the Shanghai Room
The walls of the Shanghai Room are adorned with framed photos from Madame Ning’s world travels, with an oil-painting portrait prominent above the fireplace.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE DRINKS & FOOD MENU
NING SLING- Signature cocktail- Belvedere Pomerancza, lychee liqueur, passion fruit puree, orange juice.
SALON DE NING ROSE CHAMPAGNE– bottled exclusively for The Peninsula by DEUTZ of France
MOVIE STAR- Instant popcorn-infused Belvedere vodka, lemon juice, sugar syrup
SIZE 9 ½ – Dark Rum, watermelon juice, mint leaves, lime, sugar.
ASSORTED CHARCUTERIE –Milano salami, prosciutto, salami felino and pan fried chorizo, served with marinated olives and bocconcini.
PANKO CRUMBED PORK ADOBO – Braised and shredded pork adobo crumbed in Japanese bread crumbs, lightly deep fried and served with tamarind and mango chutney.
ASSORTED CHEESE PLATTER- with truffle honey.
SALON de NING – at The Peninsula Manila
Address: Corner Ayala & Makati Avenues, Makati City 1226. Metro Manila. Philippines
Reservations: +63.2.887 2888 Ext 6737
Website: www.peninsula.com/Peninsula_Hotels/en/default.aspx#/Manila/en/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePeninsulaManila
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday 7:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
Live Music: Early evening band plays 2 sets between 7:30 pm & 9:30 pm; Late evening band plays 3 sets from 10:00 pm to 1:15am
Dress Code: Smart Casual
