VUE BAR- rooftop at Hyatt on The Bund, Shanghai

Acclaimed Shanghai rooftop bar and lounge combines captivating design aesthetic with stunning views

October 31st, 2012

Rooftop bars in Shanghai have in recent years become a popular feature incorporated into the design of new hotel properties- particularly those in the prime Bund and Pudong districts of central Shanghai. Competition for the claim of “best views” is intense and the criteria for consideration demanding. A clear measure of the success for VUE Bar at Hyatt on the Bund in this “arms race” has been its continued popularity with both visitors and local residents since its opening in 2007- and the frequently seen description in on-line reviews of travellers- “the best views in Shanghai”. The unique location of the hotel’s twin towers on the western banks of the Huangpu River- at the apex of the major bend in the river- allows for the spectacular, unobstructed views across the entire panorama of both the ultra-modern Pudong office towers, and the historic buildings of the Bund promenade.

The VUE Bar is part of a unique multi-concept dining and bar complex that occupies the top four floors of the west tower of the hotel. Conceived for Hyatt by renowned Japanese design studio- Super Potato- the sprawling complex includes the VUE Restaurant and private dining room on the 30th and 31st floors, and the VUE Bar and rooftop terrace on the 32nd and 33rd floors. The concept for VUE Bar combines a rustic, winery themed main bar space on the 32nd floor, with a contemporary cocktail bar and lounge, and the relaxed casual nature of the outdoor timber decked rooftop terrace on the top floor. Guests have a variety of spaces to choose from to enjoy their drinks and the stunning views- including discretely spaced high tables along the floor-to-ceiling windows of the entrance passageway and main bar area; a seat at the circular cocktail bar that is the focal point of he 32nd floor space; or the more laid-back lounge area towards the rear of the space. And on the upper level, accessed via a spiral staircase, the comfortable four poster day-beds of the outdoor rooftop terrace beckon- for the ultimate in relaxed libations.

VUE Bar serves an extensive selection of cocktails, premium spirits, champagnes and wines. A resident DJ provides the entertainment in the evenings, and the popularity of VUE Bar is such that bookings are recommended for weekend nights in particular. VUE Bar is a world-class venue that offers an eclectic and unpretentious atmosphere of sophisticated drinking, matched with an invigorating dash of creative design, and set against the backdrop of fabulous views.

The breath-taking view from the rooftop terrace- one of the best vantage points in Shanghai for panoramic vistas across the broad sweep of the Huangpu River – with The Bund on the right, and the Pudong office district to the left.

The outdoor rooftop terrace deck with centrepiece marble jacuzzi , surrounded by four-poster day-beds, and framed by the circular, domed timber pergola .

The views…

Situated on the major bend of the Huangpu River as it winds its way through central Shanghai- VUE Bar enjoys wide-ranging vistas- including the spectacular modern skyscrapers of the Pudong financial district.

The historic buildings of The Bund district lie on the same riverbank side as VUE Bar

The entrance & passageways

The entrance foyer at VUE is styled as a rustic winery, with raw bricks, timber floors, oak wine casks, and thousands of actual wine bottles stacked into floor to ceiling shelving.

The 32nd floor Reception at VUE- entry requires a cover charge- which is redeemable for a drink.

The passageway from the Reception to the Cocktail Bar continues the rustic winery theme.

Window- front table settings are set into alcoves that encircle the main cocktail bar.

Internal passageway features wall to wall wine bottle shelving and low timber-lined ceiling that evokes the essence of a substantial wine cellar.

The Cocktail Bar

The lighted circular cocktail bar on the 32nd floor adds modernity to the rustic finishes of the raw brickwork and timber floors. And patrons enjoy fabulous views from all seats.

The spiral staircase that leads up to the rooftop level and outdoor terrace deck

Upper Level Bar

The indoor area on the upper level of the 33rd floor- adjacent to the terrace deck- features another bar area.

Lounge Bar

The Lounge is an open space located internally from the Cocktail Bar on the 33rd floor. Blending modern features such as the lighted translucent panels that separate the space into a number of discrete seating areas, with the rustic brickwork and timber floors. A large bar at the end of the space services the Lounge area customers.

One of the corner settings of the Lounge- comfortable bed-style sofas overlook the neighbouring hotel tower and city views.

Setting near the front of the Lounge- overlooking the Pudong side of the river

The Lounge bar- with featured raw brickwork, layered in geometric patterns.

Selected popular cocktails

The Drinks List at VUE Bar includes broad-ranging selections of fine wines and champagnes, beers, and premium spirits. The enticing Cocktail Menu offers a well-curated selection of cocktails under several categories. The “Classic” cocktails include perennial favourites such as Negroni; Long Island Iced tea; Bloody Mary; and Singapore Sling. “Martinis” offered range from Dry; Manhattan; Cosmopolitan; to the signature VUE martini. “Crushed & Sour” features Mojitos; Caipirinha; and Caipiroska. And the “Perrier Jouët Cocktails” include Strawbellini; Shanghai Express; and Shanghai Elixir.

MOJITO- White Rum, lime wedges, fresh mint leaves, brown sugar, soda.

LONG ISLAND ICED TEA– Gin, Vodka, White Rum, Tequila, Triple Sec, Coke, lime juice.

PINK ANGEL– Gin, strawberry liqueur, syrup & lime juice

VUE Martini– Vodka, Triple Sec, mango puree, lime juice