New Bar Alert: Wonderland Bar Opens Tomorrow!
Every now and then we review a bar that leaves us totally tongue-tied to find the right words to do it justice. In this occasion, our kryptonite is Wonderland Bar. Its concept is simple: Wonderland before Alice, and it has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Helmed by Johan Holmberg, formerly of the El Coctel, Funkadeli and Parrot, Wonderland is simply… well, wonderful. There is a surprise waiting for you in every corner.
And we haven’t even started on the drinks, which are just as colorful and wild as the bar’s décor.
Wonderland Rule, RMB 65
Wonderland Rule is a gin-based cocktail is infused with homemade rose syrup, cucumber juice and lemon. Although it comes served in a teacup, it has quite a kick to it. Garnished with pepper, and rose petals, it’s certainly a drink that you haven’t seen around before.
You can't have Wonderland without the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, and that is what Wonderland promises. Cocktails can be served in a tea pot, served with tea cups and saucers, perfect for a party of four at RMB 200.
Frozen Rose Mojito, RMB 65
Wonderland make drinks that you wouldn’t see normally at other bars, and their concept is on full display with their playful rendition of a mojito. Their minty fresh Frozen Rose Mojito hits the palette like a cool cucumber. It doesn’t overwhelm you with sweetness or overpower you with alcohol, you can (and should) drink a few without giving it another thought.
Absolem Sins, RMB 65
Absolem Sins,is a whisky-based cocktail that, as you may have guessed, is as blue as a Smurf (the photo does not lie). It goes down smooth, and its creamy top layer is a nice finish that balances the strength of the whisky. It conjures up memories of a blueberry gummy bear with a hint of mint. Maybe it’s the secret recipe, we are not at liberty to disclose so you’ll have to find out for yourself.
Mushroom Garden, RMB65
Mushroom Garden, is a Gin-based cocktail that packs a punch. Its smooth taste and tangy flavor might remind you of sucking on a jolly rancher. Garnished with mushroom, which is probably the oddest combination but does in fact work well, it goes to show that anything can happen at Wonderland.
Conjured by Johan to fill the empty and bland slot created by the industrial styled bars, its whimsy and fun concept is well executed through-and-through.
Bathroom with twin commodes
Mahjong tiles along the bar
Beer swimming in the tub of ice
Resident fish inside the floor
One of the bar’s features that help the theme come alive is the vivid mural and artwork, which was done by Kathryn Robbins, painter and owner of K aRt.
This multi-faceted visual artist has been living and working in Shanghai for the past several years, using her work to bring live to venues such as The Refinery in Xintiandi, MAYA, Scarpetta and numerous others. Her enormous mural painting of Wonderland is a sight to be seen and adds a truly enchanting atmosphere to the venue.
There is something for everyone at Wonderland, and you won’t leave without taking a little bit of it with you.
Wonderland
Address: 1311 Xinzha Lu,
Hours: Daily, 4pm to 1am (last call 12:30am)