Xiangyang Lu Gets New Speakeasy: Laundry Co.

It might be puzzling to see a Laundromat on Xiangyang Lu, seeing as everyone in Shanghai has a washing machine in their apartment. Turns out this is a front for a new bar, by the people that brought you Barber Shop. If you haven’t been, your guess that it’s a speakeasy behind a barber shop, is spot on. 

The washing machines and dryers are perfect for a photo shoot

While not yet functional, we are told that the machines will work soon. This means you can haul your dirty laundry down to the bar with you and wait for it while you drink. Bet you didn’t know you needed that option in your life. Seriously though, we could use a bigger machine to wash and dry blankets and sheets.

First things first, the cocktail program is designed by self-described whiskey lovers. Just like their first bar, Barber Shop, Laundry Co. has a huge range of single malt whiskies with a major emphasis on bottles from small distilleries or very limited editions from larger companies. While other spirits feature on the cocktail menu, about two thirds of the list is composed of Scotch or whiskey based beverages. 

Escape from Las Vegas (left), Pink Coke (middle) and Jardin Majorelle (right)

There is a page of classic and vintage cocktails ranging from (RMB 90-120) as well as some Laundry Co. signatures that are a bit pricier. Our favorite was the Escape from Las Vegas (RMB 100) which has genmaicha infused Havana rum, banana liquor, lemon juice, and pineapple juice. With that list of ingredients, we expected something cloyingly sweet, but it wasn’t. We got a heavy whiff of banana at the start followed by a remarkable well balanced and refreshing drink. Pink Coke (RMB 95), served in vintage glass, is a very gin forward drink with sour fruitiness. We have to say Jardin Marjorelle (RMB 120) is basically a gussied up pina colada. 

Chanel Club topped with French cream and gold leaf. 

They also do a nice variation on a Moscow Mule called a Glasgow Mule (RMB 110) using (you guessed it) Scotch instead of vodka. Chanel Club (RMB 150) takes espresso martinis up a few notches, and rambos, with the substition of Havana Club 7 years for basic vodka. Additonally, cold brew coffee, Godiva chocolate liquer, whipped french cream with butter and gold leaves add fancy to this tipple. 

Havana zombie (RMB 120) packs quite a punch

The Havana zombie is perhaps the best value, and most frightening, cocktail on the menu. It is very alcoholic with Havana Club Blanc, Havana 3 years, Havana 7 years, Ron Cubita 151 as well as some fresh juices (lime, lemon, pineapple) and passion fruit syrup, but you can hardly taste it. Be careful with this one. 

On our visit, the food menu was not yet completed and prices are still being hammered out, but we tasted some nice snacks created with Chef Tony, from neighboring restaurant, HOST. Smoked shrimp skewered on lemon grass with mint, dill and thyme will bring to mind a similar dish at Mr & Mrs Bund.

Drunken chicken with Hibiki dipping sauce

Truffle topped chewy rice cake

The drunken chicken with wosun is sousvide with whiskey and served with a savory Hibiki dipping sauce. It’s pretty tasty and refreshing. Chewy rice cake with truffle is a fun rift on ci fan gao. The chicken noodle soup made with black chicken and Yunnan mushrooms are the perfect bowl of comfort after one two many drinks. Tacos with shrimp, avocadoand salsa and M5 Australian oyster steak with asparagus, while well executed, are not as interesting

Steak with asparagus

Shrimp tacos with avocado and salsa

Glassed in shelving for customers to store their personal bottles

The concept is old school and the prices are high, so Laundry Co. really appeals to those who don’t mind paying for cocktails with higher end labels and/or those who search out the rarest and most interested whiskey. They encourage you to buy and store bottles on premise in the gorgeous glass shelves. They will even let you write your name and decorate on the glass which is good fun. Make sure to try the Nikka Coffee Malt Whiskey, a smooth and sweet coffee tinged whiskey. You will definitely want to write your name on a bottle, if you can afford it. 

Address: 93-5 Xiangyang Bei Lu

Tel: [phone] 

Hours: Sun-Thur, 6pm-2am; Fri & Sat, 6pm-3am

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