Zodiac - Shanghai Shankangli

Shanghai’s Jing An District has a new moody and atmospheric cocktail bar centred around signs of the zodiac. The space was previously a soulless real estate office before the Zodiac team set upon turning it into a trendy cocktail bar, in the now thriving neighbourhood of ShanghKang Li. Award-winning hospitality design studio hcreates set about to create a dramatic space with deep red walls that envelop the intimate space. From the street a large, copper tinted, picture window gives you a glimpse into the action, beckoning you inside. Upon entering you step into a small, darkened foyer, designed to bring a moment of quiet and anticipation. You then journey up and emerge in front of a gleaming, copper sunken bar, serving up star sign inspired cocktails led by mixologist, Geo Valdivieso. The central sunken bar is hcreates Design Director - Hannah Churchill’s favourite feature, “I wanted to bring a sense of theatre by creating a stage for the bartender, allowing the customer to view the action from a higher angle”. The bar features a DIY station where customers can participate behind the bar, making their own cocktail with the bartender. A one-way mirror behind the bar turns into a screen, playing their own dynamic, zodiac visual as they perform. Throughout the venue, plush, velvet, banquette seating form cosy pockets, allowing for both open and private space. The dramatic red walls provide a rich backdrop for the zodiacs. Each star sign has been reinterpreted and brought to life by creative agency, The Orangeblowfish, with edgy, baroque art, being cleverly reimagined and created to span along one entire wall of the venue. The overall space has a warm and cosy vibe with many playful elements to explore as people sit and back and enjoy their very own Zodiac cocktail.