Jiu Zhuang Hidden Bar

Well-hidden and secluded from the main blocks in Dempsey Road, one must walk passed the 'IN' CM-PB (Contemporary Melting-Pot and Bar), all the way to the back and you will find Jiu Zhuang on the right-hand side.

The interior of the bar (Block 6D) is strongly influenced by the Shanghai style in the 1920s era. Exudes a certain elegant air and lavish of opulence in the atmosphere. The ambience is cosy and intimate, with the entire place dimmed with warm yellow light shining through antique side lamps and hanging Chinese lanterns. Listening to the remix versions of Chinese songs (some of which are songs we are familiar listening to growing up) in jazzy tunes under such ambience, and couching into those comfortable leather chairs, enable one to fully relax (provided no big groups present at the same time for laughter are unavoidable).

I exceptionally like the owner's choice of the bar counter, breaking away from the conventional type of bar counter with liquors displaying at different heights of shelving. To enhance the appreciation and feel of 1920s' Shanghai, replica pictures of Chinese women dressed in cheongsam (typically featured in calendars and posters during the old days) adorn the area. If you look closely, you can also detect the slight European flair introduced in some of the furniture chosen.

Good for quiet afternoon. Drinks but the food we had was so so at 6/10
The fried chicken cubes was probably the best dish albeit too spicy/numbing for me. I’d say 6.5/10 after adjustment. The wontons were 6/10

The pork trotter beehoon we had to return bcos there wasn’t enough meat/trotter, only noodles. I’d say 6/10 as well

Overall a solid 6/10 for an afternoon rendezvous in nearby Dempsey. The decor and design are stylishly executed, transporting you back to Shanghai Bund. Mission accomplished!