Cozy Perch offers bird's-eye view of Shanghai life
Perch, in downtown Jing’an District, is a cozy neighborhood bar with windows opening onto an outdoor terrace.
Chase Williams’ original idea was to find another location for an additional Rooster, a successful neighborhood bar on Shaanxi Road N. in the expat circle.
“I immediately fell in love with the long outdoor terrace in this corner location between Jiangning Road and Wuding Road. We knew we needed to sign right away and create a concept that fits the space — thus, Perch was born,” the Florida native said.
As much as he loves The Rooster, William saw this as the perfect opportunity to liven things up a bit and explore a heightened cocktail and wine program with higher quality food offerings.
“While The Rooster has a North American stereotype and is considered to be a craft beer and chicken wings’ bar, Perch is a more international space,” he said.
The Perch name represents both the elevated outdoor terrace and the act of sitting and watching the comings and goings of the city.
Bloody Mary
“We continued the aviary theme with the indoor decorations. There is bird-inspired lighting, hanging plants and massive glass accordion doors, which allows natural light in and creates an illusion of being outside,” Williams said.
Perch has a slight lounge feel to it and the deals on offer present something for everyone.
“Perch is an inclusive bar where everyone can come, be comfortable and share great times,” Williams said.
Bar manager Bryant has a skill for mixing up new creations.
“When we first opened he created what we call the ‘Double G,’ a grapefruit cocktail featuring both Peddlers and Beefeater Gin with a sprig of rosemary,” Williams said. “It’s extremely popular and he’s always coming up with something new.”
Each Wednesday, starting at 7pm, Perch hosts a cocktail lab where three brand-new drinks are made and guests have the chance to try them all for 100 yuan and vote for their favorite. When it’s cold, this can mean a couple warmer cocktails, just like summer time will bring in tropical flavors.
In-house cured salmon bruschetta
The team is innovative with their offerings and there is even a couple of cocktails served on draft. They work with local brewery Shanghai Love on their draft Moscow Mule and Margarita drinks, and plan further draft cocktail offerings in the future.
The food menu is designed to encourage sharing and a willingness to try new options.
“We brought in one of our very close friends, an exceptional Italian chef, to design the menu. He drew on his love of Mediterranean cuisine and a heavy mixture of shared seafood, prosciutto and cheese plates,” Williams said.
In-house cured salmon bruschetta, hummus with puff bread and imported French oysters have been their biggest hits so far.
Info
Opening hours: 1am-midnight (Tuesday to Sunday)
Tel: 139-1862-9732
Address: Unit 107, 445 Jiangning Rd
Average price: 100 yuan
