First Glance: Parlor to Host Grand Opening Gatsby Party This Saturday

Jeff Ji of the much-loved hutong hideaways, Mai Bar and Malty Dog, has jumped on the Gatsby bandwagon and opened Parlor, a bar intended to exude a 1930's Shanghai vibe. This concept remains unrealized from the disconcerting feeling brought on by the 1950's Jerry Lee Lewis rock and roll music and the slightly mismatched decor, as though a time machine malfunctioned and you're stuck between two worlds.

But never mind that, Ji has a solid list of creative cocktails (think ingredients like bacon, durian, and bleu cheese) and plans for some boss-sounding theme parties, so we're more than excited to give this place a chance.

Parlor is dispersed among two floors separated by a rounded staircase in the depths of the International Wonderland complex located behind Xindonglu's Bentley Motors. The first floor is a speakeasy, complete with a small stage, old trunks, bird cage lamps, mounted deer heads and warm, wooden decor. While the second level is a VIP-only area. A Charlie Chaplin membership for around RMB 30,000 gets you access to an area that feels pleasantly like an old Shanghai film set, complete with a cigar lounge and a glamorous KTV room.

On Saturday, January 11, Parlor will host their grand opening party, with the theme, "When Gatsby Meets a Shanghai Girl." Tickets are RMB 300 and include two cocktails and performances by Moonglow Burlesque dancers. Stick with the dress code to really get in right the mood: qipaos for the ladies and Gatsby-esque clothing for the lads (like the photo above).

Look for a full review in our upcoming issue of the Beijinger, but in the meantime, let us know what you think of Parlor in the Comments below.

Parlor
Daily 6pm-2am. 39-9 Xingfuercun, Xindonglu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区新东路幸福二村39-9号

Photos: Jessica Rapp