Earlier this week a couple of friends (Eddie and Leslie) of ours were in Shanghai for the F1. Eddie works for CRK and was at a new product launch function for Leica Geosystems and Leslie came along for fun.
So we went out for drinks on Monday and Tuesday night. I have been waiting for an excuse to go to the Sky Dome Bar on level 47 of The Radisson Shanghai New World (in the Flying Saucer) since we got here. So on Monday night we went there. 
Getting to the bar is a bit of an adventure, you need to walk through the beautiful lobby of the Radisson and through the elevators at the back. You go up to the top which is level 45 (where the new revolving restaurant `Epicure' is. You then go through another small doorway and get ushered into a tiny elevator that goes the remaining distance to the bar. If you are claustrophobic, don't go - the elevator will kill you!
The glass dome is spectacular with 360 degree views of Shanghai from the very top of this interesting building, and for added effect they put stars into the ceiling. It is a comfortable venue with little clusters of lounge and comfy chairs across a split level floor. There are lots of nice lamps around and a great groove coming from the live jazz band. 
The Band plays from the centre of the higher platform, right next to the bar, so most people in the place can easily see and hear them. I found the
music a bit too loud for that style of bar. We were wanting to talk, but it quite difficult to hear.
Drinks were reasonably priced, about 50 - 65RMB for cocktails, so not outrageous. No entrance fee. Service was a bit slow, it seemed there were 5 guys behind the bar, 3 guys picking up empty glasses, 1 guy changing ashtrays but only 1 waitress - not exactly the way to increase sales revenue - go figure.
On Tuesday night we went to Le Club in Xintiandi. Le Club is part of the big French place (La Maison I think) where they have French food and cabaret. Going upstairs, turn left at the top of the stairs (or the simpler thing this to do is follow the rhythmic beats of the Latin music blasting out the door way).
Once you walk into the club you see a stage with a 4 piece group of sweaty Peruvians pumping out some salsa and Latin tunes in front of a dance floor where, I was amazed to watch, Chinese couples performed perfect salsas, lambadas and other sexy dances. This group of 1 woman (singer) and 3 blokes were good fun, and they play there 7 nights a week - so you go any time!
Being a Tuesday night it was not too busy, but at its peak would have had 50 people inside enjoying a drink and a dance. Drinks were well priced, there was no cover charge and the service was excellent - never had to wait without a drink in my hand!
Eddie just so happens to be from Chile and also a Latin musician himself, so during a break the band had, Eddie had a chat to them and before long, Eddie was up on stage performing (playing drums for a few songs then jumped onto the congas for another couple). We had a ball, dancing and getting our groove on with Eddie looking quite at home up on stage. Eddie later confided that he didn't know a couple of the songs, but picked it up anyway! Musicians always impress me with their abilities.
Le Club is definitely a great place to go for a drink, a dance and a bit of fun. It lends itself well to groups and couples intent on a dance.
The Sky Dome Bar is located on level 47 of the Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World, 88 Nanjing Road West. Ph: 21 6359 9999
Le Club is located in Xintiandi upstairs next to the French cabaret place. I have no idea of the phone number or the address - but its easy to find.
There is a cosy cafe next to it too:
I thought it would be a good idea to share what camera gear I use. I shoot (sometimes) with a Canon EOS350D with standard EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 II lens. 
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