The exotic glamour of the whimsical world of 1920’s Shanghai socialite Madame de Ning
October 18th, 2012
Salon de Ning at The Peninsula Shanghai is a unique entertainment venue that evokes an intriguing and luxurious atmosphere of sophisticated pleasures and indulgences. Superbly crafted and exquisitely detailed, the “Salon” beautifully combines an audacious opulence with a whimsical sense of a lifestyle of privilege and glamour, creating an experience of dramatic aesthetic originality. Salon de Ning offers a discerning clientele an exceptional entertainment experience of style and drama- with nightly live music performances and delicious cocktails and small bites.
The concept for the Salon de Ning lounge at The Peninsula Manila is a creative construct that draws inspiration from the glamorous lifestyle of a fictional, fabulously wealthy, globe trotting Shanghai socialite from the 1930′s- “Madame Ning”. The intimately sized Salon space is both a representation of her residences, and also a recollection of her travel adventures to the fashionable destinations of her time. Lavishly decorated in the Art Deco style of the period- featuring a fusion of “East meets West” – the Salon has been designed to represent the interior of a luxurious private Shanghai residence of the period when Shanghai was known as the “Paris of the East” . The signature Salon de Ning concept was first introduced at The Peninsula New York in 2008, and was followed by further lounges in The Peninsula Hong Kong (also 2008), and The Peninsula Shanghai (2009) and most recently, at The Peninsula Manila (2011).
Salon de Ning is open Tuesday to Saturday, in the evenings from 8 pm to 1 am. Live musicians and DJs perform nightly.
The imposing King Kong greets arriving guests with a rumbling growl and flashing red eyes.
Salon de Ning is located in the basement level of The Peninsula- with access by stairway or antique elevator from The Bund entrance lobby area. After encountering an animated King Kong replica perched above the elevator exit, guests enter through a large granite gate archway featuring Roman and Art Deco door. The interior spaces comprise the main Salon or lounge with the compact cocktail bar located adjacent to the entrance. Around the perimeter of the Salon are four themed rooms- each “framed” with over-sized gilded picture frames.
The interior decorations are a showcase of exquisite attention to detail, with each themed room decorated in a unique style of whimsical glamour and sophistication. Comfortable lounge and armchair seating accommodates approximately 12 guests in each room- and are ideal for small private parties or groups of friends. All the rooms face out onto the main Salon floor space and the musicians stage- offering an intimate engagement with the performing bands.
The drinks menu at Salon de Ning features selections of signature cocktails, plus premium quality wines by the glass and bottle, and variety of premier champagne labels- including the signature Salon de Ning, Brut Rosé, NV bottled exclusively for The Peninsula by Deutz of France. Other options on the Drinks List include selections of premium spirits, single malts and cognacs, and non-alcoholic mocktails and fresh fruit juice blends.
Additionally, the four rooms have their own selection of themed cocktails, complimented with snacks that include Mini Wagyu Burgers; crispy Calamari; French Artisan Cheeses; Crispy Shrimps Wonton; and Oyster shooters.
The glamorous space of the Salon- with the L’Atelier and India rooms in the background
Looking across the Salon with the musician’s stage and adjacent lounge seating, and in the background, the Azure Room
The luxurious Salon space- with the entrance and bar in the background, and Movie Room in rear left corner.
Movie Room
The Movie Room features memorabilia themed around the glamour of cinema
Classic movie posters from the 1930’s, with LCD screen playing Charlie Chaplin B&W movies.
L’Atelier Room
The entrance to the inverted world of the L’Atelier room- where the floor becomes the ceiling, artist’s easels are suspended from the ceiling, and the bookshelves and paintings all hang upside down.
Two views inside the L’Atelier- (L) is the framed entrance; and (R) inside the inverted room- with an easel and fireplace seemingly suspended from the “ceiling”.
India Room
The framed entrance to the exotic INDIA room
The furnishings of the INDIA room feature intricately beaded curtains, plush carpets,and velvet fabrics.
Azure Room
The AZURE room is fashioned from metallic materials- with all manner of gauges, valves and controls in order to resemble the interior of an old submarine
The AZURE room evokes the experience of a submariner’s journey- even alluring “mermaids” can be seen through the portholes!
Live Music
The musician’s stage in the main Salon space
Live musicians and DJ’s perform each night in the intimate setting of the Salon
Signature Cocktails from Madame Ning’s Four Rooms
MOVIE: “Pink Panther”- Gin, Grenadine syrup, Lemon juice
MOVIE: “Greta Garbo”-Vodka, Vermouth Dry, Crème de Menthe Green
L’ATELIER: “Gogy”- Rum, Watermelon Juice, Passionfruit Syrup, Lime Juice.
INDIA: “Fizzy Ning”- Prosecco, Strawberry puree, Absolut vanilla
AZURE: “Reef”- Vodka, Blue Curacao, Melon Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Lime Juice.
Salon de Ning- at The Peninsula Shanghai
Address: Basement Level, The Peninsula Shanghai, No. 32 The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai. 200002. China
Metro: Line 2- East Nanjing Rd
Enquiries: +86. 21. 2327 6731
Website: www.peninsula.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePeninsulaHotels
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday 8:00 pm ~01:0 am; Sunday & Monday– closed
Dress code: Smart casual
See also review articles on Sir Elly’s Terrace and Sir Elly’s Restaurant & Bar at The Peninsula Shanghai
