Walking into ChynaBlack is like walking into an opium den. Chinese lanterns swing from the ceiling, oriental rugs cover the floor and antique-inspired furniture beckon while black-and-white Chinese films flicker on TV screens. Though once the house and R&B music gets going and the lights dim, it’s hard to notice the fixtures.
But its intimate vibe allows you to converse with your partner or if you like to mingle around in small groups, that too. It’s also worth taking note that this lounge isn’t huge; so once it gets packed, it gets really packed. But again, this isn’t a spot to ‘dance the night away’.
Order one of their signature cocktails, light up a cigar and you will feel as though you’re in an old-school bar somewhere in Shanghai. The Asian-inspired cocktails will surely get your attention. Pomelo Mojito, Wynter Black, The Mandrin Shooters and Longan-tini are some of the standout concoctions. Otherwise, you can expect the standard fare like whisky, champagne and beers. The right boxes are here, we are just waiting to tick them all. Ian Loh