HENNESSY OPENS ITS VERY FIRST CONCEPT BAR IN SHANGHAI

Shanghai, one of the original cities that never sleeps, has just added another great spot to its futuristic, cosmopolitan riverfront. In September, Hennessy unveiled BLENDS, the brand’s very first concept bar. Located on the first floor of one of Shanghai’s historic landmarks, neoclassical BUND 18, this modern, cosy space unites cognac culture, cocktail inspiration, and urban life together in one unique brand experience space.

Hennessy brand ambassador Chris Lee inaugurated BLENDS with a spectacular opening ceremony. Hennessy enthusiasts were invited to embark on an exciting journey to explore the diverse sensorial experiences on offer, from exceptional food and cocktails, to curated programming from daytime to night. Far from ordinary, this concept bar challenges bar stereotypes, leaning more towards today’s avant-garde lifestyle.

BLENDS was designed to redefine the notion of stylish Shanghai life, elevating the cultural indulgence of East meeting West. A place where people can rejoin, reconnect, and rejoice while exploring cognac culture in an immersive, futuristic setting. Events such as mixologist workshops and crossover collaborations celebrate experimental indulgence in all its forms.

Renowned mixologists both local and nomad were invited to tinker with ‘classic’ cocktails to give them a Hennessy twist. Each unique drink has its own Pantone colour, its own personality. The collection tells the story of Hennessy's global footprint, from its founding in Cognac, France more than 250 years ago to the present.

The cocktail menu also includes a collection imagined by award-winning mixologist, Chris Xi, invited by Hennessy to craft an exclusive anthology depicting cocktails past and future. The molecular cocktail specialist created five signature cocktails that fit perfectly into Hennessy’s story. Shareable food is testimony to Hennessy’s dedication to indulgence and includes chic tastes like Iberian Bellota ham, caviars, and extraordinary desserts on the table.

BLENDS opening brings to fruition a long history of cooperation between Hennessy and China that dates back to 1859, when Hennessy first arrived at the port of Shanghai. “Shanghai has always been a metropolis, a global intersection that embraces inclusive cultures from across the world. Hennessy chose its location on the Bund, where the cultures and arts meet, to create diversified sensory experiences, and inspiring the aspiration of art,” said Benny Ng, president of Moët Hennessy Diageo China.