Everybody is entitled to MY opinion ;)

I was out of Shnaghai for the Grand Opening festivities at Cotton's this New Year's Eve so I did not get to see it open but last night, my first real night back in Shanghai, I had the opportunity to finally go by and see her new bar. WOW! What a nice place! After a year hiatus, and all the nasty stories about how Shane's Bar opened in its old location trying to take advantage of what Cotton built, Cotton Ding has finally pulled off her coup. The new location is in an old villa located at Jian Guo Lu and An Ting Lu. The three level house and garden are perfect for this new venture.

I arrived late last evening and found the place packed to the rafters. Several old faces are there, servers, bartenders, and of course Cotton herself busy behind the bar. The crowd seemed to be a mix of European and North American, with some Pacific Rim folks too. Seating was tight with such a crowd but our group managed to get a corner table from which I observed the patrons and the bar itself. Everyone seemed to enjoy these new digs with three fireplaces 5 rooms and a nice bar located in a glass extension. The place is tastefully redone, reminiscent of Sasha's when it was last remodeled.

While it was crowded, the service staff bustled and hustled like no other bar I know. many of these staff members have been working at various bars across Shanghai and were eager to come back. As a patron of the old cotton's, I too was eager to get back. While this new venue is very different in size and flavour, the atmosphere was great and I foresee another successful Cotton's in the works! And when spring hits, the garden seating will become a major hit! I am looking forward to more good times at Cotton's!