Hello Shanghaiexpat readers,

This is Jamie (Formally of Barbarossa). This Saturday is the opening of my new bar The Den. I would like to invite all that know me (and those who don't!) down to celebrate with us.

The bar itself is a cosy little hangout with emphasis on good music (Soul,Funk,Chillout,Vocal House Uncommercial hiphop etc), cheap drinks and friendly service. The concept?.. it's a bar!

It's located at 527 XuJiaHui Lu and Luban Lu (Exactly on the SE corner of both roads), very close to Da Tong gardens and Taikang Lu.

Free drinks from 9-10pm...

Hope some of you will drop by if not on Saturday then another time!

Cheers

Jamie

interesting to ALSO list Massage in the same logo...

A bar with massage? WTF?

Actually could be a nice concept, think about it.

Let them try boys. Maybe there's somethign on it.

TheDen, congratulations for the initiative of trying something new.

That's EXACTLY what we need as an alternative...

All the power to you.

If it was legit massage it would be something new.

I interpreted it is more an attempt at a foreigner oriented KTV joint (without the KTV). But maybe I just have a dirty mind.

Yes I have heard about every joke possible regarding the bar/massage scenario!. but let me set the record straight!

On the first floor is the bar, upstairs on the second floor is a massage lounge. The massage lounge has already been open around 9 months.. we have 2 guys and 5 girls that are extremely talented and fully trained in traditional massage techniques, both relaxing and invigorating. They do reflexology, full body oil massages etc. The prices for the massages are very competitive and great value for money (From around 50-120rmb for a 90 minute massage). The vision is that it will be just as appealing to the ladies as it is to the guys. I am fully aware of some connotations associated with having a bar/massage place!

I am still working on slight changes and renovation for the massage area to give it more of a western feel and will let everyone know when it has been completed.

Previously on my days off I would usually play some form off sport or hit the gym, followed by a massage, then off for a drink. Funny as may it seem to some, the idea of having a bar and massage lounge in the same complex as a bar is not as strange as may seem initially. I hope before anyone passes judgement they will come and visit us. As mentioned I have not completed the 'makeover' of the massage area though I expect to over the coming weeks.

This post was really to advertise the new bar as there are not really any other bars around this area. Also to invite any friends I have made over the last 2 years, and to welcome newcomers. The concept of the bar is nothing more than a place you can come to chill out, the emphasis being on cheap quality drinks, nice music and decent service.. nothing more, nothing less!

I have also just been informed that there is also a 'Den' in Beijing, I think everyone should know that we are not affiliated.. which is a shame as they seem to have a great rep!

So perhaps to some people's dissapointment the only 'happy endings' will take place at the bar!


Regards

Jamie

Well, that is quite a concept.....though I won't be taking advantage of it, I'm quite impressed by the entrepeneurial spirit of it.

Wonder if they have a ladies night........

My apologies, I posted before your post came on Jamie.....ignore my silly comments, as you have already addressed the 'issue'. Good luck with the new bar, I'll be checking it out sometime soon

Fist foor bar. Second floor massage lounge. I am shaking my head just thinking about it... but will have to have a look. I mena when I think "massage" I want peace and quiet - not a rowdy bunch of "laowai" screaming pissed on local Qingdao's....

thewalrus wrote:when I think "massage" I want peace and quiet - not a rowdy bunch of "laowai" screaming pissed on local Qingdao's....

Wow, I hadn't expected that from you, Walrus. How can it get any better than getting drunk while getting a back rub! hahaha. It beats getting stared down by the (evil drunk) regulars in some sleazy pub back home... Just my view.

Jamie: I will check it out and bring people! Best of luck to you.

Congratulations on the new bar! I will come to see it soon.

I was there a couple of weeks ago for the 'soft-opening', and found it had a good vibe to the place. Reminded me of mint when it was first born, u know, decent music, reasonable drink prices oh those halcyon pre entry fee days !!!

Anyway one advantage that it does have over mint for sure is the length of the bar ! being the length of the Den at least it affords easy access and was affordable so u don't need your Access card !!!

Not totally sure on the concept of a combined massage place, i tend to fall asleep havng a massage when i'm sober so don't think i'll be popping upstairs for a rub down after 5 vodka tonics, but like someone else mentioned above, some of the girls may like to go upstairs to soak away the stress whilst their partner soaks up a pint or two (read 6).

Anyway good luck Jamie, will come by this evening for a few (and maybe direct Mrs. Jase upstairs) !

Bump!

so many events this weekend! Sounds good, may have to pop in after the big bash though... good luck and hope everyone has fun!

nice listing of the event in the ShanghaiExpat Newsletter too so hopefully the word is getting out there!

Wow!

A big thank you to the person at Shexpat that added the event to the newsletter.. much appreciated!

Jamie

Tonight Mofos!

Mofo?

Who do you think you are? Rick James?

How do I get there from Xujiahui and where can I park my camel?

Will The Den have a happy hour? How much is a pint or glass of house wine during regular hours? Can your bartenders make decent cocktails?

A pint of wine?

Can your bartenders smile?

I thought a pint of wine was George Best's favorite drink?

Mat should get in on this act. . .

Quick question, how far is it from Tian Shan Rd and Weining Rd ? I want to stop over for a few, but would like to know how far the cab ride is (a nip on the way).

anyone who was there this weekend care to write up a quickie review? i was in dire need of a massage today and had i been near a computer i would have looked up the address online...

ask for the girl in the purple skirt

HI ShExpat,

Just wanted to say thanks to the many members that came along last night for the opening do. It was a great night (if not too busy!) and a great crowd. I hope you enjoyed the evening and the venue.

Feedback good or bad is very much appreciated!

Regards,

Jamie

Good
Let me help you!

Hi All,

Just in reference to previous questions...

Drinks are priced at around 25rmb (Beers, Vodka, Gin etc etc).. Most softdrinks are 15rmb.

Most cocktails are priced at 35 rmb... we are also happy to make a customer request or recommendation.

House wine (San Medin, Chile) is priced at 35 per glass.

Our emphasis is on value and quality.

As for the location we are in Luwan district. Exactly on the corner of XuJiaHui Lu and Luban Lu (not in XuJiaHui!). Very close to Taikang Lu, DaTong gardens etc.

And I'd like to think our bartenders wear geniune smiles! Hope to see you all someday..

Anyone who came to the opening care to share some thoughts? I would also like to add that the opening was extremely busy and that usually I hope it will be a little more chilled out at The Den.

Best regards,

Jamie

The fact of the matter is... The Den is just yet another bar in Shanghai... what made the opening night (and all other nights I am sure) is the people at the den.
The crowd at the party were the type of people everyone wants to be around.
The staff were lovely... you know it's good when they see you at the door and usher you to the bar and remind you "free drinks free drinks!!!!"
And the girls upstairs, as much as I havent tested them out yet, they are all smiles...
Lastly, the owners... both of which understand the importance of a reasonably priced drink, and a need for a space to just chill. I just wish you would understand the importance of the Tri Nation Rugby games Jamie!!!! I would most definatly take advantage of your giant games tv and 25rmb drinks!!!!

Sounds like quite the place. I'll be sure to stop over when I get back into town. Hopefully I won't miss any good parties in the meantime.

So has anyone besides Tigers12 actually been?

A few of us went tonight. Was not the most convenient place to get to because of the intersection, but finally made it. The place is just as it is described by Jamie - just a bar.. nothing more, nothing less. Meaning: don't have high expectations. The drinks are very reasonably priced AND there actually was whisky in my drink!

The seating was not comfortable.. we ended up moving around three times and finally settled on the wicker chairs to the right of the bar, directly in front of the flat screen tv above the fireplace. There was one young white guy there sitting at the bar.. if your on this site, say hello.. you couldnt seem to stop staring at us everywhere we went. haha..

The only big complaint we had was with the music. Maybe things are different when you are there Jamie, but damn.. first, there were about 4-5 people in the place when we got there and the music was deafeningly loud and not mellow by any stretch of the imagination. Felt like we were in some high school hip hop club gone wrong. It honestly was unbearable, so we asked the waitress to turn it down before our ears started bleeding. She did......but just for one song..then bam! up goes the volume but even louder than the first time! Then the music would play for one minute, get shut off, then start with another song, then play for one minute, get shut off, then start with another song...this went on at least 6 times until we couldn't handle it anymore and left...did not even finish our drinks it was that bad. The funny thing was, there were NO customers to speak of.. a small handful, and here the customers they did have, the drove away.

We complained to the bartender when we were leaving at how foolish they were for driving away paying customers who just wanted a place to chill out at....after reading all of the hype posted here about how it is supposed to be just that. Rather than saying "oh hey, sorry... come back and relax, finish your drinks and I'll turn the music down so you can enjoy yourselves" he just looked at us and said "ok, thanks for your suggestion."

haha..

Oh Jamie, we asked for you but they said you played football today and would not be in.

Snippets..

I am very sorry to hear about that! Sunday night was infact the 1st evening I have taken off in 2,5 months! I will find out why all this occured. I'm very annoyed as I pride myself on the fact that the place offers a comfortable atmosphere, with good, laid back music. Your experiance sounds like anything but that.. so I can only apologise for this occasion and hope that you may come back for a drink sometime on me.

Looks like I won't be taking a night off again for a while!

Still I appreciate all feedback, good or bad. Hope you can take me up on the offer of a drink.

Regards,

Jamie