Fairmont Peace Hotel
Fairmont Peace Hotel, originally called the Cathay Hotel, and now part of Fairmont’s global stable, when it opened in 1929, the property was complete with the distinctive copper-sheathed green pyramid on top that glows at night.
Cathay Hotel was originally started as a Sassoon commercial enterprise. Construction on Sassoon House started in 1926, named after its owner Sir Victor Sassoon, an entrepreneur and a hotelier from the Sassoon banking family, then the most prosperous Jewish family in 1920s and 1930s Shanghai.
After Sir Victor established his own company Cathay Hotel Limited in Hong Kong in 1928, he decided to adapt his building in Shanghai and create a contemporary hotel Cathay symbolizing the future of his business.
The Cathay Hotel was arguably his greatest achievement, with its art deco design emblematic of the vibrancy and entrepreneurial spirit of Shanghai at that time, and a symbol for hospitality excellence.
Sir Victor even brought over its first general manager from the Taj Mahal hotel in Bombay (now Mumbai).
The Jazz Bar
The Jazz Bar at the Fairmont Peace Hotel is widely celebrated as a Shanghai institution.
Originally designed as an English pub named Horse & Hound, it was a showcase for the popularity of jazz in the 1930s, and the bar’s successful jazz bands provided entertainment for many politicians, celebrities, movie stars and global travelers.
It is the oldest live music venue in Shanghai, where guest have been entertained by a live band since the golden era of jazz in the 1930s. To this day, there is nightly live Jazz from the oldest Jazz Band in the world. Then, as it is now, the bar was so in tune with the upbeat vibe of Shanghai that it became a must-visit destination for all travelers to the city.
Reviving the 1930s sounds of the bar, the six veteran musicians make up the world-famous ‘Old Jazz Band’. They still shake up The Jazz Bar nightly from 6:30pm, playing for dignitaries, celebrities, travelers and jazz lovers alike.
For decades they have drawn an audience of locals, international travelers, celebrities and heads of states such as former US Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagon, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
There is even a documentary film about the Old Jazz Band called ‘As Time Goes By in Shanghai’ which was chosen to be premiered in the Toronto and Shanghai International Film Festival in 2013.
The Jazz Bar Cocktails
Martinis, Manhattans and other timeless cocktails are the drinks of choice at The Jazz Bar. Classically trained bartenders stir up fizzes, sours and sidecars, all made from scratch with fresh ingredients.
Four signature Sassoon cocktails named under the hotel founder Sir Victor Sassoon when he hosted best parties in town back in 1930’s and the recipes were found in his early journals.
Conte Verde – Served at Sassoon’s legendary party when the Cathay was decorated as a toy store, it’s a mix of gin, Cointreau, dry vermouth green mint liqueur and lemon juice.
Puss Month – Pure youthful fun served at Sassoon’s ironic school – themed parties. It’s a youthful mix of gin, white rum, Cointreau and lemon juice.
The Champion Martini – Literally the drink of champions which Sassoon would indulge when one of his horses won the race. It’s a mix of gin, dry vermouth and bitters.
The San Remo – Unlock your wild side at the drink du jour at Sassoon’s circus themed parties. It’s a mix of brandy, orange curacao and orange juice.
The Jazz Bar menu is tailored for easy eating snacks, featuring European and local dishes, and a timeless cocktail list inspired by what was on offer in the 1920’s and 1930’s.
The Jazz Bar is located on the ground floor of Fairmont Peace Hotel. It is open daily 6:00pm to midnight.
Bookings: +86 21 6138 6886 or email [email protected]
Videos
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+86 21 6138 6888
4001 200 634 (Toll Free room reservations only)
20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai 200002, China
