Open-air enjoyment

Summer weather brings city's outdoor bars and restaurants into focus

Summer is in full swing in Shanghai and many of the city's thirsty residents are going alfresco. Whether enjoying an intimate conversation on a patio at one of the city's historic venues, gazing at the Pudong skyline from a rooftop terrace, or sipping wine in a flower-filled garden, there are plenty of outdoor watering holes to choose from as the weather heats up.

The Roof at Waterhouse

If you're looking for an open-air bar that's cozy, low-key and conducive to conversation, you may want to give the Roof at Waterhouse a shot. As the name might suggest, this 19-room boutique hotel is actually a converted warehouse located along Shanghai's historic Shiliupu dockyard area.

The bar is on the roof, five floors up from the ground, with a capacity of about 150 guests. From there, one is afforded a splendid view of the Huangpu River and the skyline of Lujiazui.

The bar serves classic and creative cocktails and delectable bar food. One staff recommended the passion fruit mojito and the non-alcoholic Lie Cheat Steal, a drink made with fresh litchi, litchi juice, mint and crushed ice. Cocktails cost 60 yuan ($9.66) to 90 yuan.

Notably, the rooftop area features an elevated herb garden, where mint, rosemary, basil and other cocktail ingredients are grown fresh.

Address: 5/F, Waterhouse, 1-3 Maojiayuan Road 毛家园路1-3号

Tel: 6080-2988

Business hours: 6:30 pm to 1 am