SHANGHAI304-2 TONGREN ROAD
BARULES COCKTAIL CLUB · SHANGHAI · EST. 2014
Barules Cocktail Club has no fixed cocktail list. Tell the bartender what you like, what you avoid or what kind of night you are having; the drink starts there.
01 / THE STORY
Barules Cocktail Club opened in Shanghai in 2014 and became part of the city’s early speakeasy cocktail scene. The bar draws on the British bartending approach associated with Dick Bradsell.
Before pausing in 2020, Barules held more than 75 guest shifts and welcomed over 80 visiting bartenders. On 1 July 2024, it reopened at 304-2 Tongren Road.
THE NAME
RULE #1. BARTENDER IS ALWAYS RIGHT.RULE #2. IF BARTENDER IS WRONG, SEE RULE #1.
The joke points to something serious: mutual respect and professional trust between guest and bartender. “Cocktail Club” means a social home for people who enjoy cocktails, not a nightclub.
THE LOGO
The logo takes the form of a medieval ceremonial key, with a reference to the key of St Peter. The shaker and bar spoon represent the craft behind the bar; the crown stands for honour and respect; and the letter B stands for both Barules and Bartender. Together, they form a key to the world of cocktails.
HOW TO ORDER
Some guests name a spirit. Others describe a flavor, a texture or simply the mood they are in. “Not too sweet” is enough to begin.
The bartender asks a few questions, chooses a classic structure and builds the drink. Taste it when it arrives. If it needs a small change, tell us.
A spirit, flavor, strength, texture—or anything you want us to leave out.
The bartender matches those answers to a classic recipe and decides how to build it.
Try the drink. If something needs changing, tell us and we will adjust it.
02 / THE ROOM
The Tongren Road interior takes cues from Carlo Scarpa. Wood, brass and mirror frame the central bar, with seats kept close enough for guests and bartenders to talk easily.
03 / THE DRINKS
The bartender starts with classic proportions and techniques, then adjusts the spirit, acidity, sweetness, texture and strength to suit the guest.
What are you in the mood for tonight?
04 / HOSPITALITY
Some guests want to talk through every detail. Others would rather sit quietly. The team asks when it helps, makes suggestions when useful and leaves the final choice to the guest.
Across more than 75 guest shifts, Barules Cocktail Club has welcomed over 80 visiting bartenders. Their techniques and conversations remain part of how the team learns.
06 / VISIT