"Coctels" in Shanghai just got sexier

If you missed the el Coctel opening because you were away, we’ll forgive you, but make sure you pay a visit soon. Although initially slated to open in mid-November, el Coctel, from Barcelona native and Shanghai-based chef Willy Trullas Moreno, Shanghai’s culinary golden boy, is now in soft opening.

Drawing from the absurdist brand of awesome he’s created in Shanghai with his eponymous tapas joint in the French Concession last year, Willy’s new lounge-bar el Coctel occupies prime real estate (above The Shelter and down the block from Japanese cocktailbar Kiitos). The new venue brings the Willy blend of quality and coziness to Shanghai’s drinking scene.

Willy explains the concept of el Coctel to CNNGo writer Abby Lavin: “We definitely don’t want it to become a club,” says Willy. “I came up with this project because I wanted a place where I could hang out after work. Shanghai has some bars I like, but whether it’s the crowds or the type of music, something is always not quite right. I thought of the local places back home in Barcelona where my friends and I love to go.”

Expect a mix of jazz, Latin and low-key electro music played at conversation-friendly volumes, and edibles imported from Spain, including Jamón Ibérico and preserved clams and oysters.

Get there and check it out before the masses descend for the grand opening at the end of January. 

Tempted yet? For more on el Coctel, their drinks and the men behind the magic, see the who CNNGo article here.

getting there

el Coctel
Unit 202, 2/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Xi Lu
永福路47号 2楼, 202 室, 近复兴西路
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5pm-late
www.elwilly.com.cn