A Real Ham-dinger

Pata Negra

Step into the newly minted Pata Negra and you’d be hard pressed to conjure up images of its former entity, the notorious Velvet Lounge, bacchanalic drink-and-dance tryster for many a Shanghai owl with a penchant for the city’s best late night pizzas. In the new, svelte iteration, gone is almost everything (save for the brick pizza oven), and in its place a groovy, urbane, exposed brick-arched wine cellar with latin beats, retro encaustic tile floor and a trend-forward GM in the shape of Damien Fenoli (ex M1NT and Manifesto).

Fenoli’s stints at two of Shanghai’s foremost hotspots have seen his reputation for mixology skyrocket, and here in amongst the Spanish staples – like sherries, sangria and a fine collection of Pesquera wines – you’ll find a pitch perfect cocktail list that even incorporates ham-infused vodka into a martini complete with melon balls. But it’s the Joselito jamon iberico pata negra that takes centre stage, considered by many to be the best in the world. Here may you graze on divine 3-year gran reserva or the leaner, front leg paleta served with bread, tomato and olives. And yes, you can have it shaved onto one of their rather good pizzas if you prefer. ¡Salud!