The Paramount shines once again

2007-10-14

During the first part of the last century, when Shanghai was enjoying its international reputation as a seductive and thrilling metropolis, there was said to be only one club in town – The Paramount.

Indeed, such was the attraction o f this after-hours watering hole in the 1930s that it became known as  "The number one dance hall in the Far East " Diplomats, well-heeled gangsters, beautiful models and even Hollywood royalty like Charlie Chaplin and Noel Coward were said to have frequented the place.

The party could not last forever, however, and over the next few decades. The Paramount slipped into obscurity as styles and fashion changed. Then, one day, it ceased altogether. Everybody thought the end had come.

This year, however, after a thorough 10 million Yuan refurbishment, The Paramount has opened its doors once again.

Sadly, the elegant ballroom on the top floor remains closed and untouched, but the first few floors offers a new-age outlay of private booths in rich reds and deep blacks, a mechanical dance floor ( that's right, it can move), a huge stage, two neon staircases, and a laser display that puts fellow flashy nightclub G-Plus to shame.

The entrance to this nightclub is very interesting.

You enter the Art Deco exterior, climb a spacious, carpeted, curving staircase until you come to the club's opening – resting under a square metal detector ( the only sign that this place still retains an edge of  "danger" ). Inside, bargirls and models parade the lush red sofas in a space of some 3,000 square meters. There are private areas for business parties( the service here is said to be six-stars). a hip-hop annex is also available for the younger, more lively customers, and the drinks menu is varied but not too pricey. A decent cocktail will cost you around 55 Yuan.

The music is house, with some light garage, a touch of trance, and some progressive, listener-friendly disco. The Paramount also entertains traveling dance bands. It's definitely worth a visit, if only to say you have visited Shanghai's oldest nightclub.

Address:  218 Yuyuan Road, shanghai