New bar and lounge Sealing has the potential to become party central given a layout that can handle four get-togethers simultaneously and a location across from the club strip on Workers Stadium West. Located atop Italian restaurant Metro, Sealing offers a low-key but stylish space, with the main area including a marble-topped three-sided bar, a handful of lounge areas with sofas in blacks and mottled browns, and high tables and chairs to go along with the brick wall, wood paneling, candles and art. There is also an entire wall with spirit bottle cutouts illuminated from behind, and that seems a bit much, but overall this is a nice space. Sealing has a smaller room and two deck areas, both facing the street, with seating ranging from 15 to 30 people.
As for drinks, expect to plunk down rmb20 for soft drinks, rmb25 and up for beer (the selection is small though I believe I saw Acme Pale Ale at ~rmb50), and cocktails at rmb45 and up, with more than a dozen house specialties – they have names such as Shy Girls and Miss Yoyo – from rmb55. A bottle of Duval-Leroy Champagne is rmb680 while Veuve Clicquot will cost your rmb860 – or you can get two bottles of Pikes Riesling for the same price.
Sealing is still getting up to speed with its cocktails: my gin martini went down a bit rough and I noticed some uncertainly behind the bar with other drinks. But on the whole, I found the employees attentive and serious about their work, so there is plenty of potential here, though the waitresses’ outfits are a bit stiff and something casual might be a better fit.
As for the name Sealing – and the motto “Sealing your memories here”– that will no doubt be the source of more than a few quips but hopefully it turns out to be the biggest criticism of this place.
Now if Pavillion down the street can get its act together…
Why is it called Sealing? Boyce you should have a competition to rename said bar with a moniker that is more befitting. Sailing?