Shanghai begins the gradual climb back

Restaurant, bar owners still feeling the pinch as customers remain cautious about spending

Boisterous weekend crowds at The Union Trading Co appear to indicate that business at this award-winning Shanghai cocktail establishment is back to normal as the COVID-19 outbreak comes under control in the city.

However, the truth lies somewhere in between.

The bar owner, Yao Lu, said: "Since the lockdown ended a month ago, business is slowly coming back. But while revenue on weekends is nearing the level seen before the pandemic, our weekday takings are still only 60 percent of normal."

Restaurants and bars have been among the businesses worst-hit by the pandemic, with many well-known outlets in Shanghai forced to shutter their operations.

Those that have closed for good during the pandemic include: Hakkasan, an internationally acclaimed modern Chinese restaurant chain; craft beer bar Stone Brewing; and Barules, a popular cocktail bar just across the road from The Union Trading Co.

According to a survey by Shanghai food critic Rachel Gouk, the situation has been bleak for restaurants and bars.