Cabaret Lounge Candor Reopens: Burlesque, Cocktails & Bites

Glamorous burlesque lounge Candor reopens in its original location at the Lyceum Theatre after a three-year hiatus, bringing back live performances with cocktails and food.

About Candor

Candor founder-operator Melody Chen in partnership with SMG LIVE, has managed to reopen the venue after closing due to Covid. It’s located in the same location on Maoming Lu, on the second and third floors of the historic Lyceum Theatre.

Piano lounge

The second floor is a piano lounge, which host guest pianists on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s super casual-like, and is open to the public as a regular bar throughout the week for those who want to sip on cocktails and grab a couple bites.

Shows are held at the third floor. It’s a modest stage surrounded by seating, multiple VIP booths, and a bar. The space is tight, but they’ve managed to maximize it, packing in guests, stage crew, bartenders, performers, dancers, and singers into the cozy room. The show is up close, especially if you’re sitting on the floor — it will be an immersive experience.

I went during its first reopening weekend, and I have to say, it gave me chills. Excellent performances, great atmosphere, and gung-ho staff that readily squeeze through tables to make sure you get your drink order.

Food & Drink

For drinks, it’s cocktails, punch bowls, and wine. Some of the previous signature drinks remain, supplemented by some new cocktails. Cocktails start from ¥98, punch bowls for ¥480/500ml and ¥880/1l, wine by the glass from ¥70.

Thai Taco (¥98) – Chili infused vodka, citrus, sugar, cilantro, black pepper. Cilantro-forward, zesty and zingy.

BabyBuns (¥98) – Peach liquor and housemade ginger beer. A light sipper.

As for food, it’s courtesy of Andrew Moo (Yaya’s, Le Daily), which ranges from bar bites to shareable plates.

Octopus (¥98) with labneh, dukkah, and larou. Very tasty.

Arctic Shrimp (¥38) – Diced arctic shrimp with dragon fruit, served over a grilled mochi.

Pappardelle “Xiao Mian” (¥88) with mala pork ragu, yellow peas, peanuts, and egg yolk. It reminds me of the mapo tofu lasagna at Yaya’s. Slightly ma, slightly la. Very enjoyable.

Show Details

Shows are currently on Wednesdays to Saturdays. However, Candor aims to extend shows to five days a week, as well as after dinner shows like drag or themed performances. Tickets are currently priced at ¥200, which is cheap considering all the entertainment value you get out of it.

VIP booths seat 8-15 people; a minimum spend is required on Fridays and Saturdays, starting from ¥3,000. For tickets and reservations, add the service account “CandorShanghai” on WeChat.

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Candor*
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