It's true that luxury never sleeps: while the crisis affects the savings of the middle class, the super-rich retreat to their golden fortresses. Like The Residence in Shanghai, where Harrod's is about to launch a British cuisine restaurant in partnership with Gordon Ramsay, accessible only through a membership card priced at £16,000.
The news
Opening in the heart of Shanghai at Cha House, a 1920s building that already houses the Harrods Tea Room and the Piano Bar, is the first private club by luxury department store Harrods in partnership with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and various luxury spirit brands. As revealed by Decanter on their website, it will be called "The Residence" and will portray "the essence of British luxury."
Ramsay, embarking on his first commercial venture in the Chinese metropolis, pledges to serve a British-inspired fine dining cuisine, drawing from the social nature of the club. Another draw will be the extensive selection of spirits through a collaboration with Edrington Club, featuring fine whiskies like The Macallan, The Glenrothes, and Highland Park. The wine list, not yet finalized, will showcase a prestigious array of top-notch bottles from around the world.
Membership in the club is required in order to access this experience and other Harrods services such as private shopping, educational events to help members learn more about collecting rare spirits, wines and artworks, and the iconic Knightsbridge department store. The membership card will cost £16,000 (over $20,000) and will be granted to only 250 fortunate individuals, and additional members will then be considered if they secure peer nominations. The club will offer a bar, lounge, private rooms, and outdoor spaces.
Here's Ramsay's comment, already at the helm of a flourishing intercontinental empire: "I've long harbored the ambition of opening a restaurant in Shanghai—it was about finding the perfect place and time. I'm honored to collaborate with Harrods on The Residence, an exclusive and exciting opportunity where we will serve a special and carefully crafted menu of British cuisine to members and their guests."
Photos: @Harrod's
