To say the BBC’s Sherlock adaptation has been a huge hit in China is something of an understatement, its star famously being honored by his legions of Chinese fans with a quirky Chinese nickname (juan fu, or ‘curly fu’ after his hairstyle in the show). So we admit we were more than a tiny bit excited when we were invited to accompany Benedict Cumberbatch and entourage around Shanghai for the evening.
Would the star reciprocate the city’s affection? After all, one local fan was so besotted that she opened a café, 221B Baker Street, dedicated to the man (it’s at 50 Ruijin Er Lu if you must, and yes, we told him about it!).
So how does an A-list night out in Shanghai progress? A visit to local artist Yang Yongliang’s exhibition at the Shanghai Gallery of Art led by the artist himself kicked things off before the group was whisked to the docks for a Huangpu River cruise. Think less neon-clad tourist buffet boat and more Cannes mega yacht (albeit with cringe-worthy plush purple shoe covers required before boarding).
A blustery April evening on the Huangpu may not be the Côte d’Azur, but it’s the hardiest of visitors that fails to be impressed by evening views of the Bund and Pudong from the water.
Now, no Shanghai celebrity visit would be complete without a soirée at Pearl Lam’s fabled French Concession penthouse. The art collector’s wonderfully bonkers abode includes a table that can seat up to 40 guests and there’s barely a piece of furniture that’s not an artwork. With hunger setting in, the idea of a late dinner was mooted. The private-room comfort of Fu 1088 was selected for its ‘Old Shanghai’ flavours and ambiance, and the resto’s classic hongshaorou and wasabi shrimp were wolfed down happily.
Bespoke had hoped to round of the evening in the traditional Chinese way – a good ol’ karaoke session at Party World is surely an unmissable part of a China trip – but with a hosting gig at the Laureus Awards looming the following day, our suggestion was politely rebuffed. Ah well, there’s always next time Mr. Cumberbatch – come back and we’ll show you some of Shanghai’s other surprises. We’ll even take you for a coffee at 221B Baker Street.
Want the red carpet treatment with Bespoke? Drop us a line and we’ll put the champagne on ice.