There are always a tonne of great options for restaurants and bars in Lisbon, but one of my favourite things to find are speakeasies. Foxtrot was one place I went to that had a cute, cosy feel, and Redfrog is one that I’m sorely sad I missed. And Pavilhão Chinês is one I visited that left me a little awed and confused.
With four large rooms, tall ceilings and brighter lights than I would’ve imagined for a speakeasy, the Chinese Pavilion is something else. It didn’t feel like a speakeasy, but just saying it’s a bar is also not correct. It’s just something else.
Along the walls of each room is an eclectic collection of toy trains, figurines, collectables and memorabilia, all apparently the private collection of the owner. It’s actually quite gorgeous and fascinating. Each room carried some sort of theme and despite being a mishmash of things, it just worked.
Selecting a drink to order from the menu is another experience. The menu is a beautiful, glossy coffee table book with amazing vintage looking art. It took me forever to decide on a drink because I couldn’t get enough of all the images. Once we got our drinks, and settled in a little more, this lounge type space had a sleepy, chill vibe. I almost felt awkward speaking too loudly. It was a lovely space, just not what I was expecting, but definitely worth a peak.
Another note, other than some art on the walls and the images in the menu, I’m not actually sure why it’s called the Chinese Pavilion because there wasn’t anything really Chinese about it. If anyone knows where this name came from, please let me know!
Pro tip: order a drink from the bar and wander around, drink in hand. It’s definitely a better way to explore the space. The very back room was the billiards and smoking room, and had more of the speakeasy feel I was looking for.
Sans Sandee 