A large, spacious, and beautifully decorated cafe/restaurant/ bar, the Press has got you covered- whether it be a place for a business meal, an afternoon working spot, or a night-time hangout. This place used to be an old newspaper print factory of the Shun Pao newspaper, and some traces of its past still remains, as can be seen in its remaining newspaper label sign on the second floor bar area, as well as its intricate ceilings decorated in an old European styled sculpting. It’s one of those places you walk into, and kind of forget you are still in Shanghai.

I came in one afternoon looking for a place that still served brunch items, and luckily, this seemed to be the place. To start off, the service was impeccable here, with all staff being super attentive and helpful. A glance at the menu showed that they served everything from Italian food, hearty steaks, the usual sandwiches and hamburgers, and yummy deserts. I stuck to my initial craving and opted for their signature brunch dish, the 1872 Breakfast, which consisted of two eggs, sausage, bacon, mixed veggies and toast. Brunch was hearty, but nothing too spectacular, and the omelette was simply not filling enough. Coffee was rich and creamy, but nothing too special either.

The place was pretty crowded during the lunch time rush hour, but once the afternoon comes it starts to die out and you are left at peace with your meal. Judging from my meal, I would guess that most people come for the experience rather than the food itself. Overall though, it was a good dining experience thanks to the atmosphere and the great service. I will probably come back again to try out their other menu and dessert items. It’s worth taking a walk upstairs to check out the bar area as they have old letters framed alongside the Shun Pao newspaper sign that gives the place a touch of the charm of age.

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