The new, reimagined Wheelock Square has replaced their original tenants (10 Corso Como, Dozo) with a number of things, including Shanghai Brew House and super-lounge KOR Shanghai. You know what it was missing though? A picnic space. What luck, then, that a picnic space is exactly what café La Moda has just put into the fifth floor that used to hold the restaurant. We went. To have a picnic! That’s right! Picnicking while overlooking the golden rooftops of Jing’an Temple and hustle and bustle of downtown Shanghai, surrounded by fresh flowers. What whimsy!

I mean, look at this. Starting at 328rmb, the afternoon tea set grants entrance to this “exclusive” indoor picnic area at La Moda — café by day and lounge by night. It used to be in Xintiandi and moved to 10 Corso Como's former space a little while ago. The indoor picnic package, however, is their newest thing. The place has actual tables and chairs, but they are nothing compared to the area covered with a green layer of (fake) grass. It really feels like a picnic. Blooming flowers. Cute tents covered with linen. Peaceful city views through the windows. A legit picnic basket — the ones which you can hang silverware and plates on the lid. You get to take off your shoes, free your toes, and sit on the floor, just like you would if you went picnicking in the park. The best part: they allow dogs. When you’re too drained by the plum rain, or when the summer heat hits but you want a place to relax, or you need a place to chill while the kids run around, this place is ideal. You're probably not going to something this photogenic for the food. If it's delicious afternoon tea sets you desire, there are other places to try. But for what it is, it's not bad. Apart from the tea set, La Moda also does drinks in the evening hours. Menu is accessible; wines start at about 400rmb per bottle and cocktails start at 68rmb. We didn't try any, so we can’t speak to their quality, but the drinks are just the frills. We're here to enjoy the window and wiggle our toes over one of the busiest streets in the city — so busy and full of traffic, but so very tranquil to watch from the nice green lawn. * La Moda is located at 5/F, Wheelock Square, 1717 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Huashan Lu.