Food & Drink news: Mr Newspaper, United Valley and more

Barber Shop, the fancy Yongjia Lu cocktail bar hidden in, well, in a barber shop, has had its nice front window and entranceway bricked up and largely painted over, with only a small portion of the old store front remaining. It looks very similar to the patch up jobs that have been applied to nearby bars and shops (including neighbours Nach Bar, though their pleasant roof terrace continues to survive for now) as part of the Xuhui preservation area.

They're still slinging cocktails inside though, now under the moniker Mr Newspaper - look for a Chinese guy in a hat and Hawaiian shirt reading (surprise surprise) a newspaper and sitting on a stall in next door's entranceway and you'll know they're in business. When we asked him if the new look was due to the authorities, he insisted that it was all part of a planned refit for Barber Shop (six months after they opened) that will turn it into an invite-only VIP joint. So how one goes about getting a VIP invite? When we put this to him, he just waved us toward the bar anyway.

The big new development on the corner of Changle and Shaanxi Lus, entitled United Valley, is now up and running. It’s a mish-mash of tattooists, tailors, restaurants and bars at the moment, with places such as Lizzzy bar and café (yes, three zs) dotted in amongst it all.

The sleek, bright Xin Cafe at the back is the highlight so far. Their drinks start from 20RMB for an espresso and from 35RMB for more rarefied beans, while they also offer a range of 'snakes' such as cookies (12RMB) and carrot cake (30RMB). Otherwise, P&J Oyster Bistro, also on the ground floor, is worth a look if they're running one of their occasional deals on molluscs; they shuck the likes of Gillardeau No 1s for 68RMB and Melerburgs for 48RMB a pop but keep an eye out for specials on their blackboard.

United Valley looks set to get properly interesting when Daniel An unveils his new bar Shrine there however. An - the man behind brilliant Wukang Lu drinks den Taste Buds Cocktail Palace - has said that the bar will be split into two main areas, one of which will feature a Catholic confessional theme, and is due to open in early July. Sounds intriguing.

Barely a week goes by in the Shanghai F&B world without someone doing a pop-up, but this Thursday's special at Tomatito looks like a good one. Big in Beijing affordable fine dining spot Mosto are sending two of their chefs to Zhong Plaza, with a special South American-themed menu of six courses and one glass of wine available for 365RMB.

And finally, a few doors down from where Hungry Lung's Kitchen now resides, The Indian Curry Co has been getting mixed reviews for the past few weeks now with its 88RMB all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink buffet. Sadly, on our visit, the curries they were serving were about as watery as the weak beer - Rangoli it ain't.