IHG Unveils Revamped CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 for a Multi-Sensory Dining Experience in Greater China

An immersive dining experience presents “new five senses” in an alluring urban social space

(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a refreshed concept for its CHAR Bar & Grill brand in Greater China, introducing CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0. The new dining experience focuses on a multi-sensory journey, combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with charcoal grilling techniques, creating a unique blend of Chinese and Western influences. The revamped menu encourages shared dining experiences, and the cocktail offerings incorporate local flavors with global inspirations. With an emphasis on social interaction, live cooking demonstrations, and an inviting atmosphere, the new concept aims to provide an immersive and creative dining experience. CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 is set to expand across China, with new menus launching in 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) Shanghai, China, 2024-Dec-3 — /Travel PR News/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled an exciting new chapter for its independent restaurant brand, CHAR Bar & Grill, with the launch of its reimagined concept in Greater China. Set to deliver an immersive, multi-sensory dining experience, CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 combines cutting-edge culinary innovation and a modern social space, blending both Chinese and Western influences for a unique dining experience.

The new concept, which introduces an all-new menu crafted by international culinary experts and mixologists, places emphasis on the “new five senses”—relaxation, presence, originality, atmosphere, and social interaction. The result is a dining environment that encourages connection, creativity, and delicious food, all while embracing the authenticity of charcoal grilling.

“We’re excited to celebrate this transformation of CHAR Bar & Grill, making it more than just a place to dine but a destination where guests can enjoy an immersive experience,” said Jerome Qiu, Chief Operating Officer of IHG Greater China. “This overhaul reflects our understanding of today’s consumer demand for quality, fresh ingredients, and an ambiance that facilitates social connections, and we are confident that this refreshed brand will resonate with our guests.”

A Revamped Culinary Journey
The newly crafted menu introduces an array of bold, creative dishes, many featuring local, seasonal ingredients with an emphasis on charcoal grilling. Signature dishes such as the Liquid Nitrogen Garden Crudités and Sizzling Wagyu Marrow Rice Bowl offer a sensory adventure that pairs innovative cooking techniques with rich flavors. Additionally, the Char-grilled Uni Custard and Trio of Fish Roe exemplify the combination of fresh, high-end ingredients and unique culinary techniques, adding multiple layers of flavor for an unforgettable experience.

The new menu focuses on shared experiences, moving away from traditional courses and inviting diners to engage with the food. The playful integration of liquid nitrogen and live cooking demonstrations enhances the experience, creating an interactive element that encourages participation and exploration.

Cocktail Innovation: Blending the Old and the New
The cocktail menu at CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 is a collaboration with Lio Yao, one of the world’s top 50 bar partners, blending local ingredients with global influences. The cocktail offerings are grouped into four thematic chapters—Preface, Homage to the Classics, Own the Moment, and Paint the Future—each telling its own unique story through a mix of flavors, textures, and presentation styles. Examples include the smoky THE BOOK cocktail, which combines mezcal, toasted coconut, and plum wine, and the creative PEANUT COLADA, which blends coconut with Yunnan’s famous “Qi Cai” peanuts.

A Social Experience with Style
The ambiance of CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 is as much a part of the dining experience as the food and drinks themselves. With a focus on creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, the space is designed to promote social interaction. Live cooking demonstrations using charcoal grilling and an open kitchen concept create a sense of theater, while the thoughtfully curated lighting and music elevate the overall vibe, ensuring guests enjoy a truly social dining experience.

Expanding the CHAR Bar & Grill Concept
Currently operating in eight locations across Greater China, CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 will continue to expand, with new dining and cocktail menus launching nationwide in January 2025. With plans for further growth, the brand is committed to delivering unique dining experiences, featuring top-quality charcoal grilling and creative social spaces designed for any occasion.

CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 offers a fusion of innovative culinary artistry and social dining, making it the go-to destination for modern city dwellers seeking a memorable and immersive dining experience.

About IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

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CHAR Bar & Grill

CHAR Bar & Grill, an independent Western restaurant brand under IHG Hotels & Resorts, operates in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, Zhuhai, Foshan and Haikou. Guided by its “new five senses” concept—relaxation, presence, originality, atmosphere, and social interaction—CHAR Bar & Grill is committed to providing guests with an immersive dining experience. The brand has gained notable recognition and praise from the industry and diners. The reimagined CHAR Bar & Grill 2.0 integrates the concept of charcoal grilling with cocktail artistry, perfectly blending the precision of heat with fresh ingredients to symbolize the depth and warmth of emotional connections between people.

Media Contact:

张丹青 Dora Zhang
Dora.Zhang@ihg.com

Source: IHG

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