When Michelle Garnaut opened M on the Bund in Shanghai 25 years ago, she was a pioneer, bringing a new level of sophistication to China’s dining scene. Following her success in Hong Kong with M at the Fringe, Garnaut believed that Shanghai was ready for a restaurant like hers. Her vision proved right, as M on the Bund became an institution known for its warm hospitality, panoramic views of Pudong, and signature dishes like crispy suckling pig and pavlova.
The restaurant, located at No. 5 The Bund, quickly became a cultural hotspot, hosting the Shanghai International Literary Festival, chamber music concerts, fundraisers, and pride parties. Patrons included expatriates, locals, and celebrities such as Mick Jagger, Hugh Jackman, and Yo-Yo Ma. Regulars appreciated the restaurant not just for its food but for its role as a place where Western and Chinese cultures mingled.
One long-time guest, filmmaker Luo Tong, fondly recalls her first visit to M on the Bund in 2001 for a Sunday lunch with her future in-laws. Impressed by the elegant atmosphere and cuisine, Luo became a frequent visitor and attendee of the restaurant’s many cultural events. So, when Garnaut announced the restaurant’s closure in December 2021 after 23 years, Luo was deeply moved.
What began as a simple video memento turned into a feature-length documentary about M on the Bund’s history and cultural impact. The film, titled M on the Bund, premiered at the Imagine This Women’s Film Festival in New York in September 2023, winning the award for best documentary feature. It captures the memories of patrons and staff, documenting the restaurant’s significance in Shanghai’s transformation over the past two decades.
Garnaut’s journey in hospitality began in Australia at the age of 14, eventually leading her to Hong Kong, where she opened M at the Fringe. She later expanded to Shanghai, breathing new life into a run-down area of The Bund and establishing M on the Bund as one of the most iconic Western restaurants in the city.
Though M on the Bund has closed, Garnaut’s legacy endures. Now enjoying her retirement, Garnaut remains a source of inspiration for aspiring restaurateurs, encouraging the next generation to take risks and continue pushing boundaries in the industry.
READ MORE: