Last Updated on December 10, 2024
Cultural Cocktails and a Quirky Dinner at Shangri-La the Shard
The Shard, that iconic landmark on London’s skyline, may seem as if it’s been around forever, but we remember going to the press launch of the building before it was open to the public and before Shangri-La opened their fabulously luxurious hotel. A bit like knowing a child from birth, we’ve had something of a fascination with the way The Shard has evolved – and for us, Shangri-La the Shard is one of the biggest success stories. It’s become the go-to destination for anyone wanting to mark a special occasion in London, not just because of the fabulous views but also because the place oozes luxury and charm.
The last time I visited GŎNG was with a Ukrainian houseguest who was staying with me as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Needless to say, she was very subdued when she arrived in London and I wanted her to experience something special that would help make her feel welcome. She was stunned and her face lit up at the amazing views across the city.
This time, I went with a colleague who was with me at the Shard opening. The highest hotel bar in Western Europe, set on the 52nd floor of the Shard, GŎNG serves amazing cocktails and a menu of pan-Asian bar food that means you could easily dine there. But, we had a booking for dinner at TĪNG, so just popped in to try a couple of cocktails from the new menu there. It’s a stunning area, with unrivalled views across the river and beautiful Chinese-themed decor with red lacquer panels and a wall of antique bronze cabinets. Possibly my favourite bar in London, there’s an air of exclusivity about this place.
In addition to a range of wines, spirits and classic cocktails, there’s a new menu ‘Hues of Culture’ which is based on simple, elegant cocktails in different colours, each one associated with a different artist or movement in history. Each one has been chosen by a different member of the master mixologist team at GŎNG.
I started with Regalia, a rather beautiful lavender-shaded cocktail served in a coupe. Made with Grey Goose Lavender, clarified butter, Mahlab Manzeanilla, Ube and Champagne it was a light fragrant and refreshing mouthful, suitably regal – and with a stunning diamond-shaped ice cube.
My second, and favourite cocktail was the Alter Ego – inspired by the mystique of the black swan in Swan Lake. A pretty pink drink with Havana 3, Empirical Plum I suppose, AXIA Mastiha, Akashi Tai, Umeshu and Tonka Beans it came with a dainty black feather tied to the stem of the delicate glassware
My companion enjoyed Endless Haze for his first cocktail, a rich, smoky and aromatic take on a whisky sour with Woodford Reserve bourbon, Empirical Symphony 6 Saffron Oloroso Sherry, Black Cardamon and Kumquat. With strong vanilla notes and candy floss, it had an underlying smoothness that was a mark of the quality ingredients. The garnish of honeycomb was served resting on an ice cube so that it appeared to be floating on the foamy top of the cocktail.
His Luminous Highball was a beautiful deep vermillion colour, made with Lost Explorer Espadin Mezcal Kol Roja, blue cheese (yes really), red verjus and purple shiso soda. I suspect he was pleased that he really couldn’t taste the blue cheese and found it a refreshing easy cocktail.
All excellent drinks with stunning colours that were highlighted by the evening light in this magical bar.
Downstairs at TĪNG the view was equally spectacular. I’ve had afternoon tea at TĪNG but never been there for an evening meal – and so I was very excited to be there to try the new Whimsical Five Course Experience Menu which features seasonal dishes, rooted in nature, using the finest locally and ethically sourced ingredients. The chefs at TĪNG have teamed up with some special suppliers – Natoora, Ren’s Pantry, Reach Seafood and Bermondsey Bees Honey to create a menu that really showcases fresh ingredients.
Dinner started with a glass of champagne. Bread, to the side, was a spiced brioche laced with black pepper and served with seaweed butter.
The next course was a British organic asparagus salad with Szechwan pepper hollandaise, toasted rye and slow-cooked egg that had been cooked for 2 hours at 65 degrees to give a perfectly cooked white with a rich, creamy yolk. I’m a fussy egg eater, it’s something I’ll seldom pick from the menu, but this was utterly delicious.
Then, a stunning English pea wonton tart with crème fraiche and black truffle, decorated with garden flowers. We loved the freshness of this dish, perfect for early summer though thought the wonton shell was a little too solid.
Halibut is a favourite of mine and here the freshly steamed fish was served with Asian-inspired blue mussels, lemongrass, ginger and coconut broth making a lightly spiced dish that burst with flavour to complement the fresh flakes of fish. The wine pairing for us was a glass of South African Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Circumstance Waterkloof. It’s an elegant biodynamic wine from the south of Stellenbosch near the sea, with notes of citrus and green pepper and with a long finish.
The meat course was a generous helping of tender dry-aged beef fillet topped with peppercorn sauce and served with a pretty potato and nori terrine. Perfectly cooked meat that was packed with flavour finished the savoury part of our meal in style. A classic wine pairing with an Argentinian Malbec, Luigi Bosca de Sangre 2021, we enjoyed the full-bodied wine with intense red fruits and spicy notes.
For dessert, a truly whimsical passionfruit, almond and apricot mousse with delicate sugary butterflies, served with Roobois ice cream. Carefully balanced, the mousse was fragrant and delicate and paired beautifully with a glass of 2018 Tokaji.
And to finish things off, coffee and petits fours with a view.
I can’t think of a better place in London for a special occasion. Perhaps that’s just the bias of having seen this baby grow up into such a refined and elegant space. It may be whimsical and quirky – but the luxury is always there.
Gong at Shangri-La The Shard and Ting at Shangri-La The Shard
9 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9RY
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