LONDON
ICONIC CITY VIEWS MEET UNRIVALLED FAR EASTERN HOSPITALITY AT
TÎNG RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL AT THE SHARD
BY SAMANTHA READY
OUR GREAT CAPITAL HAS THAT UNIQUE EDGE OF OLD-SCHOOL HISTORIC CHARM , ARCHITECTURE AND ECHOES OF THE PAST THAT WEAVE ALMOST SEAMLESSLY INTO THE THRIVING METROPOLIS OF SHINY BUILDINGS , TECHNOLOGY AND GLOBAL CULTURE ; RIGHT IN THE HEART OF LONDON BRIDGE , SHANGRI-LA AT THE SHARD CONTINUES TO IMPRESS .
Somehow a whole decade has whizzed past since Shangri-La opened its first ever UK offering , staking claim to the title of western Europe ’ s highest ever hotel and combining 202 guest rooms and suites , private event spaces , a breathtaking infinity pool and sublime drinks and dining offerings , all spread from the 34th to the 52nd floors of iconic London landmark , The Shard . So , it seemed perfectly fitting to combine celebrating its 10th anniversary with the notable five-year and seven-year work anniversaries ( respectively ) of Karlene and Jerry from the insideKENT team at a very celebratory lunch at TÎNG , Shangri-La at The Shard ’ s now iconic restaurant .
For us returning guests , the air of sophistication and style remains as polished as its opening , yet the sheer excitement of sharing this skyhigh gem with a newbie visitor never ceases either . Our two newcomers shared the same instant , neck-craning , awe-inspiring moment that we all do , taking in the sheer size of the gleaming mirrored building , the sleek opening of revolving doors , past the signature scents and artworks of the latest inspired installation - this time marking local Bermondsey Bees ( a local supplier of honey ) in spring - sashaying past the grand , traditional Chineseinfluenced hotel entrance , instantly feeling at ease , at peace , and transported away from the hustle and bustle of the capital almost as quickly as the super speedy elevators that whisk you to the reception lobby on level 35 , where both hotel stayers and day diners disembark .
Exiting here is where the true marriage of our great capital and this oriental brand comes alive ; floor-to-ceiling windows on every axis , breathtaking views and Chinese poise and decadence awaken every sense . For those staying or opting for cocktails in Gong , the hotel ’ s destination 52nd-floor cocktail and Champagne bar , another super fast elevator will whisk you further skywards . Or , if like the celebratory iK team and I you ’ ve come to dine , you simply pass by the lounge area , which is always
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