insideKENT Magazine Issue 96 - March 2020 | Page 118

LONDON
ICONIC CITY VIEWS MEET UNRIVALLED FAR EASTERN HOSPITALITY AT AN
AFTERNOON TEA LIKE NO OTHER 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 w eave almost seamlessly into the thriving
metropolis of shiny buildings, technology and global
culture; and right a t the heart of London Bridge,
Shangri-La At The Shard continues to impress.
I can’t quite belie ve that 2020 will mar k the 6th
anniversary of Shangri-La’s first ever UK offering
as Western Europe’s highest ever hotel; combining
202 guest rooms and suites, private event spaces, a
breathtaking infinity pool, and sublime drinks and
dining offerings; spread from the 34th to the 52nd
floors of iconic London landmark, The Shard.
For returning guests, the air of sophistication and
style r emains as polished as its opening , w hilst
newcomers are instantly in a we of the g leaming
mirrored building. The traditional Chinese influence
is as tranquil and it is g rand in the hotel entrance;
the artworks and lighting provide an oasis of calm
that swiftly transports you away from the hustle and
bustle of the Capital, almost as quickly as the super
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speedy elevators that whisk you to the r eception
lobby on le vel 35, w here both hotel sta yers and
visiting-for-the-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 a waken every
sense. For those sta ying or opting f or 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 my guest and I you
come to dine, you simply pass by the lounge area,
which is al ways beautifully bedecked in seasonal
decor, round to the main dining space which occupies
almost the entirety of the floor.
Derived from the Chinese w ord for ‘living room’,
TÎNG, is the collective name of the hotel’s signature
restaurant and lounge. Catering for hotel guests and
day visitors alike, its unique setting is perfect f or
sunrise breakfasts, sunset teas and indulgent á la
carte dinners to the nightlights of London; all to the
backdrop of unsurpassed iconic London views.
The points of The Shard actually align with the
compass points , with the dining r oom cle verly
designed to make the most of every viewpoint. Being
128 metres up, the floor-to-ceiling windows naturally
provide the main focal point; with views of Tower
Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Ey e and
the financial district just some of the eye catching
views available from the primly situated tables and
perfect-for-tea low sofa and coffee table set-ups.
It was at the latter that my guest and I took our seats,
basking in a rare winter-sun filled day that made the
Thames glisten below. Eye’s drawn away from the
view, we were able to take in the beauty of our
surroundings, dark wood furniture, ornate oriental
screens, sleek polished oval tables and curved plush
sofas - traditional F ar Easter n g lamour with a
contemporary twist and a side order of theatrics.
Food at TÎNG is modern European with an Asian
flair, and demonstrates Shangri-La’s commitment
to providing ethically sourced and local ingredients.
Afternoon tea is no exception.