Aqua Shard Partners with Great Ormond Street Hospital

For founder, David Yeo, Christmas is one of the most special times of the year, and 2023 will be no different. Every year, Great Ormond Street Hospital, or GOSH, make sure each child receives a present at Christmas. This year, Aqua Shard will introduce ‘The Giving Tree’, a beautiful 7 metre high tree, designed by McQueens flowers and decorated head to toe in wooden toys, fluffy teddy bears and hot air balloons, all of which will be given to the children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Within The Giving Tree guests will also see stockings filled with food goods, all of which will be donated to local food banks. Underneath the tree will be ‘sheltersuits’ which will be provided by The Shelter Foundation. The foundation, set up by Bas Timmer, is a programme dedicated to ‘People Helping People’ providing shelter to the homeless through their now renowned sheltersuits; carefully designed wind and waterproof jackets with a sleeping bag attachment. 

With the Christmas tree proudly positioned in the atrium, Head Pastry Chef Giampiero Traviglia has crafted a special dessert inspired by 'The Giving Tree.' Introducing 'The Christmas Gift': a delectable pudding featuring Breton, white chocolate mousse, fresh mango, mango puree, and a Shard tuile, designed to mirror the building. This delightful dessert will be available during dinner throughout the festive season, with a portion of each special sold dedicated to be donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Those looking to raise a glass to Christmas, will delight in cocktails expertly mixed and shaken by Aqua Shard’s bar team led by Danilo Maniscalco, with cocktails including Starry Night, a delicate blend of Cîroc apple, Maley Lecristallier Apple Vermouth, Pommery Champagne; Santa’s Hat comprising of Cîroc, cherry liqueur, Americano Cocchi, Gingerbread and lemon foam; Fireside Negroni made with mango tea-infused Cîroc Red Berry, Campari, Cocchi Torino; and Gingerbread Cup, a mocktail of Seedlip Garden, apple juice, lemon juice, gingerbread, ginger ale.