Shangri-La Hotel unveils a whimsical wonderland for the summer season
5 June 2023
The Shard, News, Shangri-La HotelGuests entering the hotel will be transported ‘Over the Rainbow’ to a fairytale world designed to help them discover their own Shangri-La as they explore the hotel’s whimsical decorations, a new cocktail menu at GŎNG Bar, an ‘Over The Rainbow’ Afternoon Tea and a Whimsical Five Course Experience Menu at TĪNG Lounge and Restaurant.
As guests enter the hotel on the ground floor, they are welcomed by dreamy clouds, candy-coloured hot air balloons and a splendid fantastical garden embellished with giant peonies and lush plants, designed by McQueens Flowers. Sounds of birds chirping and gentle water droplets falling fill the lobby while bubbles float through the entrance, as guests are transported to a multi-sensory paradise. Continuing their journey, guests will encounter clouds peppered with twinkling hummingbirds before ascending to level 35 where enchanting hot air balloons and floral fantasies filled with vibrant flowers await.
Over The Rainbow Afternoon Tea at TĪNG Lounge
Venturing to TĪNG Lounge, guests are greeted with a real life, handmade version of the spectacular red Asian inspired wedding dress that features in the brand film, which visitors are invited to stand behind and take the perfect picture. Beneath a ceiling of clouds, diners can indulge in a selection of delectable treats from the new Over The Rainbow Afternoon Tea while admiring London’s spectacular cityscape below. Arriving on a stand decorated with delicate wildflower vines, a selection of finger sandwiches are served including coronation chicken, smoked salmon and cucumber, classic Reuben and truffle egg and cress.
Savouries such as a hibiscus flower and brioche burger with ratatouille and green pesto will follow. Meanwhile, freshly baked sweet and savoury scones accompanied by strawberry jam and clotted cream lead into a refreshing selection of desserts. These include a hummingbird-topped tart with cloud-like pineapple compote and coconut mousse, a ‘Forest Log’ with berriolette, vanilla and chocolate decorated with a edible butterfly, and a ‘Flower Power’ choux bun made with peaches and yogurt crémeux. To finish, guests are invited to share a botanical version of TĪNG’s signature miniature Shard building filled with indulgent hazelnut praline, lemon jelly and Valrhona Dulcey mousse.
The Over The Rainbow Afternoon Tea is available until the end of September 2023, priced from £71 per person, or £86 with a glass of Champagne. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request.
To book, visit: ting-shangri-la.com
Five Course Experience Menu at TĪNG Restaurant
In collaboration with Natoora, Ren's Pantry, Reach Seafood and Bermondsey Bees Honey, TĪNG’s new, Whimsical Five Course Experience Menu invites guests to indulge in seasonal dishes that are rooted in nature and use the finest locally and ethically sourced ingredients. The menu features a British organic asparagus salad with Szechwan pepper hollandaise, toasted rye and slow cooked egg as well as an English pea wonton tart with crème fraiche and black truffle, decorated with garden flowers. Fresh steamed halibut with blue mussels, lemongrass, ginger and coconut broth lead onto a tender dry-aged beef fillet with an innovative potato and nori terrine, topped with peppercorn sauce. Ending the experience on a sweet note is a dessert course of passionfruit, almond and apricot ‘butterflies’ with Roobois-flavoured ice cream. Guests can pair the menu with sommelier-recommended wines from TĪNG’s award-winning wine list.
TĪNG’s Whimsical Five Course Experience Menu is available until 16th August 2023, and priced at £98 per person, with vegan and vegetarian options available upon request.
To book, visit: ting-shangri-la.com
Hues of Culture Cocktail Menu at GŎNG Bar
Journeying to GŎNG Bar on level 52, guests can sit back and take in the views as the summer sun sets over London while sampling the new Hues of Culture cocktail menu, offering a vibrant celebration of the role of colour in history and culture. Guests can choose from ten expertly crafted cocktails, each representing a fascinating story and artistic expression, evoking a journey inspired by psychology and history. Each of the cocktail’s colours was chosen by a different member of GŎNG’s creative team of master mixologists and is associated with a different artist or movement in history. The Vermillion Sling is red in colour symbolizing power and happiness in the Forbidden City. Meanwhile the cocktail Silent Blues captures the emotions of Van Gogh's "The Starry Night" and Hokusai's "The Great Wave off Kanagawa". Tantalising and intriguing, the Black Feather cocktail is inspired by the mystique of the black swan ballet. This exquisite creation embodies elegance and enigma, drawing inspiration from the dark beauty of the swan's plumage.
The Hues of Culture Cocktail Menu is available until May 2024, priced from £25 per cocktail.
To book, visit: gong-shangri-la.com
Royal Jewels & Gin Local Destination Experience
To encourage guests to find their Shangri-La, Shangri-La The Shard, London joins hotels across the group in offering local experiences to unveil hidden cultural gems exclusive to their destinations. Guests can have the opportunity to learn about the rich history of London, its magnificent Crown Jewels, and the local culture surrounding the Shard, with a ‘Royal Jewels & Gin’ overnight stay experience. History enthusiasts can take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Tower Bridge to the historic Tower of London, which has played a significant role in shaping the city's past, marvel at the splendid Crown Jewels, listen to tales from a Yeoman Warder dressed in traditional ceremonial attire, and take in the architecture of the White Tower, which was once London's tallest building when it was constructed in 1078.
At Jensen's Gin Distillery, located in Bermondsey's renowned beer mile, guests will have the opportunity to indulge in a private gin tasting session, sampling a range of gins, taking a tour of the distillery, and uncovering the historic recipes and methods that are still used to bottle the nation’s favourite spirit today. This experience will reveal the intertwined history of gin and the city of London, which has played a significant role in the city's past, including its connections to royal figures of times past and the sometimes scandalous and dark histories that have been played out in the Tower of London over the centuries.
Availability: Priced from £890 per night (Monday – Friday only).
To book, Vist: shangri-la.com