THE SHARD PERSONALITIES

Home to offices, bars and restaurants, a five-star hotel, London's highest viewing gallery, an outpatients centre, a broadcasting studio and a university lecture theatre, The Shard is operational 24 hours a day and visited by thousands every week. But what is it like to work in a vertical city?

 

THE VIEW FROM THE SHARD 

The View from The Shard offers unrivaled 360 degree views of London from floor 69 and the open air sky deck on floor 72. Visitors begin their journey in the high-speed lifts that carry guests from level 1 to 68 in sixty seconds. On a clear day guests can see up to 40 miles.

 

Carly Reed and Alina Artamonova

“I feel honoured to work at the top of The Shard, it’s an inspirational place where so many stories are created. From the first live ITV wedding to summer solstice celebrations and Wimbledon screenings, every day is different for the team and our guests.” - Carly Reed, Head of Communications, The View from The Shard, levels 68-72

“The idea of creating a vertical city was brilliant. To have so many things in one building is unique – the bars, restaurants, hotel, offices, private health centre and The View from The Shard, it’s a great place to visit.” - Alina Artamonova, Assistant Guest Experience Manager, The View from The Shard, levels 68-72

 

THE RESTAURANTS AND SHANGRI-LA LONDON HOTEL 

On levels 31 to 33, three world-class restaurants and bars - contemporary British aqua shard, New York-inspired Oblix and Hutong, which serves cuisines from Northern China - are open from morning till late every day of the week. The five-star Shangri-La Hotel comprises 202 guestrooms and suites, ground floor restaurant LÁNG, TĪNG lounge and restaurant and cocktail and champagne bar GŎNG on level 52.

 

Kamila Bednarska, Erol Hussein and Fei Wang

“I have learnt so much about all the different buildings in London. The view and the atmosphere in the restaurant gives me so much energy, I feel like I can do anything.” - Kamila Bednarska, Waitress, Oblix, level 32 

“It is so rewarding to see the excitement on a guest’s face when they arrive at the building. You can’t witness it anywhere else. Most of the time, I am the first person that a guest will meet on arrival and I like to make that first impression memorable for them.” - Erol Hussein, Doorman, Shangri-La Hotel, level 0

“I’ve been able to bring a lot of my favourite dishes to The Shard - guests really embrace the northern Sichuan cuisine. My most memorable moments are when I hear personally from our guests how wonderful their experience has been at Hutong.” - Fei Wang, Head Chef, Hutong, level 33

 

OFFICES

The Shard's offices span 26 floors and house 32 companies across ten different business sectors. Occupiers include Al Jazeera Media Network, who broadcast from live from the building each evening, award-winning digital agency Jellyfish, global consultancy agency Gallup, luxury fashion retailer Matchesfashion.com and HCA Healthcare UK who have an outpatients and diagnostics centre on levels four to six of The Shard.

“Working in a Renzo Piano building is an inspiration. The area is a hub of creativity, which is fitting for our company, and our bright, open work space is the perfect setting for team collaboration.” - Charlotte Jones, Creative Production Director, MATCHESFASHION.COM, level 7

“The pace of global 24-hour news is often frenetic. But there is something unique perhaps even surreal about being immersed in the story of the moment, and then looking up from my desk in The Shard to see a sunset which belongs in a painting or a postcard. Gives a sense of perspective.” - Maryam Nemazee, News Anchor, Al Jazeera Media Network, level 16

“Our London office definitely does bring some peace… Delegates have mentioned on a number of occasions how calm the atmosphere is up here, and that they feel focused during training sessions.” - Manpreet Kaur Gill, Digital Analytics Manager and Trainer, Jellyfish – level 22

 

Sylwia Skrezyna, Emily Drakes and Annabel Arrowsmith

“There's nothing more inspiring than looking across the whole of London, strategising about how our ideas can change the world. One of my clients recently said "just being in The Shard makes you feel successful" and I'd have to agree with her.” - Sylwia Skrezyna, Advanced Learning & Development Consultant, Gallup, level 18

“It’s amazing to have a physiotherapy clinic in The Shard with the consultants and imaging teams next door. Along with my patients, I still get awestruck walking into the gym every day.” - Emily Drakes, Outpatient Clinical Lead Physiotherapist, HCA Healthcare UK, levels 3-6

“There’s a certain pride attached to working in a building that is such an iconic landmark to the city. Being able to look out across London inspires creativity every day and the setting provides a fantastic pull for our guests when we host events.” - Annabel Arrowsmith, Marketing Manager, Foresight Group, level 23

 

FRONT OF HOUSE 

The Shard's dedicated front of house team ensure all guests are welcomed to the building.

“I’ve worked in the building from the very beginning and it has been an amazing journey. I really enjoy conducting the building inductions where I get to meet new occupiers and share my admiration, knowledge and experiences of The Shard with them.” - Alessia Pasquali, Deputy Front of House Manager, Shard Quarter Team, level 2

“Working at The Shard makes me incredibly proud. I meet The Shard occupiers and guests everyday as they enter the building which allows me to build really good relationships with everyone.” - Valdas Dragunas, Front of House security supervisor, Shard Quarter Team, level 2

“I welcome clients into the building and make sure the front of house reception is clean and tidy for them to see. My favourite visitor has been Her Majesty The Queen.” - Grzegorz Kiszka, Front of House Housekeeper, Shard Quarter Team, level 2-3

 

BEHIND THE SCENES

Western Europe's tallest building has a team of specialists working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shard Quarter Team consists of receptionists, security, housekeeping, window cleaners and engineers who keep the building running.

 

Jefferson Damoah-Mensah and Jose Santocildes

“Working outside, I have the opportunity to meet lots of new people every day. It can be tough in the winter months with the cold, wet weather, but I still enjoy coming into work. The summer months are better as I don’t have to wear a woolly hat!” - Jefferson Damoah-Mensah, External Estate Operative, Shard Quarter Team, level 3

“Whatever the weather, we make sure the estate has a pleasant appearance. Receiving good feedback from occupiers makes us strive harder, it is so heart-warming that there are people recognising what you do.” - Jose Santocildes, External Housekeeping, Shard Quarter Team, Estate