The Shard is London’s highest building, and it is also home to one of London’s most luxurious and elegant hotels the Shangri -La, that takes up floors 34 to 52 of the Shard.
On my recent visit to London, I was invited to dine along with my friends at Shangri -La’s TING restaurant. I couldn’t be more excited as the Shangri -La Hotel enjoys one of the most breathtaking views of London.
We arrived just before 6 and took the elevator to the 35th-floor where the TING restaurant is located. As soon as I stepped out, I was struck by the elegant atmosphere and the glass windows. Unfortunately, at the time we visited the restaurant, the top of the Shard was covered by a big cloud so we couldn’t admire the view.
We were escorted to our table at the TING lounge by a member of the staff. We had one of the best seats in the lounge, right by the window looking out over London.
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Ting in Chinese means “living room” and it was exactly how we felt when we entered Ting’s lounge; like we were in our own living room. The atmosphere was so cosy and relaxed and the tables were very well spaced giving you a feeling of intimacy.
We started our night with a cocktail as we were perusing the menu. I played it safe with a Bellini, but the hotel offers some fantastic signature cocktails as well with exotic ingredients.
The menu had a great selection of Western, Middle Eastern and South East Asian dishes. We decided to go with European dishes although the South East Asia sampling menu looked very tempting.
After ordering the sommelier was over to help us select the wine that would suit our meal, we decided on a perfect South Africa Cabernet Sauvignon.
My dining experience started with a Roasted Asparagus and Wild Mushroom Salad topped with creamy balsamic, herb crouton and parmesan. The flavours blended so well together creating a refreshing result.
My choice for the main course was a Rib Eye Steak served with grilled tomato, mushroom and watercress, accompanied by French fries and bearnaise sauce. Although I chose to have my steak well-done it was cooked to perfection; it was very tender it was melting in my mouth. The bearnaise sauce complemented very well both the fries and the steak. By the time our main course arrived, the sky has cleared, and we were enjoying a fantastic view of the city of London at our feet.
We decided to share the desserts as it was so difficult to choose. We had a Dulcy Pannacotta with Peach Compote and Hazelnut Crum, a Raspberry and Vanilla Cheesecake with Raspberry jelly and an out of this world Raspberry sorbet, and in my opinion, the highlight of the dessert menu which was a Passionfruit Crème Brulee with Exotic compote and Mango tuile. I am not a Crème Brulee fan, but that was simply heavenly.
My experience at the TING was superb. The view was spectacular, the best in London, the service was exceptional with all the staff ensuring we had everything we wanted, the food was heavenly and the ambience very warm and friendly. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the prices were very friendly considering the location of the restaurant and quality of food and service.
Opening hours
Restaurant
Breakfast 6.30am – 10.30am, Lunch 12noon – 2.30pm, Afternoon Tea Daily from 12pm – 4pm (last seating at 4pm), Dinner 6pm – 11.15pm
Lounge
Breakfast 6.30am-10.30am, All-Day Dining 11.30am – 11.30pm
Afternoon tea
Daily 12pm – 4pm (last seating at 4pm)
I was a guest at the Ting lounge but as always opinions are my own.