Are you looking for an exciting bar experience at The Shard? Look no further than Aqua Shard and Hutong’s Shanghai Bar. These two options are sure to please a variety of mixology lovers, between ideal spots to view the city and unique cocktails with multi-cultural influence.
Shanghai Bar
Situated on the 33rd floor of The Shard, Hutong offers breathtaking views of the London skyline paired with a cuisine deeply rooted in traditional Imperial Chinese. Hutong’s Shanghai Bar, with panoramic views of the city, is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine or explore the expertly crafted cocktail menu taking inspiration from the five elements of Chinese philosophy – wood, metal, water, earth and fire – each cocktail explores an element and its relationship to the Chinese zodiac signs. Guests are invited to consult the Chinese Astrology wheel and find their Chinese zodiac sign, and a matching cocktail.
The Shanghai Date Night Menu, exclusively served in the Shanghai Bar, offers an unforgettable evening experience for £120 and includes three cocktails made with Sauvelle vodka, such as the Jasmine Garden, a floral and bitter-sweet cocktail with Jasmine tea-infused vodka and clarified grapefruit, mixed with elderflower cordial, soda water, accompanied by Hutong signature Dim Sum Platter to share, including the Rosé Champagne shrimp dumplings and the Cod & seaweed dumplings with tobiko.
A beautiful Wishing Tree adorned with lucky red wishing cards, paying homage to the renowned Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees in Hong Kong, encourages guests to write their wishes on a card, hang it on a branch, and hope for their dreams to come true all year long.
The Elemental Mix
An exclusive cocktail escapade at Hutong’s Shanghai Bar, where the art of mixology intertwines with the essence of Chinese elemental philosophy. Celebrating the quintet of elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water — each is embodied in its distinctive cocktail.
- Elemental Cocktails: From a verdant, herbaceous “Wood” concoction that symbolises growth, to a “Fire” blend tinged with chilli to stir the senses, each drink is a unique reflection of its element.
- Zodiac Connections: Patrons can find their elemental cocktail companion through a digital zodiac wheel, offering a tailored beverage aligning with their Chinese zodiac sign.
- Atmospheric Alchemy: The ambience of the bar metamorphoses to mirror the evening’s highlighted element, from the lighting and music to the décor, ensuring a completely immersive atmosphere.
“The Elemental Mix” elevates the cocktail experience into a voyage of discovery, merging the ancient with the cutting-edge in the heart of London. Our favourite – My Bobby Style with Johnnie Walker Blue Label, jasmine verte, cocchi rosa, maraschino liqueur, Santoni. A real tribute to Blue Label.
Aqua Shard
Nestled on Level 31 within the UK’s tallest building, Aqua Shard welcomes guests for an exceptional culinary experience with sweeping views of London’s landmarks, including the River Thames, Tower Bridge, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, providing a captivating backdrop for any celebration.
Aqua Shard turns into an electrifying atmospheric venue with views of the twinkling London skyline, where guests can sip on the new British Icons Cocktail Menu and indulge in delicious bar snacks, with resident DJs on decks every Friday and Saturday.
The cocktail list is divided into four categories: Music, Art, Fashion and Film, celebrating some of the UK’s very own legends, from the Pink Floyd-inspired The East Side Of The Moon, with Rum, Hennessy VS, Fernet Branca, Cointreau, mixed with mango, passion berry, cardamom, coriander, mint and Pommery Brut, to the Miniskirt, a tribute to the legendary Mary Quant and her revolutionary creation, with Ciroc Red Berries, St. Germain, Luxardo Maraschino, lime and butterfly pea tea: a perfectly balanced blend of sweet, fruity notes and refreshing floral undertones.
At Aqua Shard, the cocktail experience is a distinct journey through British culture, encapsulated within an exceptional menu of drinks. Each cocktail draws inspiration from a British icon or epoch, offering a taste of history with a contemporary flair. Highlights include “The Gothic Revival,” a blend of dark rum and blackcurrant liqueur that mirrors London’s architectural finesse, and “The Brit Pop,” a vibrant mix of vodka, white grape juice, and British apple cider, capturing the essence of the 90s music scene. “The 007” gives the classic martini a mysterious twist, reflecting the allure of Britain’s most renowned spy, whilst “The Renaissance Revival” combines Amaro and gin, nodding to the artistic legacy. This curated assortment not only delights the taste buds but also celebrates the UK’s rich cultural tapestry, all set against the magnificent panorama of London’s skyline.
To find out more, visit aquashard.co.uk or hutong.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of Shanghai Bar and Aqua Shard.