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Gong - London Bridge , London

Drinks with some of the best views of London at the Shard. 

Category : Bar
Address : Level 52 The Shard, , 31 St Thomas Street, , London Bridge , London, SE1 9QU, UNITED KINGDOM
Web : www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/gong/
Opening Times : Mon-Sat 12am-1pm; Sun 12am-12pm
Closest Tube : London Bridge


  • Gong   one of Innerplace's exclusive bars in London
  • Gong   one of Innerplace's exclusive bars in London

The story goes that the Shangri-La Group was contacted to open a hotel at the top of The Shard because of their extensive experience with rooftop hotels in Asia. The choice seems to have been a sage one because, with the opening of Gong, they've created a bar unlike any that Europe has seen before. Not only does it boast the highest altitude of any venue in the UK or the continent, not only does it hold bragging rights to some of the best views of London, and not only does it serve superlative cocktails, but the Shangri-La Group has made the obscenely lavish decision of throwing a swimming pool into the mix, for hotel guests to use by day, and bar guests to lounge around with cocktails by night. 

If you don't feel like ponying up for a hotel room, the adjoining bar has equally alluring views and added creature comforts. Gong derives its name from 'duogong', interlocking wooden brackets used in traditional Chinese architecture, which are spread throughout the room. The design palette features splashes of cinnabar red offset by cool grey carpets and banquettes, with plenty of wood spread throughout.

Of the cocktails, our favourite was the Zagroni - a smoky, masculine blend of Ron Zacapa, Lagavulin, Campari and Mancino Rosso Amaranto. Falling somewhere in between a Negroni and an Old Fashioned, it was an eminently tasty tipple. Accolades were also bestowed to the Bermondsey Bubbles, a flute of Jensen's Dry Bermondsey Gin, rose liqueur, creole bitters and champagne. Whilst the wow factor would certainly impress clients, colleagues and bosses, Gong is perfectly calibrated for a special occasion date, for which it receives top marks.

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