Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot Shangri-la at The Shard London
Located in the tallest building in Western Europe on floors 34 to 52, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London is the city’s first high-rise hotel conveniently positioned minutes from the city. The Shard replaces Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office building built on the site in 1975. Demolition began in 2008, construction commenced in 2009, with the structure completing in April 2012 opened three months later by then London Mayor Boris
Johnson. Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard is also London’s highest wedding venue, offering a unique setting with unrivalled views in every direction, overlooking landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower of London and St. Paul’s
Level 34 Lobby at The Shard Shangri-la London.
Cathedral. For intimate gatherings from 2 guests to larger celebrations up to 110 the hotel has a spectacular selection of private locations and a grand staircase sweeping past two-story windows, providing the perfect backdrop for memorable wedding photography. The property also offers 202 rooms and suites (all with unparalleled views), four food and beverage venues as well as an infinity pool and 24-hour gym on level 52. Vibrant wining and dining experiences are combined with ShangriLa’s legendary hospitality. TÍNG restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner presents a modern European menu using the best of British, locally-sourced ingredients with subtle Asian influences. while London’s highest afternoon tea is served in theatrical elegance allowing guests to choose between classically English or an Eastern inspired alternative. The lounge also has one of the largest tea collections in the capital ranging from Darjeeling First Flush to more rare blends such as Formosa Oolong and White Tea Needles. “GŎNG “ at Shangri-La featuring a stunning champagne and cocktail menu is London’s highest and trendiest destination venues taking its name from ‘Dougong’ – an ancient Chinese structural element
Deluxe Rooms at Shangr-La Hotel The Shard London.
of interlocking wooden brackets, used to support historical Chinese temples and palaces, a strong component of the bar’s intriguing interior. Located on the ground floor, LÁNG patisserie and artisan deli showcases a selection of Shangri-La signature cakes with an option to eat-in or take-away. With the City of London minutes away and Canary Wharf easily accessible, Shangri-La at the Shard is ideal for the business traveller. It is also convenient for leisure guests to explore close by attractions like Tate Modern , Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market, the most renowned food market in the country all a five-minute walk away. The hotel offers an exclusive “Room With A View” package starting from £496 per night based on
two adults sharing with breakfast for two and tickets to “The View” from The Shard. For other new year rates see www.shangri-la.com/ london. Aer Lingus operate numerous flights daily between Belfast City Airport and London Heathrow and numerous more from Dublin. The “Gold Circle” lounge in Terminal 2 offers guests an area of calm in a noisy, packed airport terminal where they can enjoy refreshment, catch up on work or simply relax. A special feature of the T2 lounge is the 5m high external glass wall offering relaxing views to the airfield. For best fares www.aerlingus.com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com