If you think you have been to all the romantic places in London, think again! Because I know the perfect place to take your beloved for Valentine’s Day! Ladies and Gentlemen may I introduce you to Ting! Ting is the Shangri-La hotel’s restaurant on the thirty-fifth floor of the glistening Shard! And I can already now reveal that the Afternoon Tea here simply overshines all the other, that I have tried! 

To get the full experience, I recommend you to take a walk at London Bride for the perfect view of the Shard

The Shard, also referred to as the Shard of Glass, Shard London Bridge and formerly London Bridge Tower, is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark. Standing 309.6 metres high, the Shard is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the fourth-tallest building in Europe.

Designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano, the Shard redefines London’s skyline and has become a dynamic symbol of London. If you are not afraid of heights The View from the Shard offers spectacular views over London for up to 40 miles (that is twice as high as any other vantage point in the city and the only place where visitors can see the entire city at once)

Im on my way – and nothing can stop me! 

Yesterday Frenchie and I decided to enjoy a pre-Valentine’s Day treat at Ting! Having heard so many great things about their Afternoon Tea I simply had to try it! Also because I know, how important Valentine’s Day is for you guys! So if you are looking for amazing food with the best views of London, keep on reading! (believe me, you won’t regret it!)

Here I am in front of the beautiful Shangri-La Hotel. (You need to use this entrance to get to Ting on the thirty-fifth floor)

This is a really luxurious hotel! Already in the lobby I felt completely overwhelmed by its beauty – and trust me, you will be treated like a king or a queen! Everybody was so warm, polite and helpful.

Feeling like a queen in the lobby of Shangri-La Hotel

This certainly is a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city

Yes, I could definitely stay here for a couple of days…

Cherry blossom heaven… (I forgot to ask, what the little notes meant… I suppose it has something to do with celebrating Chinese New Year and wishing us good health and prosperity. Feel free to leave a comment if you know more than I do!)

Moving on up… All the way to the thirty-fifth floor! 

Here we are… Impeccable style everywhere you go. 

It is hard to describe how amazing the view from the Shard was… I can only say, that it left me breathless. This experience is simply something you have to try for yourself! I hope these pictures will give you a hint of what you can look forward to by booking a table at Ting! 

Take a walk around and have some fun looking at beautiful London seen from above! 

A perfect view at 20 Fenchurch Street – better known as the walkie talkie due to its unique shape! (On the top you will find a huge public garden, Sky Garden, where you can enjoy drinks and music with another spectacular view)

All settled. We had the most wonderful table just by the window with comfortable chairs and couches, an iconic London view and attentive staff… What is not to love? Bonus info: The name Ting means “living room” in Chinese and the place duly has a Chinoiserie interior.

This is our pretty and very tasty Afternoon Tea Cocktail – “The Red Fire Monkey” (shaken with China white monkey tea, lychee and cranberry juice. Garnished with a fresh lychee fruit)

Only the best for the guests… Spoiled with a wonderful glas of bubbles 

Veuve Clicquot served at the perfect drinking temperature! (Being french my boyfriend explained to me how important that is for the full taste experience!)

I might repeat myself – but will you look at that view!!! Honestly sitting there with my glass of bubbles looking out of the windows watching the world go by, I don’t think I could be more happy… 

Picture perfect…

And then our favourite waiter Emmett came along…  And suddenly everything was covered in soft and white clouds with a heavenly scent… I have never seen anything like it! 

I mean… What just happened here!!! Now if you really want to impress your sweet Valentine, this is the way to do it! I don’t think that tea has ever been more dramatically presented! 

Emmett, our Australian waiter, was probably the sweetest person, I have met in a long time! He was so incredibly friendly, that I felt like I had known him for ages. Emmett brought us the most delicious food and made sure, that nothing was missing. (Bonus info: You can always ask for more, if there is something  you particularly like. The price remains the same!)

At Ting you have the choice of a traditional Afternoon Tea or an ‘Asian-inspired’ Afternoon Tea.

We chose one of each – and here is what we were served:

English Afternoon Tea:

Scones: Classic English Scones and Golden Raison Scones with english clotted cream and strawberry jam

Pastries: Yuzu Praline Macaron, Gingerbread, Pear and Caramel, Mandarin Spiced Prune Tart, Chocolate Plaisir and Cassis Voilet Choux

Sandwiches: Smoked Salmon, Roast Angus Beef, Honey Roast Ham, Duck Egg and Vintage Cheddar

Asian Inspired Afternoon Tea:

Classic English Scones and Raisin Scones with english clotted cream and passion fruit curd

Pastries: Dragonwell Choux, Pineapple Tard, Chinese Lantern, Year of the Rooster Macaron and Pomelo Tart

Savouries: Chinese BBQ, Chinese Chive and Vegetable fried Dumpling, Five Spice Blackened Tuna, Har Kau Dim Sum and Duck Spring Roll

(The menus are subject to change, based on seasonal availability)

It really was as good as it sounds…

Especially enjoyed with a cup of refreshing beautiful skin tea, or one of the ample black tea suggestions. I had the Darjeeling 1st flush (highly recommendable if you like a milder version of black tea, like me)

I couldn’t help myself taking thousands of pictures of “the dramatic tea experience!”

Our fine selection of sandwiches were meticulously cut.

 I really loved the London Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese on Wholemeal Bread. The Salmon was thin cut lightly seasoned and so delicious.

The Chinese BBQ was actually spiced chicken in a soft roll! I didn’t share! (but then again, you can always ask for more – and so we did!)

The most colourful and inviting plate was the beautifully put together Asian-influenced pastries plate. I simply adored The Year of  the Roster Macaron that was served with wishes of good health and prosperity! 

A work of art… and some of the best cakes I have ever tasted.

After having enjoyed so much amazing food it was time for a little wander… It is not every day you get a view like this…

I was at a loss for words at that moment… Well, adjectives actually.

It is not easy finding suitable words to describe one of the most amazing Afternoon Teas I have ever had. Honestly, if you are looking for a truly special Afternoon Tea experience, this is the place to go. The views over most of the city are stunning, the settings are gorgeous … well, everything is just WOW !

I’d like to thank everybody at Ting and Shangri-La for making me feel like a queen for a day! Afternoon Tea in the clouds is simply a must-try! 

It was getting dark, when we headed home with a full stomach and a happy heart! 
Crossing London Bridge we took a last look at The Shard and the beautiful surroundings… When London is lit up, there is magic in the air! How I just love my city!  

X Louise