If you enjoy good cocktails with a spectacular view then you’re sure to love GŎNG at the luxurious Shangri-La London hotel. Located conveniently close to London Bridge, inside the famous Shard building on level 52, it’s the highest bar in Western Europe.
GONG Bar Cocktails Review
Go there to sample the extensive GŎNG cocktail menu and indulge in some full moon star-gazing. Inspired by Chinese architecture and Dougong interlocking brackets, the GŌNG cocktails are all part of a pair. These cocktail pairs are interlocked together by the use of one shared ingredient.
The cocktails at GONG Bar combine Western technique with traditional Asian gastronomy, to great effect.
We enjoyed the cocktails, including the interestingly named My First Painting, a lovely mix of Star of Bombay gin, Cocchi Rosa, Peychaud’s, lime and chamomile.
Rustled up with care by the skilled bar tenders, they were beautifully presented. Christian Maspes, head bartender, is a certified sake sommelier. He has worked for some very well-known bars including the American Bar at The Savoy, China Tang at The Dorchester and one of our favourites, the Polo Bar at The Westbury.
We love the eclectic look of the new cocktails. Fancy a drink served in an old shoe? Luckily it’s a ceramic one 😉
Ojiisan is a heady cocktail of Woodford Reserve bourbon, Hedonist liqueur, Pedro Ximenez, mezcal and pimento.
The Born to Fly cocktail comes in a pretty bird cage and successfully blends Grey Goose vodka with basil, citrus and fig.
Or how about the Mermaid, a tantalizing combination of Ketel One vodka, Talisker, seaweed, Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur and champagne. Those golden pearls on the top are chocolate drops. This cocktail has quite a strong kick!
GONG Bar Areas
Enter the Shangri-La hotel on St Thomas Street, close to London Bridge train station. The hotel lobby is beautifully decorated with floral displays galore.
Take the high-rise lift to Floor 52, where you are instantly met with the most amazing panoramic views. You can see from St Paul’s to Tower Bridge and to Canary Wharf beyond. GŎNG’s decor is Asian-inspired and feels elegant but warm at the same time.
There are actually three bar areas, GONG Cocktail Bar, the Sky Pool and the Champagne Bar. The cocktail menu comprises unique creations from head bartender Christian Maspes and his bar team.
The Sky Pool can be hired out exclusively for private parties and events.
On full moon nights, you can indulge in some star gazing thanks to the telescope thoughtfully provided. There is even an astrophysicist present on certain nights.
However, the views are fantastic on any day and equally impressive by night. You can also enjoy a Pop Art inspired Afternoon Tea at GONG Shangri-La. This is the highest afternoon tea in London!
For a great London day out, the Shangri-La Sky Pass grants you access to the infinity Sky Pool, Sauna and Sky Gym on level 52. You will also enjoy a signature bento box and a welcome soft drink at Gong for £57 per person.
If you can, take a look at GŌNG’s adjacent swimming pool bar. It really is a beautiful space and opens from 9 pm. GŌNG welcomes both hotel guests and non-hotel guests, has a smart dress code and does not take bar reservations. They also serve up afternoon tea which sounds amazing!
What do you think of the cocktails and the views?
GONG Bar Opening Times
Wednesday to Sunday 4pm – 12 midnight. Saturday 12pm – 12 midnight from 14 August 2020.
GŌNG at Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard, London. 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU, UK
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I love that birdcage cocktail! And, panoramic views, and star gazing, what more could one ask for? It all looks so lovely. I also liked the elegant and warm decor. Have a great weekend Suze. x/Madison
Sassy Palate Ventures
They really went to town on the presentation! Hope you have a lovely weekend too Madison, I’m off to Spain!
Omg, this is probably one of the coolest bars I’ve ever seen! Next time I make it to London, let’s meet here for a drink out of that tiny boot–love the presentation, the decor, and the views!!!
You’re on Jess! Would be lovely to meet up in person
I have been wanting to go to this bar for ages and it’s still on my to do list! I love the way the cocktails are served; it’s so original and memorable. Have a nice weekend!
It would be easy for them to just rely on their great views but instead they’ve opted for really quirky presentation, i take my hat off to them!
The drinks look divine! The one with the birdcage is so creative. And the view sounds breathtaking!
Http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
I think all drinks should be served in a birdcage 😉
A cocktail in a shoe…that is so cool! Also I’m loving that stunning view!
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I’m a fan of all things quirky so that shoe drink was one of my faces!
This is incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much thought and detail go into a cocktail. I think if I were to be served here, it would spoil me forever!
Sxx
www.daringcoco.com
They really crafted those cocktails with care, Sonia. Hope you’re having a great weekend
You know I’m absolutely down for cocktails, Suze! I like the sound of the mermaid, but all the others are equally interesting! Drinks soon? 🙂
Honey x The Girl Next Shore
You’re on Honey! It would be lovely to finally meet. Will be in touch when back from Andalusia
I reckon I need to hop back up to Gong & try one or two of these ASAP!
You definitely should, Emma, and they apparently do a lovely tea!
Wow, I love that floral arrangement. And the cocktails too of course 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
I wonder if they do their flowers in house, they’re certainly stunning!
Shangrila always fascinate me.
This is a great place to unwind with friends.
Have a great day!
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I know, it’s a brilliant place to catch up with friends.Hope you have a great week ahead, Zarrah!
Oh my goodness the presentation is out of this world and so unusual, this looks really intriguing and one for me to remember xxx
I’m sure that you’d love it, Jessica! Have a fab week
Oh that’s very kind Lu, and I had such good fun photographing the cocktails,especially the old shoe!
Great place to chill out & love the drink..
www.luv4beautyblog.com
It feels very chilled out there, and the drinks were fantastic
You are such a vision in red. I need a drink after seeing this post. The place is just amazing, the interior decorations, the outside views and the architecture of the buildings is pure bliss!!
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That’s very kind, Meron! I loved the interior design, and of course, those views!
Wow what a glorious place
xo
www.laurajaneatelier.com
The location itself is superb – what an incredible view 🙂 The caged drink gets a thumbs up from me, Mermaid is such a fun concept; chocolate drops acting as pearls? Yes please!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
The Memaid was stunning, stronger than I expected and I liked the birdcage one best
That is so cool.
Good vibes, FOX
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As if it’s in the shard, that’s awesome! The cocktails are very unique, I’m not sure if the boot would put me off though haha
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
OMG the presentation of the cocktails is amazing, especially the one in the boot 😉 I must go there !
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You’ll love it, Natasha, especially the boot cocktail!
Well, well, guess who is super jealous right now!!?:) Lovely evening, ladies. I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves!
It was so nice to catch up with a good friend in such lovely surroundings. Have a great week, Agness
Wow, these cocktails look sensational not to mention the views! Looks like a lovely evening!
Camille xo
www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk
It was a great evening and they’d invited a really interesting group of guests too
Oh wow, what a spectacular view! Who wouldn’t enjoy sipping the cocktail as watching this view? Also the presentation of cocktails are fab, they know how to impress!
Ela BellaWorld
You’re right Ela, the whole place was impressive!
I can’t believe I’ve been to the Shard for yoga but not for cocktails, this needs to change 😉 This place sounds beautiful though, and what a stunning view!
Elle
www.theellenextdoor.com
xx
Next time you should combine yoga and cocktails;-)
I do love a bar with a great view and that is an epic view! Love the presentation of the cocktails – so inventive 🙂
This place looks absolutely gorgeous! The cocktails look incredible – you know how much I’m a fan of a nicely made cocktail.
Beautiful interiors and everything is very nicely laid out.
Laura xo
www.shehearts.net
What an amazing VIsta now that is a drink with a view. I have had cake in the hotel which was superb so I can only imagine the cocktail skill Lucy x