Shangri-La The Shard, LondonLondon, England

Within walking distance to three museums, numerous galleries and one of the city’s most prized theatres, the hotel’s location offers a plethora of cultural activities waiting to be discovered easily by foot.

Housing a diverse community of art lovers, antique dealers and traditional craftsmen, the lively areas of SE1 offer a stimulating variation to the quintessentially classic London sites - especially great for culture vultures seeking an exciting, new part of town to explore and be inspired by.
 

• TATE MODERN

Bankside, London SE1 9TG
15 minute walk from the hotel

The most visited modern art gallery in Europe year on year, the Tate Modern showcases some of the most esteemed international contemporary art from the 1900s until today. With an exciting rota of individual exhibitions scheduled for 2016, such as a Georgia O’Keeffe retrospective in July
and Cuban artist Wifredo Lam’s first London exhibition since 1952 in September, the space will also expand with an iconic new building in May 2016 to create more space for new exhibits.

• SAM WANAMAKER PLAYHOUSE WITHIN SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE

21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
15 minute walk from the hotel

A short stroll from Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a spectacular reconstruction based on academic approximations of the original 1599 and 1614 structures, allows for Shakespeare’s works to be viewed 400 years on.
Set within it, the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is a unique extension to the already splendid establishment. This indoor theatre presents all of its acts by candlelight, setting the mood for a truly dramatic performance. Upcoming shows include The Tempest and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

• WHITE CUBE BERMONDSEY

144-152 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ
12 minute walk from the hotel

White Cube Bermondsey, the project room of renowned art dealer and collector Jay Jopling is amongst the most influential spaces for contemporary art in the world. Since its inception, the building has hosted a variety of significant artists, including Theaster Gates, Chuck Close, Tracey Emin and Damien Hirst. The next exhibition will be in April and will feature colourful works by neo-expressionist painter Georg Baselitz. Admission is complimentary.

Tip: If in need of a pick-me-up after your visit, take a short walk to The Watch House Café, a popular neighbourhood coffee shop towards the end of Bermondsey Street. Their artisan Brazil-based espresso blend is sweet, chocolate nuanced and has a satisfying finish.

• BFI SOUTHBANK

South Block, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT
25 minute walk from the hotel

Operated by the illustrious British Film Institute, BFI Southbank is a world-renowned four-screen cinema venue showing over 2,000 classic and contemporary films each
year, with film seasons, director and actor retrospectives, and extended runs of cinema classics. Visitors can view over 1,000 hours of free film and TV in the Mediatheque, visit the library and film shop, and enjoy two of the South Bank’s best restaurant bars.
 

• ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH

Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
25 minute boat ride from the hotel

Take a fascinating journey through the historic home of British astronomy and have the chance to stand on either side of the eastern and western hemispheres at the Prime Meridian, the world’s reference line for GMT (similar to the equator for the southern and northern hemispheres). Open every day from 10am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4.30pm.

Idea: Why not try a different way of getting around town and arrive at Greenwich via a 25-minute Thames Clippers
boat ride. Offering a unique way to take in London’s riverside scenery, the Clippers conveniently departs every 20 minutes from the nearby London Bridge Pier. The Royal Observatory is then a short walk from Greenwich Pier to the top of the hill at Royal Greenwich Park.

Southwark, which includes London Bridge, Borough and Bermondsey amongst its 21 wards, is London’s most historic borough. Dating back to 43 AD, it was once the
original location identified as most suitable to build a bridge
connecting the south of England to what was then Londinium. 

Although once a crucial part of the city’s river trade, the area slowly declined in productivity with the development of other ports along the river. In the late 20th century, however, the worn down warehouses and railway archways were converted and a huge resurgence in both commercial and artistic activity began, turning SE1 into a bustling and vibrant destination.

Southwark remains one of the best locations from which to explore the city’s rich history and the hotel is ideally located within walking distance to the most historical landmarks than any other five-star hotel in London.
 

• BERMONDSEY ANTIQUE MARKET

Bermondsey Square, Southwark SE1 3UN
14 minute walk from the hotel

What started in 1855 as a place to trade with impunity is now the largest antique’s market in London. Every Friday, up to 200 stalls set up shop and sell antique china, silver, glassware, furniture, fashion and crafts. Popular with antique enthusiasts from around the world, the market is located just a short walk from the hotel. Stalls start to line the square as early as 4am and trading starts at 5am and goes until 1pm.

Tip: Get there early to land the best of the pickings. Lunchtime arrivals might be disappointed to find antique sellers packing up or with little left to sell.
 

• TOWER BRIDGE EXHIBITION

Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
12 minute walk from the hotel

Often mistaken for London Bridge, Tower Bridge is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Sat astride the River Thames since 1894, it was a feat of industrial engineering in its time. Certain parts have since opened to the public as an
exhibition space and in 2014, a glass walkway was installed connecting both towers, giving visitors an unusual perspective of the raising of the bridge.

Tip: To enhance the experience, download the complimentary ‘Raise Tower Bridge’ app, which offers a live 360-degree panoramic video of the bridge being raised from inside the tower’s exhibition area.

 

• SHAKESPEARE’S GLOBE THEATRE

21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT
10 minute walk from the hotel

With 2016 marking the 400-year anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, visiting Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a must. The spectacular oak-and-thatch, open-air reconstruction, based on academic approximations of the original structures, allows for Shakespeare’s works to be viewed 400 years on. The play season runs from April to October and sometimes also over the festive period.
Upcoming shows include the ever popular Mid-Summer’s Night’s Dream starting in April and Taming of The Shrew in May. Theatre tours are also available.

 

• SOUTHWARK BREWERY TOUR

Led by London Brewery Tours, the afternoon starts with an hour’s guided walk around the historic buildings in and around Southwark, which were once a part of the area’s great beer trade, and ends at Southwark Brewery. These independent producers create perfectly crafted, small-batch British beer, each with a distinct flavour and ingredients. The event also includes a tour of the brewery and tasting with the brewer himself.

Special treat: If craft beer is of high interest, why not invest a whole afternoon discovering the plethora of independent breweries in SE1 on the Bermondsey Beer Mile Walking Tour? Have a chance to meet the brewers who will talk about the process - from brewing to bottling - and then taste these authentic craft beers straight from the tap. Shangri-La guests are welcome to discounted tickets, private tours are also available upon request.

 

• PRIVATE BLUE BADGE TOUR GUIDE

If there is a particular era or historic story of curiosity, our Concierge team suggest booking a tailored, private Blue Badge Guide* for the day. The highest tourist-guiding qualification in Britain, each Blue Badge Guide has boundless knowledge of London’s highlights and is the only one permitted - to chaperone tourists to the major sites, such as Tower of London.

London is unquestionably one of the great shopping capitals of the world — one whose reach wonderfully extends beyond just the West End. With an unlimited amount of robust high streets, bold boutiques and eclectic markets, the city’s unique and huge mix of retail is second to none.

As the city continues to evolve, so do its shopping destinations, with something to offer every visitor. Thanks to its recent regeneration, South London in particular is one of the newer shopping districts with a delectable range of curated shops and boutiques. With the hotel conveniently located on top of London Bridge station, all other larger London shopping venues are not more than 20 minutes away.
 

• PAUL SMITH, PARK STREET

13 Park Street, London SE1 9AB
3 minute walk from the hotel

Within the quintessential food haven that is Borough Market sits Britain’s foremost designer Paul Smith’s dainty Park Street boutique. Featuring a carefully curated selection of his current collections, the quirky space also sells Paul’s favourite trinkets and collectibles. Renowned for his creative spirit, Paul Smith specialises in an inventive use of traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge design to create beautifully made, desirable, modern pieces.

Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10am - 6pm / Friday: 10am - 6:30pm / Saturday: 9:30am - 6pm / Sunday: Closed

 

• BERMONDSEY 167

167 Bermondsey St, Southwark, London SE1 3UW
10 minute walk from the hotel

The creation of former head of design at Burberry, Michael McGrath, and partner, Alessandro Palhares, Bermondsey 167 is an endearing and exotic boutique. The shop’s own-label M2cG shirts (made in Northern Ireland), fine merino wool sweaters (made in Italy), ties, scarves and swimwear are the main draw, but the unique, commission-only furniture, home accessories, delicate jewellery and coconut-leaf lights are intriguing too; all sourced from artists and artisans from around the world.

Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 11am - 7pm / Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
 

• ROYAL EXCHANGE

Royal Exchange, London EC3V 3NL
15 minute walk from the hotel

Officially opened by HRH Queen Elizabeth I in 1571, The Royal Exchange was London’s first purpose-built center for trading stocks, the brainchild of renowned merchant Thomas Gresham. It soon became a center for the capital’s commerce, bringing together both brokers and merchants and in 2011, was transformed into a luxury shopping and dining destination. Home to high end boutiques such as, Hermés, Smythson, Omega and Tiffany & Co., the luxury arcade also offers a wonderful variety of food and beverage outlets.

Opening Hours - Shops:
Monday – Friday: 10am - 6pm

Opening Hours - Restaurants:
Breakfast: Monday – Friday: 8am - 11:30am
Lunch: Monday – Friday: 12pm - 5pm
Dinner: Monday – Friday: 5pm - 10pm

 

• BERMONDSEY ANTIQUE MARKET

Bermondsey Square, Southwark SE1 3UN
14 minute walk from the hotel

What started in 1855 as a place to trade with impunity is now the largest antique’s market in London. Every Friday, up to 200 stalls set up shop and sell antique china, silver, glassware, furniture, fashion and crafts. Popular with antique enthusiasts from around the world, the market is located just a short walk from the hotel. Stalls start to line the square as early as 4am and trading starts at 6am and goes until 2pm.

Tip: Get there early to land the best of the pickings. Lunchtime arrivals might be disappointed to find antique sellers packing up or with little left to sell.

 

• WESTFIELD STRATFORD CITY

Olympic Park, Montfichet Rd, London E20 1EJ
15 minute tube journey from London Bridge

Westfield Stratford City is one of the largest urban shopping center in Europe with over 250 stores. There are over 70 places to dine, a 17-screen Vue cinema and easy accessibility links. Part of one of the largest urban regeneration projects ever undertaken in the UK, the extensive shopping mall also offers spectacular views of the city’s Olympic Park.

Opening Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10am - 9pm / Saturday: 9am - 9pm / Sunday: 12pm - 6pm

The sheer scale of London means that the amount of options available for visitors of all ages is something to truly celebrate, with no limit to fun and interactive family experiences.

Based in one of London’s oldest, yet nowadays, most vibrant parts of town, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London not only offers families a city break to remember, but also spoils them for choice when it comes to nearby family-friendly landmarks that are both educational and highly entertaining.
 

• HMS BELFAST

The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH
7 minute walk from the hotel

HMS Belfast is the most significant surviving Second World War Royal Navy warship and, today, is a permanently moored museum. Offering a great variety of ways to explore what life was like living at sea, children are invited to find their sea legs as they climb ladders to discover all nine decks, take the helm in the captain’s chair, choose action stations in the Operations Room and delve into the engine rooms 15 feet below sea level.

Tip: New for the summer, Ship Shape Saturdays offer the chance to learn how to become a member of the ship’s crew. From learning to signal and hoisting the flag, to traditional navy games and ropes and knots skills, there’s something for the whole family to try out.

 

• TOWER OF LONDON

London EC3N 4AB
15 minute walk from the hotel

Built in 1066 by William the Conqueror, the Tower of London is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames and offers a stunning insight into 1,000 years of
history. Take the family back in time to see the magnificent crown jewels, enjoy special guided tours by the famous Beefeaters with live re-enactments of historic moments,
meet one of the nine roaming ravens and have the chance to make a royal helmet.

 

• GOLDEN HINDE II

1 Pickfords Wharf, Clink St, London SE1 9DG
5 minute walk from the hotel

Experience the life of a 16th-century explorer and sailor aboard the Golden Hinde II, a life-size reconstruction of the ship Sir Francis Drake used to circumnavigate the globe
between 1577 and 1590. In an unforgettable Tudor adventure, explore the decks for hidden treasures or have a go at raising the ship’s anchor. Interactive tours with actors
promise fun for all the family with the perfect blend of history and entertainment.Activities range for children aged from four and above, with certain activities only suitable for children aged six and above.

 

• GELATARIA 3BIS

4 Park St, London SE1 9AB
3 minute walk from the hotel

This popular gelateria is characterised by its Italian concept artigianalita, meaning ‘craftsmanship’. With expert knowledge acquired over the last 15 years, the place
serves firm favourites such as Panna Cotta and Mascarpone and Fig – all made fresh each morning. Sorbets are made with over 50% real fruit and there is frozen yoghurt from neighbour Neal’s Yard Dairy, homemade tiramisu and gelato lollipops.

Treat: Add a new dimension to what might already be London’s best ice-cream with a heavenly drop of melted chocolate at the bottom of the cone.

 

• ROYAL OBSERVATORY GREENWICH

Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ
25 minute boat ride from the hotel

Greenwich is the perfect destination for a family fun-filled day. Take a fascinating journey through the historic home of British astronomy and have the chance to stand on either side of the Eastern and Western hemispheres at the prime meridian, the world’s reference line for GMT. Visit
London’s only planetarium, the Peter Harrison Planetarium and take an awe-inspiring journey into space with expert commentary from real astronomers within a series of child-friendly shows.

Open every day from 10am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4:30pm. Please ask our Concierge team for the different planetarium shows on offer and the suitable age ranges.

Idea: Why not try a different way of getting around town and arriving at Greenwich via a 25-minute Thames Clippers boat ride? The high-speed catamaran conveniently departs every 20 minutes from nearby London Bridge Pier and the Royal Observatory and Peter Harrison Planetarium are then a short walk from Greenwich Pier.
 

From sampling the infinite foodie delights at London’s most renowned fruit and vegetable market to discovering the hedonist treasures and low-key Michelin dining in and around Bermondsey – Southwark is the city’s new hub for foodie enthusiasts and gastronomes alike.

After decades as a disadvantaged part of town, Bermondsey in particular has seen a complete revival with its warehouses being converted into bustling restaurants and its railway archways into eclectic bars. The area also includes a growing number of breweries and food start-ups, such as cheese makers, coffee roasters and butchers, and is quickly gaining a ‘must visit’ status.

 

• BOROUGH MARKET

8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL
3 minute walk from the hotel

Borough Market is London’s oldest food market and a source of exceptional British and international produce. It is a haven for anybody who has an interest in the quality and provenance of the food they eat. The market is frequented by chefs, restaurateurs, passionate amateur cooks and those who just love eating and drinking.

Many of the stallholders are the producers themselves, who grow, rear or bake the food on sale. 

Package: A shared passion for local produce and seasonal fare inspired the hotel’s kitchen team to create the ultimate foodie ‘At The Market with Chef’ experience. Guests have the opportunity to visit Borough Market, accompanied by a senior member of Shangri-La’s kitchen team, who will demonstrate how to select the best, local ingredients. Guests will choose from a variety of produce, which the kitchen team will then use to prepare a bespoke dinner.

 

• MONMOUTH COFFEE

2 Park St, The Borough, London SE1 9AB
3 minute walk from the hotel

Start the day with one of the most delicious coffees in London Bridge and feel good knowing the roasters fully support ethical trade. Located at Borough Market, Monmouth Coffee’s second outpost, after its original in Covent Garden, is affectionately known by locals to be ‘as good as it gets’ in terms of coffee.

Tip: If the chance to stop by their Borough Market coffee shop did not present itself, not to fret. In 2007, Monmouth moved a large part of their roasting site to three converted railway arches at the nearby Maltby Street Market.

 

• PIZARRO RESTAURANT

194 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3TQ
12 minute walk from the hotel

Nestled near the end of bustling Bermondsey Street, Pizarro is Spanish chef, José Pizarro’s critically acclaimed second restaurant on that street. It opened shortly after the raging success of his tapas institution, José just a few blocks down. The restaurant serves fresh and delicious Spanish cuisine with a contemporary twist and is a highlight within the south London dining scene.

Special treat: For those serious about their sherry and jamón, Pizarro can offer Shangri-La guests a special, one-hour masterclass* to learn more about both. Led by the kitchen’s senior chef, attendees have the chance to sample a variety of superior jamóns as well as a sherry flight and leave feeling like a true connoisseur.

 

• MALTBY STREET MARKET

Ropewalk, London SE1 3PA
15 minute walk from the hotel

During the summer of 2010, a quiet bubble of gastronomic intent was swelling under the railway arches in Bermondsey. This unlikely south-east London backwater quickly became a popular destination for a Saturday morning wander with a bit of grocery shopping. A few years on, the space has become a full-on street market with passionate stallholders showcasing the best of British produce, pop-up restaurants and archway bars.

Tip: To find out about the gastronomic delights that await beneath these converted arches, visit from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays and from 11am to 4pm on Sundays. Some of the original stallholders have relocated down the road to Spa Terminus, which is open Saturdays only, around 9am to 2pm.

 

• JENSEN’S GIN DISTILLERY

55 Stanworth St, London SE1 3NY
18 minute walk from the hotel

Bermondsey Distillery, producers of local favourite Jensen’s Gin, is situated within one of these converted archways at Maltby Street Market and close to the River Thames; an area where - historically - botanicals arrived from Holland hence making Bermondsey the location for the beginnings of several classic gins. Owner, Christian Jensen focused on creating finely balanced gins that honour the forgotten Old London recipes, specifically those dating back to the 18th century when gins were not sweetened, but rather relied on natural sugars from their respective botanicals.

Tip: Want to know more? Hotel guests are welcome to book a special Jensen’s Gin distillery tour* to learn about the history and process of Old London gins, a special tasting of their Bermondsey Dry and Old Tom varieties, as well as some of their exclusive infusions within specially crafted, historic cocktails. Tours are available between 9am and 6pm, Monday through Friday, and can be one or half of an hour.

 

• SOUTHWARK BREWERY TOUR

Led by London Brewery Tours, the afternoon starts with an hour’s guided walk around the historic buildings in and around Southwark, which were once a part of the area’s great beer trade, and ends at Southwark Brewery.

These independent producers create perfectly crafted, small-batch British beer, each with a distinct flavour and ingredients. The event also includes a tour of the brewery and tasting with the brewer himself. 

Special treat: If craft beer is of high interest, why not invest a whole afternoon discovering the plethora of independent breweries in SE1 on the Bermondsey Beer Mile Walking Tour? Meet the brewers who will talk about the process - from brewing to bottling - and then taste these authentic craft beers straight from the tap. Shangri-La guests are welcome to discounted tickets, private tours are also available upon request.
 

As with many cool neighbourhoods, what was once a disadvantaged part of town with worn down warehouses is now abuzz with eclectic energy, with plenty of art and design galleries, independent cinemas, boutique shops, quirky restaurants and lively bars.

With such an exciting evolution of SE1, the amount of unique activities available on the hotel’s doorstep is no dull matter. Offering experiences such as high-speed boat rides across the River Thames and front row seats at London’s only auction house dedicated to haute couture, Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London invites guests to explore all this vibrant area has to offer.

 

• ‘SHAKEN NOT STIRRED’

Shangri-La guests have the exclusive chance to feel like a secret agent and race across the Thames in the ‘Shaken Not Stirred’ – the original Sunseeker Superhawk vessel featured in the James Bond movie, The World is Not Enough. Operated by Diplomat Cruises and with private docking at the nearby London Bridge Pier, the vessel seats up to seven people, two crew members and comes with a fully qualified captain. Rates are available upon request.

 

• PAUL SMITH PARK STREET

13 Park St, London SE1 9AB
8 minute walk from the hotel

Within the quintessential food haven that is Borough Market sits Britain’s foremost designer Paul Smith’s dainty Park Street boutique. Featuring a carefully curated selection of his current collections, the quirky space also sells Paul’s favourite trinkets and collectibles. Renowned for his creative spirit, Paul Smith specialises in an inventive use of traditional craftsmanship and cuttingedge design to create beautifully made, desirable, modern pieces.

Special treat: Short of time and need something striking to wear? The designer’s team can schedule a visit to the hotel to help select, try and tailor garments within the comfort of one’s own guest room or suite. Resident guests are also in for a treat with a complimentary glass of champagne served when visiting the Park Street boutique.

 

• LONDON GLASSBLOWING STUDIO

66 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD
10 minute walk from the hotel

Established by Peter Layton in 1976, London Glassblowing is one of Europe’s leading glass galleries and working studios, with a flair for form and colour. Peter Layton, one of Britain’s top glass artists, has gathered a group of internationally renowned resident makers and their gallery showcases a great variety of magnificent artworks. 

Tip: The studio welcomes visitors to come and watch the masters at work - simply arrive, pull up a chair and experience the heat and magic of this ancient craft. Classes may also be booked, allowing guests to spend a day learning the secrets of glassblowing from some of the best makers in the country.

Open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm. The best time to watch the action is between 10.30am - 1pm and 2pm - 4.30pm.

 

• FASHION AND TEXTILE MUSEUM

83 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3XF
10 minute walk from the hotel

Housed in a converted warehouse painted a signature burnt orange and hot pink, the Fashion and Textile Museum is dedicated to all aspects of fashion and textile design from the 1950s to the present day. Guests can lose themselves in the ongoing programme of temporary displays or take advantage of special networking events hosted for the fashion and jewellery industry. Upcoming exhibitions include Marian Clayden’s ‘Art Textiles’ in March that celebrates her influence in transforming psychedelic tie-dyed fabrics into a million-dollar business and a chance to explore the creative process of Italian fashion house Missoni in the context of 20th-century fine art come May 2016.

 

• KERRY TAYLOR AUCTIONS

249 Long Ln, London SE1 4PR
12 minute walk from the hotel

Established in 2003, Kerry Taylor Auctions is the world’s leading auction house specialising in vintage fashion, fine antique costume and textiles, and is notably famous for the momentous auction of 10 of Princess Diana’s signature dresses.

The house hosts two ‘Passion for Fashion’ auctions a year, which feature fine and rare costumes and only the best examples of vintage haute couture, including the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood.

Special treat: Hotel guests wanting to see these rare garments up close and personal, and ahead of the sale, are invited to attend a private viewing a few days prior to each auction. On the auction day,Shangri-La guests can also take advantage of guaranteed front-row seating and complimentary hotel delivery of purchased items. The next ‘Passion for Fashion’ auction is scheduled for 14 June 2016.