Hutong

Words by Jane Ryan - updated by Simon Difford

Hutong image 1

Address: Level 33 The Shard, London, SE1 9RY , United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7478 0540
Email: hutongreservations@aqua-london.com
Website: view Hutong’s website
Door: Make reservation
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Set menu
Established: 2013

Review

Owned by the same group as Aqua Shard, and situated on the 33rd floor, Hutong is inspired by and named after the alleyways of old Beijing. Unlike the other bars in The Shard its design is in stark contrast to the modernity of the glass walls and London's skyline.

The layout wraps around the building, offering two wings of the restaurant and a bar area, separated by hand-carved dark wood screens. The private dining rooms are similarly separated by these makeshift walls. Ornate doors with symbols over them make for impressive entrances and everywhere traditional Chinese red lanterns offer mood lighting.

A small bar area offers classics and cocktails inspired by the North Chinese cuisine served in the restaurant, and all drawing from ingredients that Chinese culture believes will cure certain ailments. From laxative to flem-clearing properties each cocktail promises to revive and restore health, alcohol aside of course. We have found the drinks here consistently well-executed and balanced with many interesting flavour combos - although the health claims are harder to swallow.

More subdued than the downstairs bar, Hutong is an impressive and stunning bar, even before you add in an unparalleled view of London spread out below.

Hutong image 2