The Shard

Love it or Hate it, it's here to say. When it first started going up, like many Londoners, I was a little hesitant. However, having visited it countless times, I'm overwhelmed by the magnitude and the building's height, especially as you stand at the base of the building. No matter where you go in central London. You'll likely see it; I can even see it from my high street😅.

I was a regular before COVID-19 because my clients were there. It’s less frequent today, as many of my meetings have been online since COVID-19.

I’d also visit the Shangri-La Hotel with family and friends on weekends. Back then, one could more or less rock on up and go straight through to the top. The views from the top are fantastic.

I understand that you can’t do that anymore. Unless you have a booking at the restaurant, you can’t walk in anymore. It’s a big shame, but I understand the hotel probably doesn’t want street traffic traipsing through its reception.

I’ve even been to the 50th floor where the swimming pool is. The view from the pool is impressive.

A Modern Iconic Symbol 

The Shard is one of London's most iconic landmarks, towering at 1,016 feet (309.6 meters) tall. Located in the borough of Southwark, this modern skyscraper is the largest and fifth-tallest building in the United Kingdom in Europe. Since its completion in 2012, the Shard has become a symbol of London's dynamic and constantly evolving skyline.

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, the Shard features a unique triangular shape that tapers as it rises into the sky. The building is clad in 11,000 glass panels (the equivalent of covering the area of eight football pitches), reflecting the skyline and creating an ever-changing appearance depending on the time of day and weather conditions. 

The Shard is home to offices, restaurants, luxury apartments, a hotel, and an observation deck that offers breathtaking city views. On clear days, visitors can see up to 40 miles (64 kilometres) away. The View from The Shard is a popular attraction for tourists and locals and is open year-round.

A Different World 

In addition to the observation deck, the Shard is home to a variety of restaurants and bars. On the 31st floor, visitors can enjoy a meal at Aqua Shard, which offers panoramic city skyline views. 

Other dining options include Hutong, a Chinese restaurant on the 33rd floor, and Oblix, a contemporary grill on the 32nd floor. The Shard also has a Shangri-La Hotel, which occupies floors 34 to 52 and offers luxurious accommodations and amenities.

The Shard has been praised for its innovative design and sustainable features. The building incorporates a variety of energy-efficient systems, such as a rainwater harvesting system and a high-performance façade that reduces the need for artificial lighting and cooling. 

The Shard has received numerous awards for its design and sustainability, including the prestigious Emporis Skyscraper Award 2013.

Facts About The Shard

1. The building has 95 storeys, with 72 habitable floors, making it a mixed-use development.

2. The Shard’s glass structure is inspired by the spires of London’s churches and the masts of sailing ships on the Thames.

3. Construction began in 2009 and was primarily funded by Qatari investors, costing around £435 million.

4. The Shard replaced the Southwark Towers, a 24-storey office block built in the 1970s near London Bridge.

5. Its official name is "The Shard," though it was initially nicknamed "The Shard of Glass" during its planning stages.

Parting Comments

The Shard is like Marmite – you either love or hate it – but there’s no escaping its presence on London’s skyline.

Standing at its base, craning your neck to take it all in, is awe-inspiring. It’s a constant companion in central London – even popping into view from my high street, which still makes me smile.

Before Covid, it was a regular haunt for me, thanks to client meetings in those sleek offices. Nowadays, with Zoom taking over, my trips are less frequent, but the memories linger.

I used to love spontaneous weekend visits to the Shangri-La with family and friends – back when you could stroll in and head straight up to soak in those jaw-dropping views. It’s a shame that’s tightened up now; unless you’ve got a restaurant booking, the days of casually wandering in are gone. I get it, though – the hotel must keep the riff-raff out somehow!

Love it or not, it’s woven into the fabric of London, a modern icon here to stay.

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Tabby