GŎNG — Restaurant in London

This cocktail bar is inside the hotel in the Shard so ignore the queues of people waiting to head to the viewing gallery and go straight into the hotel’s lobby. On a Saturday evening without a reservation we waited around fifteen minutes for a couple of seats to become available at the bar. As a couple of people it’s no major disadvantage sitting at the bar than having a table seat - the place is small enough to still make the most of the key selling point, the view. The route from ground level to the bar is naturally smart, taking a lift to the hotel reception floor and then a second to the bar level itself.

Having had the bar seats reserved for us meant we weren’t turned away by the staff on arrival but they still seemed a little confused as to where we were actually supposed to be sitting. A few minutes after getting comfortable at the bar we were asked to move further along so that we didn’t block the collection of glasses. The decor was modern and classy and the bar area was still spacious enough. We were quickly offered two menus for drinks and the orders taken not long after.

Olives, nuts and crackers are served with the drinks, presented well. Most of the drinks come with their own unique presentation, either from the glass or decorative item. The non-alcoholic cocktail was actually delicious but it was really disappointing for the other alcoholic choice to be poured from a pre-made bottle; for almost twenty pounds even the chocolate on the top failed to improve opinion. The main menu contains a comprehensive choice of spirits and I’m sure the staff would be able to construct anything desired.

Despite sitting at the bar, the staff weren’t able to take orders, instead insisting we waiting for a member of waiting staff to come by, however they were often hard to catch the attention. In fact, despite wanting a final drink, it took so long to get hold of anyone we opted to pay and leave instead, which in itself took a while. There was a sense of the staff not getting on with each other and being able to watch the mixing process of drinks closely made it feel more like a production line than a high end bar. When the waiting staff asked questions to the bar staff we got the impression they felt annoyed about being distracted, which would have made us nervous about asking for any special requests not listed on the menu.

The toilets are tucked round the corner away from the bar area and there’s only two (that I found anyway). This resulted in a small queue and a bit of a wait, but at least they were clean and in keeping with the rest of the place.

Overall it’s a nice setting, and of course with a magnificent view that really comes to life in the dark. The music and popularity created a good atmosphere but despite that I doubt I’d return. The price of the cocktails demanded more from the service and for them to be pre-mixed was a total let down. I never thought it would be cheap, and was fully expecting a large bill, but in the end it wasn’t justified. Many might have it as a bucket list visit, but there’s much nicer bars nearby which are able to give a more positively...

The Worst Cocktail Bar in London Really wanted to like this place. Especially since I manage a cocktail bar blog and a reader recommended it.) ((we never write negative reviews there, so we will put it here))

First off, the most important aspect of any bar is first impressions from a staff member to incoming guest. Ha! Well Gong has different beliefs...... Some of the most unwelcoming and unpleasant service you can experience anyway. Booked a table 2 months out. Two elevators up, and one world away from proper hospitality. The hostess was not thrilled we asked for a window table upon arrival, so when we were almost sat at an interior table and requested the open window she went from 4/10 caring human being to 0/10 please get out of my site immediately. Then I had a question about a specific cocktails ingredient was answered flat out wrong. Thank God it wasn’t an allergy question. I never took more than one sip of the poor first cocktail, disgusting. its a tequila based cocktail with an added kick of ants on the side for flair. Unfortunately, it was majority Cucumber Water and ants with tequila found no where. Ordered another to give them a chance with a classic cocktail which fortunately they did not mess up. Props to the bartenders who can make phenomenal classics. When billed at the end no question about the full glass of 25 pounds worth of Unfinished green slush. Not even a “did you enjoy everything?”

When I forced an awkward complaint about it was disregarded as a personal taste preference. (I shouldn’t be polite in the future) Then as icing on the cake, you can see the men at the urinal from inside the bar via the poorly designed reflective window facade of the building. The shard is actually famous for this bad design, Google it. When I mentioned “you can see men peeing from the table” the Server he laughed. It’s places like this that make nice and polite customers into first time rage reviewers. Get your hospitality together, ask customers how they are, ask if they enjoyed their drinks (especially if they didn’t finish it), offer water at any place charging over 15 pounds a drink and finally, take a polite person’s compliant seriously. Oh BONUS ROUND: I went to the restroom and my wife paid while I was gone. While exiting the restroom I was asked to sign the bill over my wife’s signature because I left my card for her to us. Our bank assigns our joint account the the same card number which she had in her purse but according to Mr. Server she’s useless and only a man can sign the...

If you think visiting The Shard is too expensive, think again! Be confident, dress smart-casual, and you’ll be just fine. Many dream of going to luxurious hotels, restaurants, and bars, but often think they can’t afford it. Let me clear that up for you.

We went to Gŏng for our first anniversary. We booked in advance with a cover charge of £60 for two people which is £30/pp, which you pay whether you go or not. This £60 can be used towards your table, and if you spend more, you’ll just need to cover the extra. Our goal was to enjoy the experience while sticking to a strict £60 budget, proving that it’s possible for those who think they can’t afford it.

We ordered two lagers, one cocktail, and fries—great portions, by the way. I forgot to take a picture of the bill, but I promise to do so next time. For anyone wanting to visit such places on a budget, this is the way to go. I’ve attached pictures of the lager, cocktail, and fries.

I highly recommend this place. We chose a 4:00 PM slot, although we booked for 4:30 PM, and they allowed us in early. Gŏng opens at 4:00 PM, so if you arrive early, they’ll let you explore. You can enjoy the view from the 32nd floor at the Ting restaurant’s lobby, and then head to the 52nd floor, home to the highest bar in Western Europe. Isn’t that fancy? Why not experience it for yourself instead of just taking photos from the outside?

Our total was only £54, with service tax bringing it to £62. We really enjoyed our time there. The only downside was the service—it wasn’t busy, yet we were given a corner table, which didn’t feel special for an anniversary. The staff service was slow; even when we made eye contact with the waitstaff, they ignored us. I’d say the service was average.

On the plus side, you’ll get complimentary olives and nuts, and you can ask for more without hesitation—it’s free! Despite the service, I’d definitely return for the view and ambiance. While the food was good, I hope the service improves in the future. For those concerned about cost, remember, it’s just £60-70. You’d spend nearly that much at a local pub or restaurant, so it’s worth the experience here.

I’ve also attached a photo of the lobby. The pictures might not do it justice since I was focused on taking my own photos. Shangri-La’s turquoise and gold decor, celebrating its 10th anniversary, was stunning—I absolutely loved it. I’ll definitely be back.

Thank you for an amazing...