Christmas at The Shard

Two more sleeps till Christmas! I can't wait. Not for the presents or anything, but because I'm hopping on a train up North to spend time with my family. I love Christmas for all the fun and laughter around it. I love the decorations, the atmosphere, I love that magic.

Which is why having a sort of fake Christmas at The Shard was so exciting- They know how to do magic.

George at Asda invited a few bloggers to have Christmas dinner with them in the Shangri- La Hotel in The Shard. Opening this year to a bit of a fan fare, it is opulence at it's best. But for me it's the views that make it special.

I'll never get bored of the London skyline at night.

With glasses of champagne and fancy canapés, we soaked in the gorgeous winter views.

The views from The Shard are spectacular. However here is a little tip from me, don't bother with The View from The Shard. Just go to one of the bars, and a buy a drink. Sure the cocktails are like £14, but when the The View is £28, your getting it half price plus a great cocktail this way.

George were so kind enough to send me something to wear for dinner. This gorgeous lace dress looks so much more expensive. The black and gold thread is so intricate and it really hugs to your curves. Best part? It's only £30. Snap it up here.

After a good mingling session, we sat down for Christmas dinner. I think this might a be a bit grander than when I go to my parents house.

The first course arrived. Smoked Salmon with crab meat, kefir line and English Caviar. 

I've currently got a bit of a pet hate for arty farty food. I know that it shows talent, dedication and the chef's craftsmanship, but sometimes I just want a good old big plateful of food. If it tastes that good, I want a whole lot more of it. Just being honest with you.

However, while I could have done with more as I said, it was very good, I can't deny. 

Balance was soon restored though with a good old classic- The Christmas Dinner. I can not wait for Christmas day now. 

Finally we indulged in a little something called Soft Chocolate Cream, that had brownie pieces, caramelised pears and caramel ice cream.

It stole the show.

Now when I said Christmas wasn't about the presents, I didn't mean I didn't enjoy them. 

So when George delved under the tree to give us all a gift, I was rather excited.

Christmas jumper, gloves, scarf, ear muffs and slippers. It's a winters dream!

After rocking around the Christmas Tree for a bit, we decided to head upstairs to the 52 floor bar, to soak up some more views.

GŎNG, on floor 52, derives its name from 'dougong' - a unique structural element of interlocking wooden brackets, used in traditional Chinese architecture, which I played eye spy with.

The bar has a number of intimate chambers including Cocktail Bar, Champagne Bar and a Swimming Pool! Of all things!

Up here, the backdrop of London really is dramatic.



So while everyone acted elegantly, sitting with champagne in hands, I had other ideas.



Typical.

Well a pool 52 levels above London was too hard to resist.



Of course I caught people in the bar's attention, including the George camera man which I clearly jumped in surprise!

Trouble maker eh?



Carrying my heels in hand, I padded back into the lifts and descended to ground zero.

With present in hand, all wrapped up, I could feel the magic of Christmas in the air.

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Christmas, Food, lifestyle, London, Shangri- La Hotel, The Shard