Afternoon tea at TĪNG, set high above the city on the 35th floor of The Shard, is an experience that marries tradition with modern finesse. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere exudes quiet luxury: floor-to-ceiling windows reveal sweeping views across the Thames, Tower Bridge, and the sprawl of London, while soft lighting and polished service create a sense of calm indulgence.

The tea unfolds in three thoughtful stages, beginning with a beautifully arranged selection of finger sandwiches and savoury bites. The coronation chicken was particularly memorable, generously filled and lightly spiced with Madras curry, complemented by sweet raisins and caramelised onion. Smoked salmon paired with dill crème fraîche and a touch of lime zest offered a crisp, clean flavour, while the roasted dry-aged beef, layered with horseradish and peppery watercress, brought a satisfying depth. The truffle egg and cress was indulgently rich, and a true highlight for those favouring a vegetarian option.

The warm savouries elevated the experience further. A Montgomery cheddar and spinach muffin was deeply savoury, with a beautifully moist texture, and the avocado and prawn cocktail bun was a delightful twist on a classic, served in a light bun and topped with just enough seafood sweetness to make it sing.

Scones arrived warm, nestled in linen, and came in both plain and raisin varieties. They were perfectly baked: fluffy inside with a delicate crust and served with generous pots of strawberry jam and thick clotted cream. Unpretentious yet luxurious, they provided a comforting interlude between the more elaborate courses.

The sweet tier was nothing short of a spectacle. Inspired by the ocean, each patisserie was delicately crafted and visually striking. The Ocean Jewel, a vanilla and pecan praline, was velvety and rich, while the Blue Horizon balanced the tartness of blueberries with bright lemon notes. Coral Bloom combined Valrhona Caramelia chocolate with apricot and verbena, offering a silky, slightly floral finish.

The showstopper, however, was the Shard of the Sea—a shared dessert encased in a glossy chocolate shell infused with Japanese sencha, filled with a surprising peach and mango centre, and dramatically served over swirling dry ice. It was a playful, theatrical finale that felt fittingly unique for its iconic setting.

Throughout the afternoon, service was gracious and discreet. Staff were knowledgeable, particularly in guiding guests through the tea and gin pairings, and the pace was relaxed, allowing one to truly savour the experience. The setting, the quality of the food, and the attention to detail all combined to make this a standout Afternoon Tea in the capital.

It is rare to find a tea service that honours British tradition while embracing modern flair, but TĪNG manages it effortlessly. From the first sip to the final sweet bite, this was an afternoon of elegance, creativity, and quiet celebration - elevated in every sense of the word.

Find out more about the Afternoon Tea at TING at Shangri-La The Shard, London and book here.