Harden's survey result
Summary
“Being situated so high up in the Shard”, this glossy Asian venue (part of the HK-based Aqua group) on the 33rd floor of the UK’s highest building has “one of, if not THE best outlook in London”, making it “perfect for any celebration, with atmospheric lighting to boot in the evening”. The stratospheric expense of a meal here, though, dampens its ratings. Fans say, “yes, you pay a premium, but the food is amazing” and “beautifully presented”. But even such supporters can still leave “feeling totally fleeced”, or that it’s “insanely reliant on the outlook” given a bill that “arrives like a dragon’s fire in the face”. This is particularly keenly felt by those who encountered incidents of “haphazard” service.
Summary
“You pay for the view… it stings the wallet…”, but they seem to have pulled their socks up at this well-known Asian venue on the 33rd floor of the famous London landmark. True, “large numbers of diners seem more interested in taking photos of themselves and their food rather than eating it… it’s definitely an Insta trophy”. But it avoided the usual harsh critiques this year and practically all reports acknowledged the “surprisingly good Chinese cooking AND nighttime vistas over London”.
Summary
“What an amazing place” – this Asian joint on the 33rd floor is never short of guests having a good time. However, “the prices are extremely steep”… just like the Shard’s glass wall… which contributes to the mixed feelings it inspires. Business entertainers say it’s “classy” (“I’m always willing to go… on someone else’s budget!”), but even some fans feel that “even the stunning vista don’t justify the bill”. And others are more definite: “I’d rather eat at my local Chinese”.
Summary
“Stunning views… but overpriced” is the predictable trade-off at this elevated – in both senses – Chinese perch on the 33rd floor of the Shard. “The food is good but not great” while “the location and views are truly amazing” – so a visit can represent “good value for a special occasion”. Perhaps the best tactic is to “stick to the set menus – it gets very expensive beyond them” – and the “fantastic cocktails”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Hutong, The Shard?
31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
Restaurant details
Hutong, The Shard Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Best view over London. Good Chinese food"
"Great view"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £39.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £19.00 | £42.00 | £15.00 | £13.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £50.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am‑3:30 pm |
| Saturday | CLOSED |
| Sunday | 11:30 am‑3:30 pm, 6 pm‑10.00 pm |
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