The Shard London houses the most dramatic dining cluster of bars and restaurants across levels 24-52 – with a dress to impress guide for skyline views over dinner and drinks.
You can enjoyed drinks, afternoon tea, lunch or dinner at the likes of Aqua Shard, Hutong, Oblix, Ting, Gong, Sky Lounge and Bar 31.
There is no overarching building-wide policy with each of the restaurants and bars setting its own smart casual standard.
Dress to impress for skyline views with no sportswear, trainers, shorts and flip-flops permitted and attending too casually dressed in sightseeing gear risking door rejection.
Smart jeans and chinos are welcome with collared shirts or blouses for ladies. Jackets are optional but do elevate evenings if you are enjoying a special occasion or date.
The Shard London Restaurants & Bars Dress Codes
| Venue | Level | Dress Code Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua Shard (British) | 31/32 | Smart casual: No trainers, shorts, flip-flops. Denim OK if smart, heels or loafers preferred |
| Hutong (Northern Chinese) | 33 | Smart casual: No sportswear, shorts, sandals. Jeans with shirt or blouse fine |
| Oblix (British grill) | 34 | Smart casual: No torn denim, caps, shorts or large logos. Chinos and shirts fit the upscale vibe |
| Ting (Asian fusion, Shangri-La) | 35 | Smart casual: Avoid trainers and flip-flops. Elegant separates with chinos and dresses |
| Gong (cocktail bar, Shangri-La) | 52 | Smart casual: No sportswear, shorts, flip-flops. Collared shirts and chinos are recommended |
| Sky Lounge (bar) | 31 | Smart casual: No sportswear, caps and shorts. For casual drinks, smart jeans OK |
| Bar 31 (lounge) | 24 | Relaxed casual: No code. Entry-level so tees and trainers are fine |
Shard Viewing Observation Deck Dress Code (Levels 69-72)
There is no dress code for the viewing platform with jeans, trainers, hoodies all welcome for the observation decks.
Practical Tips
- Uniform bans: Sportswear, trainers, shorts and flip-flops rejected at all dining and bars. Opt instead for loafers, flats and smart shoes
- Smart jeans viable: Dark, neat pairs with collared tops pass everywhere except strict Shangri-La spots.
- Evenings dressier: Sunset drinks and dinner skews to blazers and heels, while lunch and afternoon tea is more lenient.
- Weather/AC: Layers are recommended for chilly interiors
The Shard London Dress Code FAQs
What does ‘smart casual’ actually mean at The Shard?
The Shard’s interpretation of smart casual sits firmly on the refined side of the scale. For men, chinos or dress trousers with a collared shirt or smart polo work well. For women, a stylish dress, blouse with tailored trousers, or similar outfit is appropriate. Avoid sportswear, hoodies, tracksuits, or athletic-style trainers, as these are not accepted in the restaurants or bars.
Can you wear trainers at The Shard?
Trainers are not permitted in The Shard’s restaurants or bars, regardless of time of day. This applies to venues such as Hutong, Aqua Shard, Oblix, and GŎNG. However, if you’re visiting the View from The Shard observation deck, trainers are allowed since it’s a sightseeing attraction rather than a dining or lounge experience.
Are jeans acceptable?
Yes, smart jeans are fine across all restaurants and bars at The Shard. Avoid overly distressed, ripped, or baggy styles, and pair them with a smart shirt, blouse, or jacket to keep the overall look polished. Dark denim tends to look more refined and aligns best with the venue’s smart dress expectations.
Can you wear shorts in summer?
Shorts are not permitted in any of The Shard’s dining or bar venues, even during the warmer months. Guests are expected to maintain a smart or smart-casual appearance year-round. Lightweight chinos or tailored trousers are recommended instead for comfort in summer.
Are there rules for children?
Children are welcome in most restaurants at The Shard and should follow the same smart-casual standard as adults – think neat trousers, shirts, dresses, or tidy footwear. The Hutong’s bar area is strictly 18+ after 5PM, so families with younger guests should plan accordingly.