Working at height

Well, it's been a couple of weeks since I took my last workcation and I felt like heading somewhere special today. Places in London don't get much more special for me than The Shard. I've been in love with Renzo Piano's 72 floored masterpiece since forever and have been lucky to spend some real moments here over the years. My favourite spot to head to is the Gong bar on the 52nd floor. The views over arguably the best capital city in the world are simply something, and the Sky Pool is a real treat if you are staying at the Shangri-La hotel.

I'm not going to lie, it's hard to concentrate on work when you have all of London going on in front of you, but the show must go on...

Gong's menu is Pan-Asian so I ordered some Chicken Karaage and Prawn Tempura for a light lunch snack with a crisp cold glass of NZSB. Budget-friendly Gong is not but I don't think anyone would expect it to be.

Service was as slick as I'd expect (whilst remaining friendly...I always like a chat) and there was a nice quiet buzz with some chilled electro-jazz playing at the perfect volume. Having been to Gong in the evening on many occasions, there is definitely more atmosphere in the darker hours but I am not complaining. I would come here anytime of the day or night.

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The loodown

The Shangri-La wins several prizes in my opinion and one of these is for the bathrooms. They are beyond exceptional. Walking to Gong's facilities takes you past the well-equipped hotel gym and you can sneak a peek at the Sky Pool. I'm all about luxury and I get it in buckets here.

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The verdict

Working from Gong is a real treat, the view is incredible, service bang on and all of my boxes are ticked. The only thing I missed was a plug socket close to my table, but I could cope with that. If I was a gazillionaire, I would live permanently at the Shangri-La and Gong would be my office but alas I am not. I feel grateful that I can treat myself to some 'up in the clouds' luxe life business once in a while.

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Good to know

• Book ahead. Walk-ins are permitted but it makes your ground floor entrance welcome into the hotel a lot smoother if you have a reservation.

• Great view window tables are not guaranteed at busy times. I booked for 2pm on a Wednesday and got lucky with a window table looking out over the city and Tower Bridge.

• If you can, try and stay at the Shangri-La hotel at least once. The Iconic City View rooms are very special indeed...