Shard attracts high-flying restaurateurs

Zuma founders Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney, together with the Aqua Restaurant Group, will offer diners one of the best views in London when they open restaurants in the new Shard skyscraper.

The restaurant operators have all been signed up to open venues across three floors of Europe’s tallest completed building. Becker and Waney will open a rotisserie, grill and bar on the 32nd floor, while Aqua will take over the 31st and 33rd floors of the 72-storey skyscraper.

Diners will access the venues via a dedicated entrance on St Thomas’ Street, from where two express lifts will take them directly to the restaurant atrium on the 32nd floor. The venues are due to open in March or April next year.

Hong Kong-based Aqua Restaurant Group operates more than 20 sites across the region and Beijing. In 2009 the firm launched its first London ventures with the opening of Aqua Kyoto and Aqua Nueva restaurants on Regent Street.

Becker and Waney have expanded their Zuma and Roka restaurant brands across three continents. This latest project within the 310m high building promises a contemporary feel, with lighter dishes and live music.

“We are delighted to have signed agreements with these two respected giants of the international restaurant scene,” remarked Irvine Sellar, chairman of Sellar Property, the developer of the Shard.

“These top-name operators will combine with the best views of London to create a superb and varied restaurant offering within the Shard that will complement the building’s international landmark status and make it one of London’s most exciting food and entertainment destinations.”

In addition to these restaurants, the Shard will feature a 202 bedroom Shangri-La hotel on its 34^th to 52^nd floors, which is also due to open in March. This will include a bar, swimming pool and gym on the 52^nd floor.