One London tree brings extra magic this Christmas

From Claridge’s to the Dorchester, London’s five-star hotels and luxury locations are not short of spectacular trees. One tree has a bit of extra sparkle this year as high end (and high above the ground) restaurant Aqua Shard unveils its enchanting seven-metre Christmas tree in support of Great Ormand Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity).

The second year running, Aqua Shard’s ‘The Giving Tree’ stands tall and brightly lit in parallel with its London skyline background. Adorned in colourful baubles and fluffy teddies, the restaurant is donating replicas of toys to children at GOSH and offering diners the option to add a £1 donation to GOSH Charity’s Christmas appeal this season.

Guests can also relish ‘The Christmas Gift’, a festive pudding specially crafted for the occasion by Head Pastry Chef Giampiero Traviglia, who inspired by the tree will be donating 50% of proceeds from each desert to GOSH Charity. The Christmas Gift features Breton, white chocolate mousse, fresh mango, mango puree, and a Shard tuile designed to mirror the building.

Liz Tait, GOSH Charity’s Director of Fundraising, said: “With the help of funds raised by Aqua Shard and its guests, we hope to get as many children as possible home to their families in time for Christmas and help make the hospital feel like a home from home for those whose treatment needs to continue over the festive season”.

The seasonal menu has shaken up new imaginative cocktails which features among others Starry Night, a delicate blend of Cîroc apple, Maley Lecristallier Apple Vermouth, Pommery Champagne, and Santa’s Hat comprising of Cîroc, cherry liqueur, Americano Cocchi, Gingerbread and lemon foam.

This year marks 25 years of GOSH Charity’s Christmas Stocking Appeal, where those wishing to give back can share their own special Christmas stocking message to the children, families and staff at GOSH along with a donation.

To give to GOSH and help seriously ill children get one step closer to home this Christmas, you can go directly to their website here.