The Dynasty Brunch at Hutong on the 33rd floor of The Shard is not one to be missed, with incredible Chinese food and unparalleled panoramic views across London.

The Shard is a tourist attraction even for people who live in London – it’s mesmerising, an iconic landmark and a go-to place on the bucket list.

But when you’re actually inside it, it’s hard to believe how much goes on inside what looks just like little square dots from below - restaurants, hotels, and offices galore.

(Image: Immy Share, Newsquest)

Hutong is The Shard’s resident Chinese restaurant and sits on the 33rd floor, with a lift that takes you up there straight from 0 in less than 15 seconds.

Thankfully, it’s not a glass lift, as I think at that point it might become a little scary.

Surrounded by other restaurants such as Oblix and Duck and Waffle, Hutong depicts its elegance and northern Chinese cuisine as soon as you walk in.

With friendly waiters, waitresses and tables both in the centre of the restaurant and at the window facing the whole of London, it pretty much feels like a dream.

My boyfriend and I sat facing outwards and it feels like every second you’re looking out the window is another opportunity to find something else that London has to offer – either something new or something familiar to point out.

(Image: Hutong)
It’s pretty amazing that you can be THAT high up looking out, while eating such flavoursome Chinese food too.

The Dynasty Brunch comes in different packages – some with no booze, and others with more alcohol and cocktails than the one below it.

It’s on from 11.30am to 3.30pm every Saturday and Sunday, and makes for the perfect weekend treat, birthday gift, date or family and friends catch up setting.

There are six free flow starters ranging from vegetarian spring rolls to crispy prawn rolls and Iberico pork dumplings.

(Image: Hutong)

You can request more of one if you fancy as well which means you can really get to enjoy the dishes that you favour.

As not much of a meat eater, I really enjoyed the vegetarian spring rolls which were generous in portion size and oozing with vegetable flavour.

They weren’t greasy, nor too pastry-heavy – but instead a light and tasty appetiser.

The main courses range from a wok-scrambled egg with scallops to seabass in a ginger sauce and beef tenderloin.

The menu caters to everyone, with a tofu option as well, and you can also upgrade your package to enjoy the infamous roasted peking duck or red lantern crab.

(Image: Hutong)

I went for the seabass which came in a light batter, and my boyfriend got the duck which came in a huge portion in two parts - the first was duck in pancakes with leek and cucumber, the second was a more curried type of duck.

We shared the vegetable noodles and couldn’t get enough of the decadent flavouring, complementing sauces and authentic taste to every single bite.

(Image: Hutong)

It really felt like Hutong puts out all the stops with its Dynasty brunch – and it’s great because you get to try a bit of everything that the menu has to offer.

There are three dessert options – a chocolate tart, a mango pudding and a mandarin sorbet.

We went for a mango and a chocolate.

The mango was sweet, soft in texture and light. The chocolate had a real kick to it, which is quite the surprise in dessert, but its an authentic Chinese spice which really gets you going again once you hit that post-main course slump.

Dining at Hutong felt like a real experience, it felt like a treat, and it was something I’d recommend for anyone.