People of Bermondsey : Kurt Macher, General Manager, Shangri-La The Shard
Please introduce yourself and your role at Shangri-La The Shard, London
I’m Kurt Macher, and I have been General Manager at Shangri-La The Shard since I moved to London two and a half years ago.
I’m originally from a small town in Austria and I started out in hospitality 31 years ago as a chef, but during my career I’ve worked in lots of different roles with hotels like The Peninsula Group, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Pan Pacific Hotels and Swire Hotels and I’ve been lucky enough to spend time living in Europe, Asia, North America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
What does a typical day look like for you at Shangri-La, The Shard?
We kick off every morning with an operations meeting to discuss guest arrivals, departures, feedback and how we can support each other in the hotel. Between other meetings, I spend a lot of my day greeting guests at check in or check out, looking after business strategy and thinking about vision going forward for the hotel. I’d say I’m a hands-on GM, and I don’t mind rolling my sleeves up and making beds with housekeeping or helping other departments when the need arises!
We have 24 hours to stay at Shangri-La The Shard, what would you recommend?
My perfect day at Shangri-La the Shard would start off with a swim in our Sky Pool on level 52, looking out over St Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament, followed a workout in the high-tech gym.
The hotel is moments away from Borough Market, so I would head over to Monmouth Coffee for a latte to sip whilst strolling by the River Thames to the Tate Modern, a must-see for modern art. For a culture fix, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is also within walking distance from the hotel.
Tate Modern
Borough Market
Afterwards, you can’t miss our Alpine Afternoon Tea, currently served at TĪNG Lounge, inspired by the Austrian ski season with traditional pastries like Black Forest Gateau and Sachertorte.
In the evening, there’s no better place to watch the sunset than over cocktails at GŎNG, where you can see day turn to night over a menu of vibrant drinks and Asian-inspired snacks. Many of our rooms have a bathtub with a view, so if a relaxing night in is on your agenda, you can have a bubble bath to remember before you drift off to sleep. Otherwise, Bermondsey is full of buzzing bars and restaurants to explore until the night is out.
Image via Gabriella Wisdom
Can you share an interesting fact about Shangri-La The Shard, London?
You wouldn’t expect it, but one of the best spots to view London’s skyline from Shangri-La The Shard is from the men’s toilet on level 34! All our toilets are TOTO toilets that have heated seats and gadgets. They feature in our guest rooms, too.
What is your favourite thing to do in Bermondsey and SE1 area when you are not working?
I enjoy gym classes at Third Space Tower Bridge, especially now we’re in the New Year. WatchHouse Coffee is nearby, and I think it’s one of the best places to get coffee in the area. I’m also a regular at Choppers Barbers on Bermondsey Street – I’ve been going there to get my hair cut since I moved to London. In my spare time, I love exploring the changing art exhibitions at the Tate Modern, discovering new places to eat at Borough Market and playing tennis at Tanner Street Tennis Courts. You also can’t miss tapas at José Pizarro.
Choppers Barbers
Your favourite restaurant in the area?
Casa do Frango on Southwark Street is my favourite place in London for Piri-Piri chicken, grilled over wood charcoal. There is also an amazing speak-easy bar underneath.
What is your Bermondsey and SE1 secret and must-do for all visitors?
Maltby Street Market is a hidden gem. For the best Venezuelan arepas in London, head to La Pepiá on the weekends.
Describe Bermondsey SE1 in 3 words.
Colourful!
Vibrant!
Welcoming!
Kurt Macher, General Manager, Shangri-La, London
📍 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU
