Aqua Shard - evening dress code

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DS15 has been invited to a friend's birthday meal at Aqua Shard.

Has anyone been there recently in the evening - how strictly is their dress code enforced?

DS lives in jeans, trainers & hoodies when he's not in school uniform, and literally possess nothing else - will we need an emergency shopping trip to buy something like chinos and some shoes/boots?!? Grrr.

Just phone the place - but even then you don't want him turned away on the night!

What are his school shoes like?

Thanks, @timeforteaforyouandme, yes, that is probably a good idea. Or maybe email and get something in writing(!)

His school shoes are black formal, so would be fine if he polished them first although they'd look a bit rubbish, but I don't think he'll care too much about that.

Dress code policy: No sports shoes, flip-flops or shorts

The final restaurant in our list is Aqua Shard, a highly rated restaurant serving American cuisine. Like all the other shard restaurants no sportswear or trainers allowed. Shorts and flip-flops are also banned, including during summer months

It won't be super smart, it's London. No football strip and he'll be fine. They won't kick a 15 year old out because he's not smart enough .

I've been a few times. What about black jeans, a shirt and smart shoes?

Sorry just read it all. Aren't school shoes smart shoes?

It's smart casual/no sports wear. Smart jeans will be fine. Trainers might be fine if they are fashion trainers rather than sports trainers IYSWIM? I've seen Converse/Keds there... I would call to clarify though.

Thanks, everyone, that's helpful.

I might buy him some black jeans, as they are always useful, and tell him he'll have to wear his school shoes. His trainers are Skechers, so not overly sporty, but hardly stylish 🤦‍♀️

I've worked there and it can be difficult - weeknights you've got more of a chance in casual wear and trainers than the weekend when it's wall to wall instagrammers and they don't want too many " average" people clogging up the beautiful people's feeds.
Formal shoes and jeans will be fine but maybe play down the hoodie aspect unless its conspicuously branded (🤮) to avoid any misunderstanding. The point of going there is not that the food or drink is in any way special, it's the fact that you're there. So you may as well play up to it rather than risk not being let in.

Jeans black shoes and a shirt would be perfect - is that an option

Trainers fine if clean not you're old timing shoes with a hike in the toe, decent jeans.

Not you're old running shoes ffs

Your 🤦🏻‍♀️

His hoodies are completely plain & unbranded ( Uniqlo) but yes, I would be encouraging him to wear something else...

Black jeans, smart/casual shirt and school shoes it is, I think. TBH it wouldn't hurt for him to have something vaguely smart to wear anyway. I'm sure at some point in the future it will be useful(!)

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

@nearlyspringyay

Your 🤦🏻‍♀️

third time's the charm!