“This was never designed as just a garden, but the public have free access to the top with wonderful views across London.” Peter Rees
Sky Garden opened in early January this year and it was top of my ‘must-do’ list for London this summer and what better occasion to visit than my son’s Graduation celebration dinner. Located at 20 Fenchurch Street, unofficially known as the Walkie Talkie building, my dining venue of choice was in one of the three restaurants, the Darwin Brasserie.
It was practically impossible to get my booking finalised (five e-mails, six phone calls) but I like a challenge so not deterred by the somewhat stressful customer service, I was on a mission to achieve my goal (or get my own way, you pick the right phrase). Take note anyone wishing to book a table of more than eight people as you automatically become a group booking where only three course set-menus (three options with varying prices) are offered, perseverance is the key here and I got my desired A La Carte preference but it was exhausting! Let’s not dwell on the negative, Sky Garden, London’s highest green space is a stunning location offering visitors the most amazing 360 degree sweeping vista across the city of London, once you get through the doorman, the airport like security checks including scanners, one express lift followed by another lift or stairs (oops gone all negative again).
Despite all the booking angst Darwin Brasserie and Sky Garden were both memorable places, the perfect location for a celebratory occasion which I would recommend to anyone looking for a new venue in London. Alongside the all-day Brasserie, which is open seven-days a week serving breakfast and dinner as well as lunch, the aforementioned Sky Pod Bar that does great cocktails there is also Fenchurch Seafood Bar and Grill sitting directly above the brassiere on the 37th floor which is the most pricey and upmarket. The Darwin Brasserie expanded its menu a couple of months ago by introducing an all-day Sunday brunch for £38 per person that includes breakfast and dessert buffets as well as one hot dish from the kitchen, the full dining extravaganza with spectacular views sounds perfect, read the full brunch menu here.
In the modern large public areas that are free to visit (must be booked online and many rules apply) there are an array of tree ferns and fig trees sitting alongside Mediterranean and South African flowers in slopped lush planting areas of the observation deck. Particular flowers and shrubs were selected to work with the light under the roof such as the African Lily (Agapanthus), and Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) peppered with fragrant herbs such as French Lavender and Rosemary. Large expanses of glass offer an uninterrupted view of the city from the distant Canary Wharf along the Thames to the majestic Tower Bridge and Tower of London right up to the London Eye and Westminster. On closer inspection you can spot more iconic London landmarks such as the Cheesegrater, the Gherkin, the Nat West Tower and the Stock Exchange.
SKY GARDEN
20 Fenchurch Street, London. EC3M 3BY
Telephone: 0333 772 0020 (number for all enquiries including restaurant reservations)
E-mail: info@skygarden.london
Website: skygarden.london
DARWIN BRASSERIE
E-mail: restaurants@skygarden.london
Website: skygarden.london/darwin
Open: Breakfast: Monday to Friday 7:00am-10:00am and Saturday 8:00am-10:00am. Lunch: Monday to Saturday 11:30am-4:00pm. Sunday Brunch: 11.30am-3.30pm. Dinner: Monday to Saturday 5.30pm-10.30pm and Sunday 5.30pm-8.30pm
Unless otherwise stated, all photos on this page © Jo Brett 2015. All rights reserved. First photo used courtesy of http://www.standard.co.uk
Read more about Sky Garden here