About
If the vast grey plains of Sky Pod bar – with its selfie-snapping rubberneckers and climate-controlled environment – are too Center Parcs for you, pre-book a berth at Fenchurch’s bar, two floors up on level 37 of the ‘Walkie-Talkie’. The cityscape vista is the primary attraction (though some tables have restricted views), but the drinks aren’t eclipsed by it. Choose Champagne from £14 a flute or Champagne cocktails such as a rhubarb and lemongrass Bellini (£14.50). The joint is big on London gins: try Thames Tipple (where Beefeater is shaken with Lillet blanc, lemon juice, orange bitters and triple sec). Portobello Road gin informs a bloody Mary that’s pimped up with basil and red pepper and carrot juice, and piqued with Tabasco – an ideal accompaniment to pig’s head croquette with piccalilli (£3.50). Other bar bites include Welsh rarebit or taramasalata with crudités, but for a sweeter treat order a cream tea (£7.50).