Situated in the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, colloquially known as the walkie-talkie building, Sky Garden is not only London’s highest public garden – boasting some of the most spectacular views over the capital – it also houses some pretty awesome drinking and dining spots too.
This altered perspective of the city enables visitors to spot many of the capital’s iconic landmarks 525 feet above ground level. As well as the other famous skyscrapers – the Gherkin, The Shard and the Cheese Grater – you will be able to get a good view of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London along with pretty much everything else along the Thames (depending on the strength of your long-distance vision!) The City is not typically associated with green spaces so the venue’s opening back in 2015 was received with great excitement and has remained a much needed escape for many office workers ever since, as well as a popular destination for tourists. 35 floors up and boasting three storeys of glorious landscaped gardens designed by the acclaimed urban landscapers Gillespies, it serves well as a restorative sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets below. There is no fee for entering but prospective guests must book their 90 minute slot at least three days in advance of their scheduled visit via the SkyGarden website in order to be permitted access. Those looking to stop for a bite to eat are also advised to make a reservation beforehand, as whilst the restaurants do their best to accommodate walk-ins, space is often limited, particularly at peak times of year.
Even if it’s just for a quick drink whilst you watch the sun go down we recommend a trip to the SkyGarden for the views alone. But if you really want to make the most of your free ticket to the 43rd floor, read on.
The Sky Garden itself
Believe it or not, many people are unaware that Sky Garden is in fact exactly what it says on the tin – a garden!
With natural light aplenty from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, it’s no surprise that this oversized greenhouse is a horticultural haven. The large planted terraces are rich with leafy foliage and exotic plants from the Mediterranean and South Africa that thrive in warm, water-deprived areas. The garden has been designed to flourish all year round so it’s never bereft of colour or vegetation, and careful interspersion of herbs add a pleasant fragrance throughout the glass dome. The Francis Golding open terrace and observation decks offer unparalleled views over the cityscape and allow guests to breathe in fresh, unpolluted air, high above the fumes of London’s congested streets.
Sky Garden restaurants
Make the most of the breath-taking views by enjoying a leisurely meal from either of the Sky Garden’s popular dining spots. Whilst walk-ins are welcomed we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment when you make it to the top.
Fenchurch Restaurant
Located on the west side of the building, Fenchurch is the most well-known of the various venues at Sky Garden and is open daily for lunch and dinner. This fine-dining restaurant serves a refined menu of seasonal modern British plates. Starters include the likes of roasted Orkney scallop with crab mousse, sea vegetables and shellfish vinaigrette; and roast pigeon with beetroot, blackberry and game terrine. From the mains highlights come in the form of roast halibut with Nocellara Belice olives and preserved lemons and Aylesbury duck breast and glazed leg with hispi cabbage and quince. Fenchurch also serves an 8-course tasting menu for dinner and a 5-course tasting menu for lunch comprising dishes to be shared with the whole table and with the optional addition of wine pairing.
Darwin Brasserie
Situated on level 36, with views across the Thames; Darwin Brasserie has a more laid-back atmosphere than Fenchurch although the menu prices are akin. This understated restaurant serves hearty British classics from Garden, Land and Sea, and is also open for breakfast for early birds wanting to catch the sun rise.
From the a la carte menu Grilled Dingley Dell pork chop is accompanied by creamed potato, black cabbage, caramelised apples and crispy sage and Braised lamb shank is served with a classic mint salsa verde and crushed sweet potato and swede. Lighter dishes include sea trout with roast pumpkin, artichoke and kale pesto; whole Peterhead lemon sole with brown shrimp, sea lettuce and beurre blanc; or a warm Delica pumpkin salad with charred hispi cabbage, king oyster mushrooms, cashew hummus and a pumpkin seed dressing. The restaurant also boasts an elegant Chef’s table seating up to 20 guests – ideal for special occasions.
Sky Garden Bars
Both the aforementioned dining spaces house bars perfect for a pre- or post-dinner tipple, but if you’re looking to make a night of it, be sure to check out either of the following drinking hotspots for a vino with a view.
City Garden Bar
Nestled amidst the impressive gardens this elegant and contemporary drinking space is a popular spot for city slickers making their escape from the office. Classic cocktails are available on request but for something more innovative consult the bar’s seasonal drinks list. For something fruity the Winter Berry Mojito is a refreshing blend of Whitley Neil blackberry gin, Absolut kurant vodka, blood orange, mint, lime and soda; or for a more decadent sip why not try their Butterscotch Old Fashioned which combines Havana 7 rum with butterscotch & Aztec chocolate bitters. There’s also a wide selection of beers, wines and bubbles to choose from and if you’re feeling peckish their sharing platters are ideal for a light bite.
Sky Pod Bar
For the very best views in the vicinity, the rooftop Sky Pod Bar is a serene and civilised spot for tea and cake in the afternoon, but as the sun sets the venue transforms into a lively late night destination with regular live music, DJ sets and pop-up events. Tables of ten are available to book and are a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion. Toast to the evening with a glass of bubbles as you admire the twinkling bright lights of the city beneath you.
Developed a penchant for high-rise dining? Check out our guide to The Shard for some more hotspots with a view.