LONDON (Parliament Politics Magazine) – London’s skyline is rather remarkable, ranging from the grand elegance of the Big Ben to the sparkling, neoteric Shard. And dining at a height above the city is the best place to take in the expansive vistas of the London skies.
The definition of “haute cuisine” is elevated to new heights in the British metropolis, quite literally.
When visiting the British capital, these are the best and most exciting “uppity” restaurants to eat at, from the international pop-up Dinner in the Sky, which straps groups of diners around a table and hoists them 100 feet in the air by crane, to watching the sun rise over Duck & Waffle:
- Oblix, at the Shard
There are a number of upscale restaurants in The Shard, but Oblix is the original and most elevated one, located on the 32nd level of the glass building. It’s actually divided between two areas, both of which provide breathtaking views of London. Oblix West is the restaurant from founder Rainer Becker that features a New York-inspired rotisserie motif with British and European ingredients. Oblix East has inventive cocktail creations as well as views of the city’s Canary Wharf and skyscrapers. The staggering view of the sunset is an eminent treat for the eyes.
- Helix and Iris, Searcys at the Gherkin,
In July 2018, the much-loved Gherkin building’s Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar, located on floors 39 and 40, opened to the public for the first time after having been exclusively used for private events and exclusive hires. The Gherkin was designed by Norman Foster. The menu at Helix is prepared by head chef Daniel Loftin using seasonal British ingredients such Dorset crab, Rhug Estate Welsh lamb, and English green asparagus. The London-inspired cocktail menu at Iris Bar has the Jack the Ripper, a dark local variation on the Bloody Mary, which is made with Mediterranean herbs vodka, lemon, tomato, beet juice and Worcester sauce.
- Frank’s Cafe, Bold Tendencies
Move south of the river to Frank’s Cafe, a seasonal bar in Bold Tendencies in the Peckham neighbourhood of the city which is a parking garage-turned-art-centre.
A parking lot might not seem like the sexiest of hangouts but till you set your eyes on the top view. The London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the 02 Arena in the east all fall in this panoramic view of London thanks to its advantage of being a little bit farther from the city’s centre. The atmosphere is more relaxed, and you’ll find yourself around groups of millennial Londoners hanging out by the gorgeous sunset.
- London in the Sky
London in the Sky, a summer-only (and reserved for the courageous) experience, lifts 22 daring people 100 feet into the air for a meal and a drink with unmatched sights. You can register for a 45-minute breakfast, Prosecco and cake, or an hour-long supper. Make bookings at their website for a thrilling eating xperience.
- Duck and Waffle
Even in the dense fog of London, Duck and Waffle, which sits on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate (Heron Tower), looks stunning. The restaurant is operational all day and night serving delectable breakfast bites. The crowd includes everyone, from urbanites attending crucial meetings, tourists taking pictures, and foodies who desire a taste of the waffles.
- Galvin at Windows
Galvin at Windows is a Michelin-starred French restaurant located on the 28th floor of the Hilton Park Lane Hotel. The restaurant is holding down the fort in affluent Mayfair. The establishment, which is renowned for its excellent service, additionally donates to the charity Galvin’s Chance, which aids underprivileged youth in entering the hospitality industry.
Visitors may still enjoy breathtaking aerial views of London’s Hyde Park, but in a more traditional setting than other of the city’s more contemporary high-rise restaurants. Additionally, the restaurant renamed and renovated its bar, which now goes by the name 10° at Galvin at Windows, in the beginning of September 2019. The bar is named after the “golden hour,” when the sky is bathed in gold and pink immediately before sunset or soon after sunrise. The inside is designed similarly, with warm colours and gold embellishments. A sumptuous gin and champagne concoction appropriately dubbed Golden Hour is also available.
