The 31rst-floor restaurant of The Shard is already a renowned place: its panoramic views and Modern British food are on every lips when it comes to choosing a restaurant with a stunning view in London.
I discovered the place just before the lockdown started, fully enjoying the freedom to eat inside a renowned restaurant without fear and devoured a delicious brunch with a (6+) group of people… just sounds like another era now!!
Nevertheless, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON is here to cheer you up with this yummy review of the Aqua Shard, London!

A 360-degree views of London

I’ve been to several restaurants with amazing views over London (Galvin at Windows and Radio Rooftop are one of those), but there is something quite special being inside one of the best-known skyscrapers in the UK capital.
I am so used to looking at this building from the outside that I felt so excited that morning at the idea of a lovely brunch there…Wherever you walk in the restaurant you’ll be amazed by the huge windows letting the light inside and offering such a breathtaking view on the outside.
It took our group quite a while before sitting at our table, as we felt attracted by the windows and wanted to explore the place in every detail. I found it extremely photogenic as the full space gives the opportunity to look from above or from the distance, which creates interesting lines and perspectives to play with.

A swanky restaurant & Bar

The Aqua Shard has now made its mark on the London dining scene, certainly for a combination of its remarkable food and amazing panoramic view, but also for its gorgeous interior design.
The decor is said (by Jestico + Whiles interior designers) to have been inspired by the history of the surrounding area (South Bank of the Thames), which was extremely lively back in time and especially popular for its gin distillery.
Once stepping in the Aqua Shard, you are blown away by the huge expanses of glass, enhancing the view over London’s iconic buildings. The aim of the designers was actually to create a link between the inside and outside views, to be seen by customers as a whole rather than competing with one another.
The result clearly meet the expectations! As I was taking in the atmosphere of the restaurant walking in between tables and along the large glass windows, I just thought that everything was at its right place: shapes, colours, materials and space were beautifully designed.
Even going to the toilet was an unforgettable experience: washing my hands with a vertiginous view over London has never been so exciting!!
If the sky had been blue that day I guess the colours inside and outside would have matched perfectly well 🙂

Contemporary British Food

When there’s a panoramic view to admire, it’s easy to believe the food will be as impressive. I only have a brunch to review here, but I can tell everything was fresh and tasty…the best way to start the day!
The drinks did not shine by their originality, but surely ticked the vitamin (with colourful smoothies) and caffeine intake boxes!
When it comes to brunches, you just can’t beat poached eggs and avocado on toast. They have always been my personal barometer.
At The Aqua Shard, they were exquisite: the seeded bread was exceptionally good, the avocados perfectly tasty and I simply loved the unctuous oozing eggs on top.
There were also sweet options, like this yummy pancake that was devoured so quickly I could only take a rapid picture of it!
If you are tempted, The Aqua Shard currently offers a contemporary menu reviving forgotten British dishes: “food writer and broadcaster Matthew Fort alongside Executive Chef Anthony Garlando have curated a selection of dishes celebrating the British culinary culture and given a contemporary touch”. With the same motto: using the finest seasonal ingredients.
Another addition to The Aqua Shard offer: The Peter Pan afternoon tea, in partnership with the Great Ormond Street Hospital (an amount of this menu will be donated to the GOSH). A good idea to include your kids in your visit to The Shard and do something good!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here.
If you are soon going to have a brunch or dinner soon at The Aqua Shard, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!

To go further:
The Aqua Shard website
Address: Level 31 The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London, SE1 9RY
The “Forgotten British Menu” is available Monday-Thursday priced at £78 p/p, with an optional £50 wine pairing supplement.
The “Peter Pan afternoon tea” is priced at £52.