It's funny isn't it, how as a human race we are so fascinated and won over by the concept of climbing the tallest buildings to get great views from the top. Just like so many people, I love the idea of being able to look around from above, from a totally different viewpoint than my normal peripheral vision allows. There's something quite special about the occasional ability to observe the landscape for miles and miles. So when I heard about The Sky Garden {which opened in London to the public recently} I immediately booked us a slot to visit.
The Sky Garden is located on the 35th floor of 20 Fenchurch Street; otherwise fondly known to us Londonders as The Walky Talky Tower in honour of its toy-like shape. It really does look like a gigantic Walky Talky looming above London's smaller albeit beautiful, charming buildings. It was within planning permission requirements that the vast space at the top of the building was to be used as an area open to the general public. What a great idea! And so the space has been designed as a garden in the sky; a tranquil getaway from the hectic hustle and bustle of the city below. A space to look, admire and enjoy.
Upon arrival to 20 Fenchurch Street you are guided through an airport-styled security lobby with baggage scanning systems and metal detectors. "Why?" you may ask, but it seems that the tragic terrorism events of recent years now means that London takes no risks when it comes to safety. Don't be disheartened though, you soon forget about the security lobby. As soon as you step out of the lift on to the 35th floor, you are greeted with the most incredible burst of natural sunlight and a staggering view of the The Shard in the distance.
The computer generated images produced by planners promised large, impressive, full-height trees... picture the Eden-Project but situated high above London. Sadly though, I agree with some of the critic's reviews I've read online in regards to the 'garden' which is more of a 'plant feature' than anything else. I expected it to be a lot bigger than it is. Never the less, the ferns, palms and various other sun-loving plants do offer the space some refreshing greenery and hey... maybe in time the plants will mature?!
The lower floor of the main atrium is vast and is home to the Sky Pod
Bar and some seating areas, giving guests the chance to sit and relax at their leisure and admire the views across the city through the huge,
arched windows. Here, you face the South side of the building. The Shard looms in the distance - it's like the Daddy building of all other buildings in London and looks so impressive! We were super lucky with the weather, the sky was a brilliant blue and the sunshine was beaming in. We managed to grab some seats by the window and enjoyed a couple of {rather expensive, as you'd expect!} glasses of Sauvignon Blanc.
We then had a wander up to the top of the garden and over to the north side where there are some great views of 'The Gherkin' and 'The Cheesegrater'. I love that the buildings in London all get given quirky nicknames! Looking out towards the East was quite spectacular. We spent a while trying to spot our beloved home of Greenwich and admiring the 'Eastenders curve' of the river Thames around the Isle of Dogs. Canary Wharf looks so tiny in the distance!
A British restaurant and a seafood grill are situated on the upper two levels which, combined, can hold up to 400 diners at a time. Oliver Wainwright, a critic for The Guardian has said about the design: "the more you pay, the worse your view becomes". I'm not sure if it would stop me booking a table at one of these restaurants although I'd be inclined to agree; if you're looking to dine somewhere with a spectacular view from your table, maybe this is not the place.
Whether or not you are impressed by the space designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects though,
the views in general cannot really be contested. They are what they are
and this is just about the best view of London you can get, for free. I'd love to go back at night time and see the views in a totally different light. It really is no wonder that the Sky Garden has featured in the centre of much media attention!
Visiting the Sky Garden is free, provided you pre-book a slot and show photo ID on arrival. Booking is easy if you can get your head around their online ticketing system {perfectly straight forward for us youngsters, maybe not so much for the older, computer-illiterate generation haha}. You can book tickets on the Sky Garden Website here.
Lydia xxx
P.S. If you visit and happen to find my boyfriend's lost driving license on the floor... please let me know :(
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