Yes of course, the view is the main draw at Aqua Shard, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying the food and stylish setting. I recently had breakfast there and left feeling nearly as pleased with my full English as I was with this upscale restaurant’s full-on vistas. For a (high) rise ‘n shine that towers over the competition, the newly introduced breakfast menu at Aqua Shard is tops.
Usually – and even if I’ve thoroughly enjoyed a dining experience – I’m keen to get going after a meal … to carry on to the next venue, walk off some excess calories, head home and change into my jammies, whatever … just move! After my satisfying brekkie at Aqua Shard on Saturday though, I wanted to linger – to have another cup of coffee and simply ‘take it all in’ for a little while longer. To be honest, I felt like that the minute I stepped into Aqua Shard.
So I did, and sitting there sipping my second Americano while scoping the London landscape from The Shard’s 31st floor, I felt satisfied indeed. I’d had a fantastic “Shard Breakfast” of two Old House Farm eggs (I had mine poached), Staffordshire dry-cured streaky bacon, Cumberland sausage, spinach, Bermondsey salted ricotta, vine tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, smoked ham hock cannellini beans, hash browns, black pudding and sourdough toasted. Whew, a morning meal as epic as my view! Everything was tasty, I particularly liked the bacon, beans and hash browns. Priced at £14.50 it was a bit on the dear end of the spectrum, but I thought it was very good value for money, especially considering the novel setting.
I had the pleasure of enjoying my breakfast with Kemey who went with the lobster Benedict (Colchester Blue lobster, two poached eggs, toasted English muffins and Hollandaise, £18). She was kind enough to let me have a bite. It was delicious. I’d go back for that lobster dish again though the tattie scones and kedgeree were mighty appealing menu listings also. Of course, there are lunch and twinkly-lit and lofty dinners (and maybe even the prospect of afternoon tea in the near future) to consider too … not to mention The Shard’s other two restaurants (Hutong and Oblix) to check out.
Meals with magnificent views aside, Aqua Shard is a gorgeous place. It’s difficult to not gaze out the windows while there but if you can manage, you’ll see attractive fittings and interiors that’d have me giving a thumbs up even if it had been a basement bar. Seating was comfy too, and just walking across the dining area felt grandious.
Our server was an absolute – and super friendly – pro. Dishes were served promptly and without fuss.
Impress a client, treat that special someone, show off your beloved city to your out-of-towner guests: this is the place to do it, and breakfast is as good a time as any.
Aqua Shard is located at Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, SE1 9RY. Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 7 to 10.30am and weekends from 8.30 to 10.30am. I recommend making a reservation. To find out more and to book, visit aquashard.co.uk.
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