Aqua Shard

Address: Level 31 The Shard, London, SE1 9RY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7478 0540
Email: shardevents@aqua-london.com
Website: view Aqua Shard’s website
Door: Make reservation
Style: Restaurant bar
Food: Set menu
Established: 2013

Review

Following a different format to its sister site in Argyll Street, Aqua Shard is a British restaurant with a large cocktail lounge area. It's the lowest restaurant in the building on floor 31 but still boasts stunning and panoramic views across London, which after all is its main attraction.

The site is almost a blank canvas, barely a wall is to be found and the few there are, are mirrored to show off the vista again. Come in during the day and feast upon the intricacies and layout of London, at night it's an impressive candlelit lightshow.

The restaurant flows from the lounge area, in two wings, one themed around gin and the other tea. Turquoise, grey and purple with chocolate wood and oversized lamps create a calm sophistication. The bar itself lies to one side with a scattering of armchairs. With minimum decoration and simple furniture it's clear the slick modern décor is all about what's beyond the walls of glass.

The bar menu follows the restaurant's theme with a few classics and then two lists, one inspired from gin and the other tea. The drinks are well-executed and balanced. And rather better than the food. Come here for the view.