After much anticipation about the launch of Sky Garden earlier this year, StyleNest couldn’t wait to go and check it out!
Situated in the heart of the city at 20 Fenchurch Street (better known as “The Walkie Talkie”), Sky Garden is the highest rooftop garden in London. Sky Garden is made up of Fenchurch Seafood Bar & Grill, Darwin Brasserie and Sky Pod, all run by the Rhubarb catering company. Take the private lift straight up to the 35th floor and step out into the vast glass space with incredible views across London that will take your breath away.
In the middle of this extensive glass greenhouse space is the Sky Pod bar, with a wide staircase going up behind it through a jungle-like area of plants, leading to the Darwin Brasserie which is situated on a mezzanine glass level overlooking the Sky Pod bar and benefitting the same breathtaking views, out towards the Shard and down onto the Gherkin below.
Although the Sky Pod bar was a bit on the chilly side (we imagine this space would be divine in the Summer months), The Darwin Brasserie is a lovely snug temperature, allowing you to shed your wintery layers and enjoy the views of the garden, the bar below, as well as the undisturbed views of Canary Wharf and the Southbank from the comfort of your dinner table.
On arrival our charming waiter took our coats and led us to our table by the window (we strongly advise you to request a table by the window if you are able to). We ordered two glasses of their house red wine to go with our artisan bread basket, and drank in the atmosphere. The restaurant was low lit, busy but at the same time felt elegant and calm, a perfect date-night restaurant or somewhere to entertain. We watched London slowly light up as night fell, cocooned against the city backdrop, and people-watched as the Sky Bar below grew busier throughout the evening.
Our attentive waiter talked us through the modern Anglo-European menus, featuring classics like beef carpaccio with truffled mascarpone rocket and parmesan, Cornish lamb cutlets with bubble and squeak and a passion fruit cronut.
Struggling to decide which starter to go for, we were recommended the fresh and flavoursome Beetroot Cured Salmon (£11.50), which came beautifully presented, tinted pink with purple edges – the beetroot creating an ombre effect – and served with a light and fluffy horseradish crème fraiche mousse. It arrived with homemade Guinness rye bread, which came with a homemade herb butter.
Our guest opted for the hearty homemade Ham Hock and Parsley Terrine (£12.50), which was chunky, thick and came served with a homemade piccalilli and grilled sourdough.
For mains we ordered the Whole Plaice (£18.00), which was served with shrimp butter & spinach, although we quickly got food envy when our guest’s Venison Pie (£18.00) arrived in a golden puff pastry with buttered kale and mustard fruits. Boasting a flaky pastry crust with a rich gravy and beautifully tender and flavoursome Venison, this main is both hearty and satisfying and comes highly recommended.
For dessert, we opted for the Cambridge Burned Cream (crème brulee), which was absolutely fantastic and came with a rhubarb coulis which complemented the rich thick cream.
Our guest couldn’t resist the apple crumble, which arrived in a mini pan on a rustic wooden board, served with a little jug of thick vanilla custard so delicious it proved a challenge not to lick your plate afterwards.
We were the last people to leave and can’t wait to go back. Darwin Brasserie has become our secret weapon – the place we recommend for romantic city views, date nights in the city or just a nice treat for your mum. With Sky garden’s best views and quality cuisine at brasserie prices, Darwin Brasserie won’t let you down.