All you need to know about breakfast at Sky Garden and suggested sigthseeing nearby.
I’ve been to London a few times in my life; that’s what you get for living in Europe – you gotta go to London. And who wouldn’t want to go? London offers all that big cities should, and then some – European culture and history as long as the eyes can see.
If you are going to London, paying a visit to Sky Garden should be on your list, preferably on one of the first days. Not only does it give you a perfect overview of the city, but it also sets the tone for a fabulous trip. Sky Garden is located on the 35th floor of the “Walkie Talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street, right in the heart of the city. It’s a public garden with stunning views, lush greenery, and an open-air terrace, offering a unique perspective of London. With its sleek, modern design and breathtaking panoramic views, it is one of the best spots in the city for a memorable breakfast.
Besides its perfect location and the great views, breakfast at Sky Garden is a wonderful way to start your day. We did this back in December and opted to go for the sunrise – it got us out of bed and ready for the day.
We ate in the Darwin Brasserie, which does require a booking and a £15 deposit per person (this deposit goes toward your bill once you’ve eaten, I believe). When you do book a table, you won’t have to stand in line at the door but can go straight to the front, which is a nice perk. If you have a reservation at Darwin Brasserie, you don’t need a separate ticket to access the gardens. There is airport-style security as you make your way into the building, so please arrive no more than 30 minutes prior to your reservation to allow enough time for this and to check out the gardens before dining. You can find more details here.
The food was delicious, with options for both adults (mostly) and younger ones. It is a bit more pricey than other similar restaurants, but it is definitely worth it. (Price range: £15-£25 per person for breakfast). We didn’t book a window seat because we were a bit late to reserve, but this is definitely recommended if you can plan ahead. We also ate before exploring the garden; this is up to personal preference, but if you are going at night, I think looking around first would be a better option. Next time we are going (in April), we plan to book dinner at the same restaurant for sundown – at that time, there are specific rules for children, so make sure to check those before you go. These rules apply specifically to the restaurant, so if you just want to wander around the garden, you’ll have no issues.
Sightseeing nearby
What’s perfect about having breakfast at Sky Garden and starting your trip out right is that you’ll be full from a delicious meal, already amazed by the city views, and eager to start your sightseeing. There are plenty of sights within walking distance, and this is my suggested walk, with each site in the same direction:
- Monument to the Great Fire of London (5 minutes)
After breakfast, take a short stroll to this historic monument that commemorates the Great Fire of 1666. You can even climb to the top for a great view of the city. - Leadenhall Market (5-7 minutes)
Continue on to Leadenhall Market, one of London’s most beautiful and historic markets, famous for its architecture and as a filming location for Harry Potter. - St. Paul’s Cathedral (10 minutes)
From Leadenhall, head towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and you can either admire it from the outside or explore its stunning interior. - Tate Modern (10-15 minutes)
After soaking in St. Paul’s, cross over the Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern. This contemporary art museum housed in a former power station offers free admission to many exhibits and fantastic views of the Thames. - Southbank & Borough Market (10 minutes from Tate Modern)
To wrap up your sightseeing walk, stroll along Southbank to Borough Market. It’s a lively food market with a variety of fresh produce, snacks, and local delicacies – a perfect stop for lunch or a snack after your walk.
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