The Walkie Talkie, 20 Fenchurch Street, is one of those iconic skyscrapers that have grown up in the City of London and nearby, in recent years. Since the start of the year, you can go up top to the Sky Garden, to look around and eat and drink. On level 36 (of 37) is The Darwin Brasserie, and I went there with my good friends, Dave, Jon and Tony, for breakfast last Friday, before our annual “Virtual Cheltenham”, where we enjoy the Gold Cup and other races, without actually going to Cheltenham.
It is an extraordinary experience, for the views of London. The Shard is higher; but from this one, you get to see the Shard from an unusual angle too! And the breakfast was pretty good. Recommended for a trip – you have to book in advance.
A few photos. Starting with an earlier, nearby Monument.
First sighting of the Walkie Talkie.
The lift takes you to level 35, and from there you walk up to 36. I stopped on the way to view three examples of the monumental. The Nat West Tower, once the tallest, the Cheese Grater and the Gherkin. The Nat West never got a nickname; then again, what could it be?
Looking down on Tower Bridge.
Two views from my breakfast table.
Looking West – or is it North, given the bends in the river?
The cafe below. Level 35.
Like I said at the beginning, at the top of the Walkie Talkie, you get a different view of the Shard. You have to be there to get the full magnificence.
Looking East, towards Canary Wharf.
Coffee table chic!
It’s worth a visit!
Thoughtsfromwestfive 
amazing, i particularly like the second last one, monochrome london view
Nice names, John 🙂
But what are the official names of the Walkie Talkie, the Cheese Grater and the Gherkin?
They tend to be, prosaically, their addresses. Walkie Talkie is 20 Fenchurch Street; Gherkin is 30 St Mary Axe (also the Swiss Re building) and the Cheesegrater is 122 Leadenhall Street (the Leadenhall Building). All truly historic parts of London, in the City.
Sweet!!!
Truly awesome…