The sky garden - worth the hype?

The Sky Garden is an anticipated visit. You’ve seen the pictures on social media, you’ve admired the walkie-talkie building from a distance and, I mean, it’s a garden in the sky. But I’ll break it to you now – you have an unfortunate feeling of ‘anti-climax’ when you finally do reach the top.

We’ll set the scene for you. You walk into an almost airport type situation: security hustle you in, urging for ID at the ready as you await your security check. The made up waves off anxiety wash over you – ‘I know I didn’t bring a gun… but what if someone slipped one in my bag? What if…’the whole situation is rather thrilling and makes the whole experience feel pretty important. Once you make it past security, reassured you aren’t in fact a criminal and make it into the lift, you feel pretty buzzing. 

The lift itself is effortless. Once at the top, you step out and immediately look to your right to the open glass double doors. Walking through, it is admittedly absolutely breathtaking. Shades of green flood the lighting off the roof terrace and you are automatically drawn to the outside terrace where you are eagerly awaited by the impressive London views. The first to steal the limelight is the shard – your eyesight is naturally averted to its long crystal body as it effortlessly thrusts it’s aesthetics.  Of course, London is an incredible city and we recommend the journey up the walkie-talkie building to fully appreciate its beauty,(despite the murkiness of the Thames).

Alas, here is where things become slightly…disappointing. Here you are, practically in the sky: check. You’ve witnessed the views: check. What’s next? Ah, the garden. Steps align either sign off the terrace where you are invited to walk up and admire the greenery. Or, perhaps, lack of? The 30 second walk up the steps allows you to view plants you would probably find in your back garden. The incline allows you to view the north side of London through more open glass windows, with a few benches to sit on. You sit, feeling rather deflated with any hope of an ‘Eden type project’ garden slip away. The greenery all of a sudden feels quite dull and you eagerly look for any colourful or exotic plants you may have missed. It’s at this point you realise where the terrace makes all its money – the bars/restaurants. After feeling a little disappointed, you are more than eager to go and get a cocktail (or few).

So is this sky garden worth it? In a nutshell, yes – it’s free, and nothing beats the views this building gets from luckily being isolated from any skyscraper neighbours. Sitting on the bar stools drinking a coffee and having a chat with the view of London will not be unbeaten. However planning your visit is crucial.  Try to go on a clear day and plan things to do around your visit; there is only so long you can spend with plants. Or, be prepared to spend… (deep intake in breath) quite a bit of money. The sky garden isn’t cheap, but the aroma of seafood wafting down from the Fenchurch grill located at the top off the terrace did smell amazing. If you can, go in the evening – have a meal, watch the sunset go down across London and have a few cocktails. If, like us, you are unfortunately eagerly still awaiting another student loan – grab a coffee, admire the views and then go round the corner to the local itsu. Not perhaps, ‘Fenchurch grill seafood’ but pretty darn good at the same time.

The Ivory Room x