Restaurant Review: Aqua Shard. It was our year anniversary of living near The Shard, so we booked the three-course weekend brunch at the Aqua Shard. This Modern British restaurant offers breathtaking views of London as you dine in style. If you’re looking for restaurants in The Shard, weekend brunch in London Bridge or best London restaurants with views, this is worth checking out.
“Celebrate in style with fabulous three-course weekend brunch at the Aqua Shard and toast the view as you drink a glass of vintage champagne,” Homegirl London
Aqua Shard Weekend Brunch Set Menu
The menu is Modern British with quality ingredients from British and Irish suppliers. Eggs are from Clarence Court Farms, fresh fruit and veg are from Borough Market and cheese are from Neal’s Yard Dairy. Homeboy and I tasted the three-course weekend brunch which costs £44 plus drinks and optional service charge.
Bread and Butter
There were six starters listed. I selected the Buttermilk Pancakes, which were light and fluffy. With a little scoop of vanilla Crème Fraiche, a drizzle of maple syrup and a few berries it was a delight. I requested that the treacle cured streaky bacon was omitted.
Buttermilk Pancakes
Homeboy selected the Yellowfin Tuna Tartare for his starter. This dish comprised of a tiny soft quail egg, avocado puree and toasted sourdough. Other options were Eggs Benedict, Florentine or Royale, Duck Liver with Blood Orange Parfait, Quinoa Salad and Spiced Pumpkin Soap.
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
I went for the Bubble and Squeak for my main with duck egg, sautéed wild mushrooms and greens. I was deliberating over the Vegetarian Full English, but it sounded massive. The meat version is substantial, which includes Dingley Dell Streaky Bacon to Black Pudding.
Bubble and Squeak
Homeboy was happy with his Cornish Sea Bream. With blackened leeks, brown shrimp and capers, it was a winner. Lobster Thermidor, Wagyu Burger, Roast Cornfed Chicken and Roast Hereford Beef Sirloin were all available.
Cornish Sea Bream
The desserts were cute. I couldn’t resist the Bramble Cheesecake. I would describe this as a deconstructed cheesecake. There was a scattering of digestive biscuits, a dollop of cream and a few blackberries. Homeboy loves brownies, so he was more than satisfied with his decadent ganache version and milk ice cream. Other desserts were Treacle Tart or Baron Brigod Cheese.
Bramble Cheesecake
Cocktails include old classics and Aqua signatures. The champagne list included vintage varieties with a Dom Perignon for £900. They have an extensive selection of wines, so you have plenty of choices. The lunch menu offers two courses for £28 and 3 courses for £32. Check out the dinner menu and afternoon tea online.
Aqua Shard Restaurant Interiors
Restaurant Interior
When you exit the lift, you are greeted with a beautiful view of London. You walk down an open staircase, and you are into the dining area. Because you are in the Shard, you get a floor to ceiling window looking out to the city. If you’re lucky, you will get a table in front of the window so you will be seated beside your guest rather than directly opposite. The décor of the restaurant is minimal, the suspended lights, comfy chairs and dressed tables are stylish, but it’s all about that view!
Aqua Shard Restaurant Information
To find out more about the Aqua Shard Website. The restaurant address is Level 31, The Shard, St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY. The nearest station is London Bridge. The entrance to the restaurants is located in St Thomas Street. You need to go through security checks and wait for the lift so allow additional time to do this. Smart dress is required. They charge a cancellation fee if you don’t give 24 hours’ notice. Enjoy! You can read about The View From The Shard here.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Thanks: Homeboy for visiting with me.
