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    Aqua Shard

    3.2 (324 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndBritish, Breakfast & Brunch, Cocktail Bars
    Closed 7:00 am - 10:30 AM, 12:00 pm - 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM

    Aqua Shard Photos

    AQUA SHARD ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Trendy
    Good for groups
    Dressy

    Recommended Reviews - Aqua Shard

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    Reviews With Photos

    The view
    Kelly B.

    Okay, this gets all the marks for an amazing experience. 30+ floors up in The Shard, amazing views, beautifully decorated Peter Pan themed restaurant at Christmas time and impeccable service! Make sure to allow time to be security screened when you enter the building, take the ride up, up, up and check your coat and shopping bags. Once seated, gorgeous views of London await you. If you are more than a party of 2 you will not be seated against the window. We were a party of 3 and were seat one row back but still a gorgeous view. Dress nice as this is an upscale bar. Tables are small and cozy for afternoon tea or a drink. Does get a tad cramped once all the items come out though. We came for the Peter Pan experience and it was an awesome presentation. From fun colored teas to the beautifully designed treats and the presentation of treats. It was most definitely fun. It's expensive fun though but that seems to be the case for a lot of the themed teas in London. The three of us (parents and teen) enjoyed the experience. The food was good but not as great tasting as other afternoon teas we attended during our trip however, the experience was memorable. Watching that ship smoke and discovering my blue tea when I poured is something I will always remember. The food itself had a number of finger type sandwiches and desserts but the real star of this tea was the scones. They were the most delicious thing. However, I was too full from the sandwiches and desserts to eat much of the scones but if I did it over again I would most definitely make room to eat up all the scones, lol. They come out second so if you're going for the first time save room for those and maybe not eat all the sandwich offerings which are pretty hearty! The gigantic Christmas Tree was so festive and picture worthy. We had a good time. Our waitress was really lovely. In addition to all the sandwiches, desserts, scones and tea, you can order other drinks and coffees which we did. We were extremely full upon leaving so you won't go away hungry. They did the Peter Pan theme really well. Several fun surprises and well, you just can't beat the views and service.

    Sophea S.

    We did afternoon tea in London with a Peter Pan theme, and it was absolutely dreamy, like stepping into a fairy tale. Everything was amazing: the tea, sandwiches, desserts, and the presentation was truly on point. Service was excellent and very attentive. The views were incredible, overlooking the London skyline with Tower Bridge and Big Ben in sight, just magical! Yes, it's expensive, but 100% worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A must do in London! And Don't forget to book in advance!

    Octopus
    Felicia M.

    It was my mother and my last evening in London and we wanted to celebrate a great trip. I had reserved the window experience and an experience it was! The view was amazing and the food delicious! My mom had the steak and I ventured out with the venison and I'm so glad I did, amazing! This is a pricier restaurant but certainly worth for a special occasion!

    Desserts
    Jade M.

    Stunning views! The elevator ride is super quick so be ready for a fast change in elevation! We booked the Peter Pan tea and it was well worth it to have afternoon tea with gorgeous views of London. Was it expensive? Yes, but for us it was a bucket list item and something we were really looking forward to. The tea was delicious and you receive a generous amount of desserts, finger sandwiches and canapés. We were lucky to be seated right by a window and were offered tea refills and were even able to try multiple flavors. The food itself was average but the atmosphere was wonderful. Know that you're really paying for the view!

    Set menu
    Pam B.

    Last leg of my Europe visit and I was going to fly out of London. My SIL reserved a nice lunch at this restaurant for me and this is my welcome to London moment. If you're looking for such a place to dine and see the sights of the city - this is the best place to be. We were here for lunch last Monday. We were seated right by the window with a view of the city - the side of the London eye. We were presented the menus - there's the regular menus and a set menu. We opted for the 3-course set with white wine. It was 49 + 10 with the wine so I thought that was a good deal. I highlighted both our orders below. My SIL soup with quail eggs was creamy and good, my tartine was also well prepared. The Roasted fillet sea bream was cooked to perfection and well seasoned. They poured the sauce after it was served and it had all the perfect elements for a main entree. The desserts were also divine - not too sweet and just right. Best place to go when you're visiting the city. Everything in this place was immaculate.

    April H.

    This was our first time at the Shard and it took us a minute to figure out where to enter to get to Aqua Shard. So note to others - you enter from the lower street level. Once you walk inside you go thru security and elevator takes you straight up to the restaurant. The views are beautiful. We checked in for our tea reservation and had a drink at the bar. The bar had good service and a fun cocktail menu. We then moved over to a window seat and had the Peter Pan afternoon tea. The experience was a lot of fun. The tea presentation was excellent and all the items of good quality. The service was good but a bit slow. Overall we greatly enjoyed it.

    Desert
    Jeff C.

    Food was very good! Visited with friends and really enjoyed our experience. The service was top notch and the drinks excellent. We hit a clear day and could see miles. Make sure you plan enough time for the security line though!

    View from our table
    Bear A.

    A mind blowing view 30 stories above London is the perfect setting for what is literally "high tea". The service is excellent and the themed tea seems precious but is actually quite sophisticated. A highlight of our trip.

    The view from our seats, just amazing!
    Edna D.

    My husband and I came here without any reservation, wearing our casual clothes and sneakers, they allowed us in! My first reaction was "Wow"! As soon as you come in you'll be amazed with the glass windows, the layout of the restaurant was really pretty! We were greeted by Erin and she was really pleasant with a great smile. We were seated by the window and it was amazing to see the view of London. I'm pretty sure it's more beautiful at night! We were offered a Peter Pan Afternoon Tea so we were actually excited to try it for the first time. The food was elegantly presented but overly priced. Flavor is there but portion size not satisfied at all! We were asked if we wanted more of the sandwiches and baked fig which my husband said yes but it never came. The sweets not really impressed! Again, just cute to look at, food quality doesn't match the cost! The scones and sweets came in a pirate ship, the sandwiches and other savory selections came in a decorative lovely serving dish, both uniquely served! There are a few things not right and left us disappointed! We were able to experience the Afternoon tea and to see the breathtaking view, would recommend for the view but not the food!

    Bar menu

    If you're going to have a drink in London, Aqua Shard should be at the very top of your list. The views are jaw-dropping--floor-to-ceiling windows with sweeping panoramas of the Thames, Tower Bridge, and the entire city skyline. It honestly feels cinematic. The bar itself is just as impressive as the setting: elevated but relaxed, with impeccably crafted cocktails that are balanced, creative, and absolutely worth lingering over. Service was polished and attentive without being stuffy, which made the experience even better. Yes, it's a splurge--but for the view, the atmosphere, and the quality of the drinks, it's 100% worth it. A must-do London experience.

    Madison N.

    What a magical place! The views are incredible here and the afternoon tea was just as great. The food was all delicious and unique from each other, I got a tasty meal with a memorable display! Loved the Peter Pan theme so much, but would definitely go back just for the views and scones!

    Agree
    Gavin C.

    We were in London for a day, and searching for a place to have tea (as one should do when one is in London). Aqua Shard came recommended and the Peter Pan Tea seems appropriate as I was celebrating a birthday but also refusing to feel into my age. Let me start by saying that the views, atmosphere and service were worth it. Our server (ahoy Captain Jack) was fantastic. The staff checking us is were fantastic. Have I said fantastic enough? Probably not. The tea itself was the best hot tea I had on this run through London and France. The sweets were better than they needed to be. The presentation of the food was phenomenal. If the goal was to delight in a way that made me feel like a kid again ... they succeeded. A note for the gentleman who may be reading this ... the men's room was the single more spectacular men's room I have ever seen. Floor to ceiling views while one conducts one's business. I know ... I can't believe I'm reviewing the bathroom, but it's ASTONISHING. We only had about 10 hours in London on this visit, and I'm genuinely happy that two of them were spent here. Thanks to Aqua Shard for a truly special birthday experience.

    Cocktail
    Kavitha P.

    Always a great place to have cocktails whenever I'm in London The views esp if you actually have a window seat are amazing and the atmosphere is classy and chic They have tight security at The Shard which I appreciate and also a dress code - no trainers/tennis shoes etc Service has always been attentive Obviously drinks are expensive but as a tourist trap what would you expect!

    Chocolate dome

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    Aqua Shard Reviews in Other Languages

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    The Alchemist - Drunken veggie dumplings

    The Alchemist

    3.9(122 reviews)
    0.8 miAldgate
    ££

    I had finished a long day, had been hot all day, and wandered by the bar, walked past, turned…read morearound, walked down the alley, walked back, felt the cool air coming out and decided to seek some cool relief with a cocktail before continuing my evening. Hot damn. What an excellent choice. I was greeted by Nicky who enthusiastically and thoroughly explained the menu, then gave me time to puruse the menu and make my choice. He provided great conversation, was genuinely interested in my first visit to London, and made me feel incredibly comfortable and welcome, and ensured I had a great experience. If he is the example of managers you hire, the establishment is doing an awesome job. He made my evening and created an experience I won't ever forget. Thanks for the kindness and enthusiasm Nicky!!!

    I stopped in here a couple of times for dinner. The drink menu is impressive and I loved all the…read morecocktails I tried. I had a couple of the different spritzes. some of my dinner companions had drinks that were smoking and had some cool effects to them. We had the mac and cheese bites, the shrimp lollypops and chicken wings for apps and the table ordered a variety of dishes both times in. I had the curry dishes each night with the tofu. This is where things went south for me. The tofu tasted off, like it went bad in the sauce. I thought the first time was an off night but the second night with a different curry dish also with tofu, I am not sure if something was off in the sauce or what the tofu may have been marinated.. but I did not eat more than the first bite on my second night in. I stuck with the apps and yummy drinks. Definitely a fun spot for happy hour, good vibes, good tunes and good drinks.

    Photos
    The Alchemist - Inside

    Inside

    The Alchemist - Shrimp toasties

    Shrimp toasties

    The Alchemist - Mezcal Meringue, Espresso Martini, French Kiss

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    Mezcal Meringue, Espresso Martini, French Kiss

    Dirty Martini - Dirty Martini on Bishopsgate in London.  December 2022.

    Dirty Martini

    3.4(20 reviews)
    0.9 miAldgate
    ££

    We found this cocktail bar when staying in the City of London at the end of December 2022 and…read morethough it seemed promising. At the time, we did not know it was a chain, but in any case it was unimpressive. It was not terrible but it was not very good, ultimately just ok. The place had some nice decor elements but seemed very much like an loud party place for drinkers who don't really know about drinks but want to seem sophisticated and have fun. I had the seasonal Fairytale of New York, which was the best of the lot, in part because it had no juice or other mixers like that. I often go with drinks along that line if I don't know the place. I then had the Scotch Mist, which was not as good. But it had grenadine, pineapple, and citrus, so there as the problem: it had too much of those and not enough of the Scotches. My wife had the Flyaway, tequila-based, and found it ok but too watery,juicy, and weak. Again, it had juices in it. Our daughter had a dirty martini which was not good. It had kalamata olives, which we took to be an attempt to seem fancy or avant garde, but which simply didn't work in a martini. This was not terrible but basically just an ok,somewhat crass cocktail place for people who want to seem sophisticated and "have fun" with loud music, etc., but don't really know anything about drinks. I can see this filling the role for people like that, but I would never go here again.

    The vibe. The Music. The Wait Staff. The Diversity of guests. THE DRINKS! The freshness…read more All of the above were accurate during my visit. First time in this part of London and traveling from the US. It was a really good experience. I will definitely return.

    Photos
    Dirty Martini - Dirty Martini on Bishopsgate in London.  December 2022.

    Dirty Martini on Bishopsgate in London. December 2022.

    Dirty Martini - Dirty Martini on Bishopsgate in London.  December 2022.

    Dirty Martini on Bishopsgate in London. December 2022.

    Dirty Martini - Cocktails

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    Cocktails

    Be At One - Lychee martini

    Be At One

    4.1(22 reviews)
    1.1 miAldgate
    ££

    The happy hour deal is good, with you getting two cocktails for the price of one. I like how the…read morewhole menu (which is massive, by the way) is eligible for the happy hour price. Two for one is a good deal but I wish you didn't have to get two of the same cocktail. I got the lychee martini and honestly it didn't taste much like lychee at all - also every lychee martini I've had in the past was made with vodka and this one was made with gin (fine, just unusual). The music was so loud I could barely think - my ears are still ringing today. I wish they had turned it down a little bit because it was really overbearing. The overall bar is nice but a little bit cramped. There was limited seating at the bar and only a few tables that were all occupied once I got there. The bartender was nice. I wouldn't rush to return although the happy hour deal is good for what you get.

    Best mixology bar I've found in London!…read more The menu of 'house-drinks' is usually only a starting place for me. We usually try several of the menu drinks to get a feel for the bartender skillz, before ordering what we really want. But; surprise, surprise! The menu drinks here are actually great! My wife loved one of the chocolate martini style drinks (I forgot the name), and she barely drinks ETOH. I started with the Porn-Star, expecting mediocrity with a catchy name - but it was great! I'm a huge fan of vodka mojitos, so the Twisted Mojito was next. HOLD YOUR TEXT MESSAGES; this is the best mojito I have had in a long time!! (and I drink a lot of Mojitos!). I quickly drank another; still perfect!! Great service from the friendly bartender, fair prices, and EXCELLENT drinks. We will be back before we leave London!

    Photos
    Be At One
    Be At One
    Be At One

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    Found - Front door next to Cantina

    Found

    4.8(5 reviews)
    1.4 miLiverpool Street / Broadgate
    ££

    Oh you know, one of those hidden gems that no one seems to know about, no big deal. JUST KIDDING IT…read moreIS A BIG DEAL. We were able to make reservations, which made me happy. And that meant we got to sit in this tiny tucked away little corner archway for just us 4 peeps and it was totally awesome. The cocktails were lovely and I really enjoyed our time here. Such a funky place. The cherry on top was the owner speaking to us after. It's really refreshing to have the actual owner come talk to you and show interest in how you heard of the place and how you Found (ha!) it. He was lovely, and so were the cocktails, and so was Found.

    This place must be new right or is it that hidden that no one FOUND it?…read more The bar staff are really cool and funny also happy for us to keep a tab going. The smell of fresh paint, with it's a lovely warm atmosphere, magnolia walls, dark wood, candles on each table and lots of cocktails to choose from makes it a great after work or pre-party venue. I got the cocktail which was the first on the menu and it was called Frothy Lady (I think). Very sweet and hardly tasted the alcohol. The espresso cocktail tasted great too but couldn't taste the alcohol. So it got me wondering if they were being stingy or were they just really good. The jalapeño pretzels were really nice and the olives had too much lemon on them for my liking but I was hungry so ate them all anyway. It's next to The Book Club and a short walk from Old Street so if you're around give it a try!

    Photos
    Found
    Found
    Found

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    Callooh Callay - Psyduck

    Callooh Callay

    3.9(153 reviews)
    1.5 miHoxton
    £££

    Callooh Callay is kind of a hole-in-the-wall but the inventive cocktails will have you chortling in…read moreyour joy. I'd describe it as busy but not overcrowded, dim lit and divey but not dirty, with fair prices, interesting drink options and friendly service. And there was a live DJ starting around 10:30 PM. For drinks, I had the BBQ Negroni. I have no idea what gives it the "BBQ" flavor, but it's there and it is good. My wife ordered the Green Card, a tequila-based drink that features a mango chutney. (The Green Card is unfortunately cursed though with way too salty ancho mix on the rim). Overall, it's a quality spot for a drink before galumphing on.

    Loved this dive bar-esque place. My personal preference, I didn't love the drink options. I knew I…read morewasn't staying long but I have to tip my cap to the bartender (sorry forgot his name). But I told him about my venture, visiting London for a quick weekend and wanting to bar hop through Shoreditch. He was surprised I was in the neighborhood considering I was staying in Soho. He commented Shoreditch was a bit of a journey but he appreciated the effort and wrote down a list of bars he recommended. He gave about 6-7 and my partner and I managed to hit 3. They were definitely unique bars, including one that gets going at 1am, a bar with shapes for a name.

    Photos
    Callooh Callay - Mirror door leads to bathroom!

    Mirror door leads to bathroom!

    Callooh Callay - Menu

    Menu

    Callooh Callay - Bloody screwdriver + Jack-o-spiced punch from their Halloween menu

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    Bloody screwdriver + Jack-o-spiced punch from their Halloween menu

    Aqua Shard - british - Updated August 2026

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