Restaurants

Darwin Brasserie

The famous enlarged glass dome of 20 Fenchurch Street is dedicated to three storeys of exquisitely landscaped public gardens and London’s most exclusive social spaces, including observation decks and an open air terrace. The Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street is a unique public space that spans three storeys and offers 360 degree uninterrupted views across the City of London.

Overlooking the Thames on Level 36 is Darwin, an all-day brasserie inspired by the very best of British. Seasonal, home-grown ingredients take centre stage in the kitchen while rum is the liquor of choice on the exhaustive cocktail list at the bar.

Laid-back but luxe, the space is inspired by nature and understated décor allows the food – and incredible view – to do the talking. From brisk breakfast meets through to working lunches and relaxed dinners, enjoy a reservation at London’s highest brasserie.

The SLOAN! Review

Entering the Sky Garden was like entering a fabulous 21st century airport. We started with some bread and olives served with butter and balsamic vinegar. For our entrees we ordered half a dozen rock oysters served with shallot vinegar and lemon and the home cured salmon gravadlax. The oysters were the perfect balance of fresh saltiness with a kick. My dining companion described this dish as a tangtastic crisp variant of oysters with heat from the side servings of Tabasco or the milder jalapeno green sauce. The salmon was smooth and full of flavour, herbalicious by all accounts and served with a side of melba toast and lemon.For the mains we had the grilled lemon sole served with garlic and parsley butter and a caramelised lemon and Cornish lamb rump, aromatic couscous, artichokes and Ras El Hanout jus. The lemon sole came on the bone although you can request it filleted. The garlic was not overpowering but again the herbs had been added in abundance allowing the flavours to combine with the delicacy of the sole. This was accompanied by triple cooked chips which were light and fluffy. My personal preference is a crispier chip but this would be a favorite for most diners.

The lamb was ordered medium rare served on a bed of pearl couscous. The crunch to the pearl base complemented the aroma, juiciness and light charcoal flavours of the lamb completing this winning combination.

The asparagus was paired with mousseline sauce, it was light and fluffy with subtle flavours which complimented the crispy al dente crunch of the asparagus.

For dessert we chose the treacle tart and the chocolate pudding as pictured below, alongside the late harvest Tokaji Magita which for a 2008 bottle with a reasonably priced at £8.50 a glass and this also paid homage to our friendly Hungarian waiter who knew when to be attentive and when to leave us to our own devices.

Not to downplay the food the views across London from the are spectacular although Fenchurch the fine dining restaurant on Level 37 is great for a more formal affair, Darwin is the ideal place for a date, special occasion, or lunchtime business meetings or Friday night with friends.

To put the spectacular views into perspective a flexi fast track ticket at the time of writing for the London Eye was £32.45 and the cheapest ticket £20 for 30 minutes where as at Darwin you can have a 2 course meal for between £27 to £32 excluding drink for 2 hours or more with the most impressive views. It is a no brainer which to choose whether you are a tourist or not.

A fabulous dining experience for those who enjoy panoramic views of London with brasserie style food. Definitely a place the SLOAN! team will be returning to.