Harden's survey result
Summary
“Everyone is here for the view” on the 31st floor of the Shard, with “all diners glammed up to celebrate something special”: “it’s what you are paying for”. “And boy are you paying!” – “when you consider the sky-high bills”, the cuisine is somewhere between “decent enough” and “bog standard”. In a similar vein, “service is fine, but could use some improvements… with views to attract the crowds anyway, perhaps management aren’t super-worried about the service levels”. Overall, though, it’s a Faustian bargain many reporters are prepared to make, especially for afternoon tea or a date… or both!
Summary
Near the top of the Shard, on its 31st floor, there’s no doubt this is a stunning venue, most recommended for a special date or the “amazing afternoon tea”. No-one says its modern British menu is disappointing, but there is a feeling that it’s “very expensive” and the cynical verdict is that “you don’t go for the food, you go for the toilets, which give you an unparalleled widescreen view of London”.
Summary
“Fabulous views, a great atmosphere and an interesting fusion menu” were more in focus in commentary this year on this sexily located venue, near the top of The Shard. Unsurprisingly, it is sometimes still seen as being “overpriced”, but this was less of a complaint this year. Options here also include brunch and unlimited sandwiches and cakes for afternoon tea.
Summary
“The views are fantastic from the top of the Shard”, but prices for the “very ordinary food” are “totally outrageous” – “hardly value for money unless you’re a hedge-fund manager”. Some reporters “would never return”, but others are “glad they went”. Just remember – “this is a place to be seen and to see from, rather than a magnet for food-lovers”. Top Tip – “don’t miss the urinals – they’re the best in London”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Aqua Shard?
Level 31, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £49.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £60.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £18.00 | £30.00 | £9.00 | £16.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £66.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £6.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
Level 31, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 10:30 am‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
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