I always joke say that I’m a morning person and a night person, its just the part in between that I struggle with. Even if you’re not a morning person, it’s worth getting up at a stupidly early hour to see the sunrise from the top of 20 Fenchurch Street (a.k.a. The Walkie Talkie). For my friend S’s birthday we had breakfast at Darwin’s Brasserie – an all day restaurant right in the roof of the building above the infamous “Sky Garden“.

The combination of the early start and airport-like security to get in to the building did make me feel a bit like I was going on holiday (no liquids over 100ml or food allowed, fyi). Upon stepping out of the lift on the 36th floor the space feels vast and slightly airport-like. The brasserie itself is cosier (and warmer!) and was busy but not packed at 8am. The breakfast menu is really good value, especially considering the location. The crowd was mainly City folk but that is to be expected on a Tuesday morning. I imagine that in the week the restaurant is a prime spot for impressing clients and that the majority of people eating here will be putting it on expenses. The waiting lists are pretty long for the Sky Garden and Darwin’s but if you can face the early alarm clock then breakfast is a great way to experience the views while the sun comes up.

7am. The thing with tall buildings is that you can see them all over the city until you actually need to find the entrance.

The Brasserie is simple and minimalist in style. The views are obviously the star attraction here.

The menu has a good range of breakfasts – I am a sweet breakfast person and so the breakfast brulee sounded amazing.

Served with a mini smoothie.

My friend had eggs benedict with smoked salmon. 

The breakfast brulee was so good – a little bowl of berries and seeds and a warm caramelised brulee of fruit and yogurt definitely made a nice change from porridge at my desk.

Another friend had eggs benedict with spinach. 

For photographs the Sky Garden is better – Dawin’s is almost too high in the roof to have the best views. The Sky Garden is pretty cold in the winter but the fur theme warms it up. If you’re on a budget then book the Sky Garden and treat yourself to coffee and cake from the bar.

The Cheesegrater and Gherkin – our skyline is changing so much. Tower 42 (on the left) used to be considered “tall”.

I could have sat up here all day enjoying the view if I didn’t have to go to work. I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes on the website as I’ve promised my parents a visit here soon. Booking info (including how to book a free visit to the Sky Garden) here.

Looking for something similar? Duck and Waffle in the Heron Tower also serves up great views and slightly quirkier food.