Harden's survey result
Summary
Limited feedback in this year’s annual diners’ poll on the 37th floor of the City’s ‘Walkie Talkie’ – perhaps many Londoners regard it as touristy. Such accounts as we have, though, on the cooking under chef Kerth Gumbs is upbeat: you can have an eight-course tasting menu for £115 or eat à la carte (although the latter is not much less inexpensive with main dishes circa £50). Incredible views, of course.
Summary
“Unbeatable views” from the 37th floor of the City’s Walkie-Talkie building accompany chef Michael Carr’s menus at this “high-end” operation from caterers Rhubarb. “The food varies from average to exceptional”, but there “enough courses that succeed” to make dining here a worthwhile – even “romantic” – experience.
Summary
“Amazing views” from the 37th floor of the Walkie Talkie Tower are backed up by “delicious and beautiful food” from chef Michael Carr at this “well-presented” City destination. Upmarket caterers Rhubarb have worked commendably hard to ensure the venue offers more than just a “great location”.
Summary
“It is rare to encounter a five-star ambience, as well as welcoming service, and a high standard of food, all at once in the City” and, on pretty much all accounts, there’s “no better place if you’re looking for an exceptional evening location” than the 37th floor of the ‘Walkie Talkie’ (“go for a walk in the garden... with a drink... take in the amazing view…”). As the survey was concluding in June 2019, chef Dan Fletcher left for Somerset, and a new chef, George Farrugia (ex-Bob Bob Ricard) joined this operation run by caterers ‘rhubarb’ – hopefully the good all-round performance will survive the upheaval.
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 Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Garden?
20 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 3BY
Restaurant details
Fenchurch Restaurant, Sky Garden Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Our visit to Fenchurch will definitely go down as one of the highlights of the year. The Caribbean Tasting Menu inspired by chef Kerth Gumbs is fantastic. The service especially from our waitress Greta was excellent and the views over london from this stunning location are amazing. So yes I would highly recommend a visit. The restaurant itself is in the Fenchurch building which is in a great location and only a short walk from a variety of stations. You arrive at the reception where you pass through a quick security check before making your way round to the lift. From here you make your way up to the thirty fifth floor. This is where the Sky Garden is located. You then make your way round to another lift for the final two floors. As we exited the lift on the thirty seventh floor your at the reception to the restaurant. Here we were given the most delightful welcome before being escorted to our table. The first thing that hits you are the amazing views where you can see Wembley stadium and beyond as well as great views of the river thames and many of london’s famous landmarks. Once settled we then met our waitress Greta who I have to say is a credit to the industry. She presented us with the A La Carte and Tasting Menu’s that also included a wine pairing and a cocktail pairing. We both decided on the tasting menu as this is more Caribbean influenced and for myself I was very interested to try the cocktail pairing. We started with a drink while we enjoyed an amazing selection of snacks. These were Jerk Beef Tartare in a Prawn Cracker , Sweet Potato and Oregano , Mac n Cheese as well as Sourdough Bread with seeded lavroche , curried haddock and tomato butter. I can tell you now they were all delicious and you would have left happy if this is all you had. Now it was time for the first course. This was the famous Johnny Cake with pickled crab , scotch bonnet mayo , roe. The cocktail pairing was a Rhu-Tai (rhubarb , almond syrup , lime) all I can say is wow what a way to begin. The second course included a bit of theatre at the table. The Fungi and Salt Fish of octopus , gungo peas , okra , avocado and cornmeal arrives at the table as one. They then pour water over the dry ice. Once settled the dish is separated into two separate parts. The pairing was a Bush Tea (gin , lemongrass , green chartreuse). Next to arrive was the Roast Scallop with textures of cauliflower and roast chicken butter sauce where once again the flavour combinations were absolute heaven with the perfect amount of spice in each dish. This was paired with a Rum Soul (chamomile , rosemary , lemon) Now it was time for the main course of Aged Duck with tamarind , turnip , sorrel and accompanied with a duck patty. The cocktail was a punchy Brixton Rum Punch (tropical juices , spice rum , nutmeg) another amazing pairing. Our waitress Greta then asked if we would like a little break before desserts. It was during this time we received a nice surprise as out from the kitchen came Kerth to say hello and have a nice chat. He then said as a complimentary extra we could choose a dessert to share from a la carte menu. We decided to opt for the Seasonal Soufflé of Orange Marmalade with candied almonds and pistachio cake. Firstly though came the pre dessert of Soursop and pink peppercorn lollies with whiskey gummy bears. This was followed by the dessert of Chef Kerth Gumbs Conkie Dumpling Cake - sweet potato , caramelised white chocolate coconut and salted milk ice cream. The final pairing was a Fenchurch Cafe (coffee , tonka , white chocolate) just heaven. We finished with coffee and petit fours to bring to an end a fabulous dining experience. The Caribbean flavours and spicing were absolutely amazing , the cocktail pairings matched each course perfectly and the service from our waitress Greta was excellent. This is definitely a place I would recommend and now cannot wait to return to try the a la carte which is filled with a twist of classic british dishes. As we left we personally had the chance to thank Kerth for our amazing lunch. Thank You Kerth , Greta and all the team for a fantastic dining experience and look forward to seeing you all again soon."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £47.00 | £54.00 |  |
|
 |
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 95.00 | Always available | 9 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £22.50 | £41.50 | £13.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.30 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 15.00% |
20 Fenchurch St, London, EC3M 3BY
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 5 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5 pm‑9:30 pm |
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