Harden's survey result
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”.
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”.
Summary
“You can’t beat the view” from the 31st floor of Western Europe’s tallest building: “sitting up in the heavens, overlooking the twinkling lights of London” puts it high on some diners’ lists “for a special occasion”. Prices at this Hong Kong-owned landmark venture are appropriately “astronomical”, but the food is definitely not out-of-this-world and for too many reporters the overall package “can seem poor value for money (even with the special deal!)”
For 31 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?
Restaurant details
Aqua Shard Restaurant Diner Reviews

"Lovely venue"
Prices
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Wine per bottle | £38.50 |
Filter Coffee | £7.00 |
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Bread | £4.00 |
Service | 13.50% |
Level 31, 31 St Thomas St, London, SE1 9RY
Number of Diners: | |
Required Time: | |
Opening hours
Monday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
Tuesday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
Wednesday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
Thursday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
Friday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
Saturday | 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
Sunday | 6 pm‑10:15 pm |
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