London from a height

[Kez100]

My DD (19, and big into landscapes and architecture) and I fancy having a meal or cocktail somewhere with an incredible view up high when we come up to London in June.

We have seen reviews of the Darwin Brasserie (@SkyGarden) and the bar there. They will be suitable, but before we book a reservation - any comments on them and, more importantly, any other recommendations? We need to be looking at a meal in the circa £40-50 per head maximum.

Not an eating experience, but you can walk over the top of the millennium dome.

I can vouch for the view, but have only had a coffee in the bar

I left London forty years ago, before these places were built, and when one of the tallest then was the Post Office Tower, BT Tower, or now called London Telecom Tower. You will have to research whether there is public access to it now.

I used to live in Hampstead, and the views from Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath are splendid, though slightly hindered by taller trees now. Even higher, is White Stone Pond, and Spaniards Road, at the top of Hampstead, but trees obscure views from here as well.

Nearer to central London and Regents Park, is Primrose Hill. All these locations can be 'walked' via Google Street View, which is fun to do!

[Street View has been greatly speeded up, and has an easier-to-use interface now, so is MUCH LESS frustrating than it used to be!]

I looked at this for a friend recently - she was eating out on firework night and wanted somewhere with a view. She went to Paramount but it's now closed.

Anyway, possibilities:

The Shangri La at The Shard - £30 a head to go up The Shard but not payable if you're dining there

www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila/dining/bars-lounges/gong/

Highest bar in London apparently

Or Vertigo 42, in The City

www.vertigo42.co.uk

Or Galvin at Windows

www.galvinatwindows.com

Or the radio bar at ME London in Aldwych

www.melia.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/london/me-london/radio-rooftop-bar.html

Although I'm not keen on the latter really, it's a bit crowded and irritating.

Not that high but good views

www.coqdargent.co.uk/gallery/#

Oh I forgot The Oxo Tower!

www.oxotower.co.uk/who/oxo-tower-restaurant-bar-brasserie/

I've eaten in the brasserie recently, it was good

Duck and Waffle, can vouch for the views and the food.

Here's a list too

londonist.com/2014/05/londons-top-10-highest-up-restaurants.php

Also depends on where you're staying and what's convenient for you

And don't forget to specify a table with a good view when you book
Sorry to state the obvious!

I had dinner in the restaurant at the top of tate modern ages ago and the food was lovely as were the river and city views.

centerpoint is good for breakfast

last time we went you could see right down into the bowels of the earth the cross rail excavations

also thanks to a mention on another thread I have tickets for the Sky Garden in the WalkieTalki building...they are free. Also restaurants and stuff up there too...I think if there are no free tickets you can still get up there by booking a table.

Not a restaurant I think the view from Emirates Air Line makes it well worth a visit.

Thanks all!

Duck and waffle.
Often my place of choice at 2am when we're in need of cocktails. But also the place I take my brother when he visits. If your budget doesn't stretch to dinner (or you can't manage to get a booking) then definitely go for a cocktail in the bar. Its on the floor higher than the restaurant, and the views are AMAZING. you are higher than the gherkin, and can see loads.
My favourite place in London at the moment.