20 Fenchurch Street, dubbed the Walkie Talkie because of its resemblance to the old school radio transmitters, has the dubious honour of receiving the 2015 Carbuncle Cup for Britain’s ugliest building. One of London’s many new glass-fronted skyscrapers, it’s also attracted controversy for having the capacity to magnify rays of sunlight to the point where it can melt bits of cars parked nearby.
On the plus side, it’s home to the Sky Garden, which thanks to its position on the 35th floor means it’s the highest public garden in London. Unlike the Shard it’s free to enter, as long as you book an advance ticket, and from the top of this 150 metre building you get 360 degree views over London. The garden is filled with Mediterranean plants, and there’s also a bar, the Darwin’s Brasserie, and for more of a splurge, the Fenchurch Restaurant.
