Aqua

European Restaurant in Bermondsey
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8 / 10 from 1 review
Address
The Shard, 31st floor
96 Tooley Street
Bermondsey
London
SE1 2TH
Map
Telephone
020 3011 1256
Cuisine
European
Region
Bermondsey
Nearest Station
London Bridge
0.21 miles

Aqua Picture Gallery

Aqua Picture

All In London Review

A bargain; cheaper than The View from The Shard and with way more Champagne

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It has one of those names that immediately conjures up images of tacky central London cocktail bars and there is an element of that in the décor but Aqua at The Shard always has its exceptional views to fall back on. Located on the 31st floor of London’s highest tower (at time of writing), it is a swanky bar that echoes hotel bar style rather than the aforementioned tacky London money look. The three-storey atrium bar is certainly a sight with its sleek lines, huge booths and in-house piano but the 180-degree views from the reaching glass windows are why most people are here.

With tickets to The View from The Shard costing upwards of £20, Aqua is a cheaper and more sociable way to enjoy the London skyline - with a glass of wine in hand. The vibe at Aqua is a hard to pinpoint. There is clearly a lot of money flying around from City locals, the odd group of boorish lads (on this occasion at least) and plenty of tourists, which means that while they may have trouble filling the offices and residential spaces, in the bar, not so much.

Tables are unfortunately requisitioned for diners during the evening, which makes sitting down for the evening a game of musical chairs – except without the chance of a present at the end. The formal bar serves cocktails, champagne, wine and a small selection of bottled beers and service is a struggle. After 5pm you’ll almost certainly find a queue waiting for you at the ground floor elevator. And when you reach the 31st floor bar there will be another one. But at least you have the view to fill your thoughts once you’re in.

With two drinks coming in at a fraction of the price it costs to go to the very top of The Shard, Aqua is a bargain. Take a date, go in a group or visit alone for a decadent viewing experience.

Reviewed by T.A.O on Apr 8, 2014
Published on Mar 28, 2014


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If you’re out to impress a prospective partner then go all out with drinks in one of the highest bars in London. The bar at Aqua in The Shard offers accessible opulence, incredible views and guaranteed wow factor.

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Spotlessly clean, and serving you beer

Although not quite a venue in a toilet, the lavs at the glamorous Aqua bar in the Shard are the highest in Europe. While you're spending a penny you get the same excellent views over London as you do from the rest of the building.

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