Darwin Brasserie
Monument
by PlanetBrunch Published 2 years ago
Brunch Above the Clouds at Sky Garden
Darwin Brasserie sits on the 36th floor of the Sky Garden, offering brunch with some of the best views in London. Getting there is part of the experience. From Monument Station, it's a flat, easy two-minute walk to the Walkie-Talkie building. The curved glass tower rises above the City, impossible to miss.
Inside the ground floor lobby, there's airport-style security before you're whisked up in a high-speed lift. Step out into the Sky Garden’s lush greenery, and you'll spot Darwin Brasserie perched just above the main conservatory.
The space feels calm yet alive. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the dining room, framing 360° views of London. The décor is modern and understated—wood, glass, and stone, with hints of greenery that nod to the garden below. It's stylish without being stiff, and the light flooding in makes it a photographer's dream. The atmosphere is lively and social, with tables close enough to pick up the hum of conversation.
We were seated at a bright table for two, the city skyline spread out beside us. Service was warm and quick—menus appeared in moments, and drinks followed soon after.
We ordered from the three-course brunch menu. To start, warm sourdough bread arrived first, paired with a black Americano and fresh orange juice.
Our starters were classic with a twist. The steak tartare came with a rich confit egg yolk and grilled sourdough—perfectly balanced and packed with flavour.
The prawn cocktail was fresh and generous, with a smooth avocado purée and crisp rye bread.
For mains, the Darwin beef burger was pure comfort food done right—juicy, with melted Monterey Jack cheese, crisp lettuce, and the house burger sauce. French fries on the side were hot, crisp, and moreish.
The roast chicken supreme was tender and well-seasoned, served with little gem lettuce and petit pois à la française. Simple, but cooked with care.
We couldn't skip dessert. The vanilla pannacotta was light, silky, and beautifully balanced with macerated berries. It felt fresh and simple, a clean end to the meal if you don’t want anything too heavy.
The treacle tart was the opposite—a deep, rich slice of indulgence served with clotted cream ice cream. Sweet, sticky, and comforting. I had it with a fresh mint tea, which cut through the richness and rounded off the meal perfectly.
We loved the location most of all. Eating with a view of London’s landmarks is something special. The food matched the setting—fresh, well-presented, and generous in portion. The buzz in the room added to the atmosphere, making it feel like an occasion.
The only downside? The price. This is not an everyday brunch spot, but you’re paying for the whole package—the view, the setting, and the quality on the plate. For a birthday, anniversary, or visiting friends, it's worth it.
We left full, happy, and already talking about coming back. Darwin Brasserie is ideal for those moments when you want more than just a meal. Here, brunch is an experience—one that starts the moment you see the Walkie-Talkie's glass curves from the street.
skygarden.london/restaurants/darwin-brasserie