I timed it. The elevator at The Shard, London's most famous spire-shaped sculpture, takes 15 seconds to reach the 32nd floor.
A door leading to a dark wooden open space and a cozy entrance beckon to the Oblix restaurant, which serves lunch with panoramic views of London.
Oblix vibes
We pass by the kitchen where we watch dozens of chefs doing their work. It's a really cool sight. Eventually, you reach the restaurant's dark wooden walls and cushioned tan chairs, bathed in sunlight thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.
The atmosphere is definitely lively and cheerful, and there's a feeling that there's something to celebrate in the air. We witnessed at least five birthday celebrations in the two hours we were there.
food
Every Saturday and Sunday, Oblix West (East for afternoon tea) offers a brunch menu that combines contemporary seasonal classics with charming twists.
There are three tiers to choose from: Classic Brunch for £69 per person (with the option to add complimentary champagne for an additional £56 per person) or Unlimited Brunch for £125 per person, which includes Classic Brunch paired with unlimited champagne, wine and cocktails. And soft drinks.
I don't drink much so I opted for the classic brunch and just added a glass of prosecco. Although I'm a foodie, I enjoyed the large brunch with starters, main courses, and hearty desserts.
Appetizers trickled onto the table and consisted of market bowl salad, burrata with olives and dotterini tomatoes, and tuna tartare. And there was more. Seared salmon was served with rice crackers, seaweed and horseradish, followed by Carlingford Lake oysters and shrimp cocktail served on gem lettuce and a glass of spicy cocktail sauce.
A variety of tantalizing main dishes were served, from fish and pasta to meat and chicken. I was torn between red pepper steak and black cod. The steak comes with a duck egg, french fries, and truffle mayonnaise. It was so tempting, but I ended up choosing the black cod.
Cod was an excellent choice. It was cooked on a cedar plank, then placed under the grill, and the plank arrived in a finished pot. It was still moist and had a hint of pickled onions and a hint of citrus. It's really delicious. I enjoyed a juicy half rotisserie chicken with lemon, rosemary, garlic, and the most delicious mashed potatoes.
The desserts from the classic menu are amazing. Creamy cheesecake, chocolate block with salted caramel, two macaroons and ice cream. It was really too much, but surprisingly so.
verdict: Great food with an actual view of a London landmark – what’s not to like? When you have something to celebrate, I recommend taking one person with you to Limitless Brunch for unlimited fun.
Check out the Oblix menu here.
Available Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 3pm
Oblix of the Shard
Level 32, The Shard,
31 St Thomas Street,
London SE1 9RY