Lois : 𝙽𝚘 𝙲𝚛𝚞𝚒𝚜𝚎 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚘𝚕

Have you eaten out since lockdown was eased? Pre-covid times my Husband and I would eat out regularly. I was intriguied to see how eating out has changed since Covid.

We chose to visit Aqua on their earliest Brunch sitting, to allow for a quiet time to try out public transport and a quiet time in the restaurant! It was in fact a good call. We had the whole train carriage into London to ourselves, we’ve both used the same route to head into work once recently and on Saturday the train was even quieter! Perfect. To be fair if any distancing rules were broke, we would of cancelled.On arrival to the Shard, the security men were all wearing appropriate PPE and very welcoming. Brief security scanning of handbag / pocket contents and then a quick lift ride up to the 32nd Floor. The lifts are programmed so no requirement to touch lift buttons and the lift is clearly laid out for socially distanced standing. We had the lift to ourselves , I feel as they are so quick, most people will probably await a private lift for their party.

No matter what number to visit Aqua this is, and no matter how long you have lived in London, it is impossible to not walk around the corner toward Aqua and not have your breath taken by the beautiful view. Head down the stairs whilst taking in the 3 storey length glass window with a panoramic view over the City of London. You may be sat in the bar to await your table, you’ll head to the right and start to take in the East/South East London view. Then when you’re walked around to the restaurant marvel over the West End/ West London/ SouthBank view.

A table view is the ideal, however if you’re not seated at a window, do not fear. The whole restaurant is surrounded by three storey high windows, wherever you sit, you’ll have a fabulous view to admire!New look menus can be pursued by scanning the QR code on the card on your table. The Delicious Brunch menu consists of a starter, main and desert.

Service from the staff is excellent, as usual. They are polite, cheerful , very attentive yet unobtrusive, perfect service. They, of course, have the post lockdown additions of either a mask or a visor. We both felt completely safe throughout our stay. Luckily for us for the majority of our meal, there was only one other couple in the restaurant. As we finished our meal, more customers arrived, there was always far more than the required social distancing between groups of people.

For Starter I ordered the Eggs Benedict, Maynard’s Farm ham, a Clarence Court poached egg and Hollandaise sauce. This starter was delicious! The ham was lean and the egg was poached perfectly, perfect.

My husband ordered Buttermilk pancakes with berries, Wiltshire back bacon, vanilla cream and maple syrup. If Eggs Benedict had not been on the menu, I would of chosen this option, so there was quite a degree of food envy, despite my option being so delicious, always a bit of food envy….mammals disease!

It looked absolutely delicious and my Husband assures me it was!

For our Main course we both ordered the Shard Breakfast. Having previously had a few brunches at Aqua, I had assumed the same Brunch would arrive. WOW, it was about twice the size as last time, what a treat and last time was fabulous. A feast of two free range eggs, any way you want, Wiltshire back bacon, pork and leek sausage, tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, (DELICIOUS) homemade baked beans, sautéed potatoes, black pudding and toast sourdough. Everything was perfect! If you fancy trying the Shard Breakfast make sure you have a booking before midday.

Somehow, we had space for dessert, though I do think you always subconsciously save a spot for dessert! I am more of a savoury girl, but couldn’t resist the Lemon Posset, my husband ordered the same. Oh it was delicious, so delicious , Lemon Posset, Strawberry Marmalade, elderflower sorbet and Scottish Shortbread.

Aqua kindly spoilt us with a lovely chocolate and fruit plate for our 13th Anniversary, make sure you let them know if you’re celebrating anything.

Do visit, treat yourself to Brunch. In conclusion, the food was scrumptious, the service was impeccable and in keeping with the Covid19 restaurant rules. Support restaurants, they’ve had a hard time over the last few months. Treat yourself, you only live once…. YOLO.

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