Since opening a decade ago, The Shard has become an instrumental landmark of the Big Smoke’s skyline, entering with it a gastronomic lineup. Since then, the lofty skyscraper (that when it opened was the tallest in Europe) raised the game of London’s world-class dining scene, offering guests a new perspective of the city’s iconic streets.
One of The Shard’s most popular restaurants on the 32nd floor that has established itself as a firm destination on the competitive restaurant map is Oblix. A place I first experienced as the city sparkled at night for long, sophisticated dinners – I recently took the lift on a Saturday lunchtime to experience the daytime offering.
Jumping on the brunch brigade, an endless offering that seems to uniquely hit the spot with both locals and tourists alike – you can now book yourself in for brunch on a Saturday or Sunday, for a boozy bottomless experience. Whereas Oblix at night is an intimate, refined experience, the brunch opens a new level of energy into the dining space as the city goes about its daily life below. Filled with friends toasting and families with children filling the tables, it’s certainly a different experience to what I remember, and to be enjoyed in a whole new light.
Opulence is staggered depending on what you’re looking for. From the standard classic brunch, you can supplement with bottomless prosecco, or limitless Champagne which we selected without hesitation. This option also comes with wines, cocktails and soft drinks. As is the case with most menus, this one too blends a mix of contemporary classics (to keep the majority of punters happy) alongside some innovative, seasonal dishes the team have had some fun creating.
Set to the sweeping views of London’s skyline and postcard-worthy landmarks, dishes are as indulgent as the setting. The signature starters to share come as one and offer a little taster of Oblix’s culinary capabilities. This includes a market salad bowl, the never without burrata with olives and datterini tomatoes, a gorgeous red tuna tartare with citrus and chilli, a prawn cocktail and lastly, smoked salmon with rice crackers, seaweed and horseradish.
Main dishes branch from brunch favourites to firm lunch options. My guest and I decided to try something from each end of the spectrum. Firstly, the truffle soft poached eggs served on top of orzo, wild mushrooms and watercress which washed down nicely with the bubbles and the Oblix ‘signature’ pepper steak creamy peppercorn sauce. We paired these with some starters which were as large as the main dishes themselves. These included truffle and parmesan fries with béarnaise sauce and tender stem broccoli with almonds, chilli, and lemon.
Other highlights from this brunch menu include a lobster and crab benedict, again with the soft poached eggs, watercress and citrus hollandaise, a 200g dry aged sirloin served with a duck egg, fries and truffle mayonnaise, or the signature BBQ black cod with pickled shallots and citrus. Those looking to end the meal on a sweet note can tuck into a sharing-style dessert platter. Vegetarians and vegans are also well looked after with a selection of plant-based dishes.
Back in spring 2013, Oblix was the first restaurant to open in the now legendary Shard. Today, the restaurant endeavours to offer ‘sky-high’ standards, offering guests sophisticated, seasonal dishes with views from within the tallest building in Western Europe. Oblix is split into two spaces, turn right at the entrance for Oblix West where we tried this new brunch menu in a contemporary yet relaxed restaurant with views from St. Pauls to the West End. You can also turn left for Oblix East to visit the bar and lounge which takes inspiration from its view. Here you will find a buzzy bar designed for a creative, cosmopolitan crowd with an imaginative cocktail menu.
Factbox
Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG
Phone: 020 7268 6700
Website: oblixrestaurant.com
