Food sometimes isn't enough. There are people, it's said, who would be perfectly happy with just a daily pill if it kept them alive.
While London's restaurant scene should in no way cater for these despicable philistines, even the most ardent foodie knows the best meals are about more than the ingredients on a plate.
A sense of occasion makes the night, and while there are basement bars and backroom dives that have character in every hairline crack in their crumbling ceilings, when a special night comes around, nothing cuts it quite like a view that puts pauses in a conversation.
The gallery above details London’s best restaurants with a view, but not necessarily London’s restaurants with the best views. There is a subtle but marked difference between the two: the capital has a handful of places with beautiful views and terrible food, as if the chefs are convinced that with the eyes distracted, the mouth won’t notice. There is a balance to be managed, which is what the best of our list have achieved: Le Pont De La Tour would still offer beautiful fine-dining were Tower Bridge to sink into the Thames and Duck & Waffle would remain an interesting proposition if it was at the base of the Heron Tower instead of 40 stories up.
What those in the gallery all offer is solid food, spectacular views, and, where it matters, service to match. There is something in something in some skyscraper restaurants especiall which smacks of arrogance, as though being up plenty of floors can cover plenty of flaws – and it can’t. Those places have not been included.
However, one caveat across most of this list is that with terrific view, there’s often a terrifying price tag. Most here don't offer tremendous value for money, although the set menus can be reasonable. Still, each and every one is a reminder of how fabulous London can really be, and why it’s so wonderful to live here – and that alone is worth saving up for.
Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis
Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout
