The first restaurant review I ever wrote (for fun) was almost ten years ago and was for the Duck and Waffle restaurant; fast-forward ten years, and I’m now reviewing it for one of the world’s leading luxury lifestyle magazines; pinch me!

We all know that watching sunsets has a positive psychological effect on the brain, increasing dopamine levels, so I wanted to find a hotspot in London known for its beautiful sunrise-to-sunset views from the table and where better to dine than at Duck and Waffle.

The Duck and Waffle restaurant is located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, a minute’s walk from Liverpool Street station and is one of Europe’s tallest dining experiences. They have a 24/7 dining concept meaning you can enjoy a range of menus depending on the time you dine.

Breakfast dishes include the iconic Duck and Waffle (crispy leg confit, fried duck egg, mustard maple syrup), caramelised banana waffles with hazelnut chocolate spread or a millennial favourite, avocado with poached eggs. For all-day dining, expect dishes like Lobster rolls, roasted sea bass and Angus beef tartare with a marmite-cured egg yolk. For the late-night diners, bbq spicy wings, pork and apple corn dogs and duck katsu! And for those with a sweet tooth, maple caramel apples with cinnamon ice cream, vanilla baked cheesecake and sticky toffee waffles with butterscotch caramel sauce. The menus are diverse, playful and unique, and there is something for every diner.

If you’re a regular of the Heron Tower, the unwritten rules are that you must video as you go up in the lift, the lift offers breathtaking views over London, and it goes up so high that you might even experience your ears to pop!

Once I arrived at the top, I received the warmest welcome from the cloakroom staff; I then met with the lovely general manager, Christian, whilst he showed me the table I would be dining at; they gave me one of the best tables, a round table right in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows so I could enjoy the views I came here for! I don’t know about you, but I much prefer sitting next to my date rather than sitting opposite them; I feel it changes the dynamic of the evening; I was delighted with the table they reserved for me!

Staff

I noticed that all the staff here are incredibly passionate, enthusiastic, and hospitable. Not only was I being looked after with such warmth, but looking up from my table, everyone surrounding me was also receiving the same treatment; the team were brilliant! Every staff member brought great energy and, in my opinion, gave the restaurant an electric ambience. I felt the staff were working collaboratively like family; the VP of operations, Wayne Feddon, should be so proud! I was lucky enough to be looked after by Laura, Christian, Micheal and Len; I was also personally introduced to the head chef, Maxwell, who’s in charge of the magic in the kitchen; I felt so honoured!

All day menu

The menu was full of many options; I asked Wayne for recommendations as I wanted to try things I wouldn’t usually go for and escape my comfort zone. One of the dishes he suggested was’Puy lentil & sweet onion ragout’; initially, I was like, lentils?! However, he assured me they’ll be the best lentils I’d ever eat; he was right, and to both my guest’s and my astonishment, it was the favourite! We couldn’t believe how lentils could taste so good; they had so much depth and flavour; it was a winning dish!

There are six sections to the menu; here are the dishes we tried from each, recommended by both; Michael and Wayne, and an extra recommendation sent to us from Maxwell for us to try; so spoilt!

Snacks
Cheesy Polenta Croquetas (with black truffle mayo)

Freshly Baked Bread
Rosemary and garlic bread

Raw/Nearly Raw
Beetroot Tartare

Small plates
Puy lentil & sweet onion ragout
Lobster Roll
Grilled Octopus

For the table
40-day aged rib of beef

Side
Mac ‘n’ cheese

We sat there after dinner, trying to rate each dish from our most favourite to least, but we kept swapping and changing our answers as it was too difficult to favour one over the other. That’s when you make a mental note that this place is special.

I know I mentioned above that I was looking forward to seeing the sunset, but of course, the great British weather let us down; in fact, it rained most of the evening, however; I can assure you that no dopamine was lost; the immaculate vibes at the restaurant; the spectacular views over London and the delicious food certainly made up for it! If anything, it just gives me a reason to go again; this time, I might try to catch the sunrise! Christian showed us some of the sunrise and sunset photos from his phone, there’s honestly no view like it, and I can’t wait to go back!

Dessert

I know you’re probably wondering about the dessert after the options I mentioned earlier (as if it’s even possible to choose when you have options as indulgent as those!); I’m a believer that if you’re going to have a dessert, go hard or go home! We shared the’The Full Elvis’;(picture this), peanut butter and jelly, caramelised bananas over two giant waffles, smothered with chantilly cream with all the trimmings, heaven!

As if we didn’t have enough already, we were brought out two small chocolate cakes with a happy birthday message written on top with a candle, with firm instructions from Len to “celebrate every day as if it’s your birthday!”; this kind gesture was very endearing, so it’s worth mentioning if its someone’s birthday as it made us feel extra special!

Cocktails & Mocktails

When I first arrived, I had been travelling on the tube, so I immediately fancied something refreshing to drink, Michael recommend that I try a mocktail whilst I waited for my guest to arrive, so I opted for the’Rose all day’, if you’re not a drinker, add this one to the list, it went down a treat!

Wayne also recommended the two best sellers for cocktails,’Waffle on the rocks’, which was a waffle-flavoured vodka garnished with a slice of waffle on top of the ice; however, I left my common sense at home; and used the pipette (filled with maple syrup for the waffle), and squeezed it straight into my drink, whoops!

The second favourite was ‘Tropic of Conversation’,a passion fruit liqueur mixed with pineapple, triple sec, and Champagne; simply delicious!

We also tried some spicy margaritas made by Len, one specifically spicier than the other, so my friend could try and expand her cocktail comfort zone, and it was a success; she loved them!

Extend the evening

After our 5 hour stint at the table, honestly, time flies when you’re having fun; we thought we make our way down to Sushi Samba on the floor below to have a quick drink before leaving; next thing you know, we were being ushered to a window seat with another stunning view overlooking London whilst being handed a glass of ice cold Champagne!

Final words

To say I enjoyed my experience with Duck and Waffle is a complete understatement; everything about the evening was outstanding; I can’t recommend them enough for the exceptional standard they provided throughout our evening. If you’re looking for somewhere to book for a special occasion, a celebratory meal, or a romantic date night, this is your sign to book!

A: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY, United Kingdom
T: +44 20 3640 7310
W: Duck and Waffle

Written by Danielle Tobin for Luxuria Lifestyle London and International