I timed it. It takes 15 seconds for the lift at The Shard, London’s most famous spire-like sculpture, to reach the 32nd floor.
Doors open to a dark wood open space and a cosy entrance beckons to Oblix restaurant, a place where lunch comes with far-reaching views over London.
Ambience at Oblix
Oblix restaurant
You walk past the kitchens watching tens of chefs doing their thing – quite a sight. Eventually, you reach the dark wood walls and cushioned tan chairs of the sun-washed restaurant courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
The vibe is most definitely vibrant and jovial, and there is a sense of 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 (the East is for afternoon tea) offers a brunch menu that combines a mix of contemporary seasonal classics often with an appealing twist.
There’s a three-tiered choice: Classic brunch for £69 per person with the option of adding free-flowing champagne for an additional £56 per person or Limitless brunch for £125 per person which includes classic brunch paired with limitless champagne, wines, cocktails and soft drinks.
Not much of a drinker I opted for the Classic brunch and added just one glass of Prosecco. I am a foodie though and enjoyed devouring a generous brunch which consisted of starters, mains, and a whopping dessert.
Salmon and rice crackers
The starters trickled onto the table and comprised a market bowl salad, a burrata with olives and Dotterini tomatoes, and a tuna tartare. And there was more; the seared salmon came with rice crackers, seaweed and horse radish, followed by Carlingford lough oysters and a prawn cocktail served in a glass of gem lettuce and spicy cocktail sauce.
There were several tantalising mains on offer ranging from fish, pasta, meat and chicken. I was torn between the pepper steak and the black cod. The steak is served with a duck egg, fries, and truffle mayonnaise – so tempting, but I finally opted for the black cod.
Oblix Cedar smoked Black Cod
Oblix pepper steak
Oblix half rotisserie chicken
The cod was an excellent choice, cooked on a cedar plank and then put under a grill before it arrived in a pot complete with the plank, still moist, with pickled onions and a hint of citrus flavours. Utterly delicious. I had the pleasure of the juicy half-rotisserie chicken served with lemon, rosemary, garlic and a side of the most glorious mashed potato.
The dessert on the classic menu is sensational. A creamy cheesecake, a block of chocolate with salted caramel, a couple of macaroons, and icecream. It was indeed all too much, but fabulously so.
VERDICT: Fabulous food with veritable views in a London landmark – what’s not to like? I would recommend bringing a posse when you have something to celebrate and going for the Limitless Brunch for unlimited fun.
Check out Oblix menu here.
Available Saturday & Sunday, from 12pm – 3pm
Oblix at THE SHARD
Level 32, The Shard,
31 St. Thomas Street,
London SE1 9RY
