The first time I took my boyfriend to London we reserved a table at the Shard’s Oblix Restaurant for afternoon tea.

There are so many offers in London for afternoon tea and it really is a hard choice where to go. We picked the Shard because of the view – you sit on the 32nd floor overlooking all of London. The view really is breathtaking (as long as the weather is on your side!).

It costs 47 pounds per person which includes sandwiches, cakes, scones and tea. If you want champagne or a cocktail is costs about 60 pounds. The price is quite average for afternoon tea in London and considering the location, it is quite reasonable (there are some places in London which cost over 100 pounds per person!)

On arrival you have to go through security which only took a few seconds and then you get the lift directly to the 32nd floor. The employees are dressed in beautiful clothes (very Ted Baker like – maybe they are from Ted Baker?!) and are very friendly.

I read a lot of reviews that if you ask nicely the employees will try and get you a table by the window, and even let you change seats whilst you are eating. We did ask a couple of times but the opportunity never arose (can’t blame the staff – obviously everyone wants a window seat!) however if you do go my tip is that when you see a space free by the window go and take it. Don’t ask the waiter just get up and go. By the time you have the waiter’s attention someone else will have taken the table. We watched a couple run to a window table and at the same time another couple tried to get there too!

As for the afternoon tea itself, I personally found the sandwiches a bit dry. Otherwise the cakes were delicious and so were the scones. It says on their website they cannot change the menu for nut allergies or other needs but our waiter was absolutely lovely. He changed all of the sandwiches to vegetarian and although he couldn’t change all of the cakes to nut free he made sure I knew which cakes were nut free (and my boyfriend ate the rest of the ones with nuts in).

If you aren’t such a fan of afternoon tea or have a budget then you can always just turn up and see if there is space at the bar for a drink. Cocktails are over 10 pounds (normal London prices) but they are great. I had one whilst waiting for our table.

All in all a fancy way to have an afternoon tea and enjoy the views of London! I would definitely say that the Shard is a must see, whether it’s just to have a drink or for afternoon tea.

The Shard also offers other restaurants too! Have you ever been to one?