The Garden in the Sky

Which is the more bizarre? A garden at the top of a building or a building that appears to be wider at the top than the bottom? And can you really call it a garden when it is completely enclosed within the top three floors?

Having whizzed up thirty-five floors, the lift opens into a wide space edged with floor to ceiling windows. The greenery extends along two opposite sides of the building, lining the stairs rising two further levels. You can deviate from the stairs to be between the flower beds under the trees. The view is from a different level, depending on which side of the building you are and the three floors are open plan. It feels very spacious. Although it is busy, it doesn’t overcrowded and there is a relaxed atmosphere. There is a mix of families, business people and tourists.

Directly across the river is The Shard. It erupts from the buildings around it the way its namesake of glass stabs into a wound. St. Paul’s was easier to spot than it had been from the taller building. All the iconic buildings were easier to find and clearer to see. But then, we were only half as high.

Dotted around the lower level are chairs and tables, other seats and old bicycles. They are fixed to the floor and painted entirely yellow, green or orange. There is a bar in the middle. We bought expensive cups of tea in paper cups. The seats are not designed to make you stay long. But the view is good. And for a free space, although you do need to book tickets, it is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.