Last Updated on 8 March, 2023
As far as Instagrammable restaurants go, this place is up there with the best of them. Duck and Waffle is a popular restaurant located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in London’s financial district. This stylish and upscale dining destination is known for its delicious food and stunning views.
I have been wanting to visit for a long time and as my sister was in London visiting, we planned on playing tourists hitting up places like Sky Garden, Garden at 120, The Shard, Borough Market, Tower Bridge Glass Walkway, and many more London sights.
The Rollercoaster Ride To Duck And Waffle
The restaurant has its own lift access and once you enter Heron Tower, and have your reservation checked and are shown to the lift next to reception. It’s then a rollercoaster rider up to the 40th floor but as you ascend with each floor revealing an aerial view of the city.
Upon arriving on the 40th Floor, you’ll be struck by the chic and modern decor of the bar you arrive in before heading into the restaurant. The space is sleek and stylish, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the city. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, making it the perfect spot for a casual or special occasion with friends or family in my case.
As we were arriving for breakfast it wasn’t as busy in the bar as its mostly people waiting on their tables being ready but its a lot busier in the evenings when the work crowd arrives.
Duck And Waffle Breakfast
The menu at Duck and Waffle is diverse and delicious, with something to suit every taste and preference. As the name suggests, the restaurant is known for its signature dish – a crispy duck leg served on a waffle with mustard maple syrup.
This dish is a must-try, and it is a popular choice among diners. In addition to the duck and waffle, the restaurant also offers a range of other dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and main courses, all made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
As we were dining in the morning we were given the breakfast menu which featured options like English breakfast, porridge, duck benedict, Colombian eggs, ham benedict, eggs florentine and a few others.
You will also be glad to know the breakfast menu still features waffles. The duck and waffle, caramelised banana waffle and the lemon meringue waffle.
In addition to their food offerings, Duck and Waffle also has a great selection of drinks, including cocktails, beers, and wines. The restaurant also has a comprehensive list of spirits, including whiskies, gins, and rums.
The food
My sister was running late so I arrived early and was shown to our table. We were originally given a table in the middle of the restaurant but as a couple was leaving a table right by the window I asked if we could be moved. The reason for our visit was not for the food alone but the views so why not shoot your shot?!
It took a few minutes to get the table ready and I was moved just before my sister arrived. Once we ordered, the food came in less than 10 minutes which I assumed was because much of the food is made in advance so as to get the diners in and out as quickly as possible.
Nonetheless, the food was delicious. I order the English breakfast and my sister order the Colombian eggs which is just avocado and toast with eggs. I paired mine with a latte, she went for a cup of joe and a mimosa. For food was delicious and I cannot fault it.
The Service And Being Asked To Leave The Window Seats
My sister had just finished her avocado toast and just when were about to place an order for more food, we were asked to leave the table. This came as a surprise as we were not asked if we needed anything else from the menu. As we still had drinks we were ushered to bar to finish them. My sister had arrived about 10 minutes late for the table but even with that in mind, we only had the table for about 50 minutes.
I later found out that they book the tables for 60 minutes, so whether you are late or want to order more food, it seemed the policy is one hour and for you to vacate your table.
While our waiter was pleasant, it seemed the manager was pulling the strings considering we had a rather “premium” table. The restaurants were not so busy to warrant being moved. Even considering the fact that restaurants had just opened up after the mass lockdowns of 2020-2021 the need to rash customers out before the hour on the table is even up.
I complained via Tripadvisor and got a response to contact them for some vouchers. I wasn’t really interested as the whole experience was tainted.
Duck And Waffle Menu prices
Ok, so with Duck and Waffle being a popular place to eat, I still found the prices to be fairly reasonable. The breakfast options are still more expensive than most places serving up breakfast but made up for the fact that the food comes with an amazing view of London. You can see all the way across and as far as Canary Wharf.
Duck and waffle Dress Code
I will be honest I was rather worried about the Duck and Waffle dress code. Having spent much of the lockdown in loungewear matched with trainers I was rather attached to my trainers. The dress code at Duck and Waffle states that “Our dress code is defined as Smart Casual. Please note, we reserve the right to refuse entry at our discretion.”
I need not have worried as I noticed quite a few guests were spotting trainers, and Birkenstocks too. It was summer so there were a few more sandals in there too.
The relaxed code of dress may have been lenient considering we just came out of a pandemic or maybe because it was just the time of day. Perhaps in the evening when there is security on the door and the suits from offices nearby are filling up the bars, the interpretation of the dress code may be stricter. It also depends on the person at the door too. So take that as you like, and just err on the cautious side and stay clear of trainers and be on the smarter side of causal, especially if dining in the evening.
Is Duck And Waffle halal?
There is no display of any halal labels anywhere on site as well as their website. However, they do offer vegan and gluten-free options. As far as halal meat at Duck and Waffle is concerned, with there being no halal status, you do have alternative options on the menu. These include Columbian eggs, full Elvis, or the eggs florentine.
Things To Do In Near Duck And Waffle
- Eataly: Having finished breakfast we stopped by Eatly for some wine as my sister is a bit of a wine connoisseur and while she was in the wine section I was in the biscuit session as I have a soft spot of Italian biscuits. If you love Italian food then this place is not to miss. They also have a cafe and restaurant on site as well.
- Spitalfields Market: Love food and independent designers then don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Spitalfields Market.
- Leadenhall Market: This historical place is not just for Harry Porter lovers but you can find pubs, bars and cafes here too worth a stop.
- Garden at 120: While Duck and Waffle comes with a view, here to Garden at 120 for an even better view of the city and you don’t have to pay. Note that food is not allowed. Having stopped by Eataly we had come stacked with wine and biscuits, these were left with security on the group floor.
- Sky Garden: Sky Garden much like Garden at 120 is free but requires advanced booking. Another one of London’s viewpoints is worth checking out.
- Shoreditch: Shoreditch is a lively and trendy part of London filled with creatives. The walls in the area are plastered with beautiful murals, lots of independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants it’s only a short walk from Duck and Waffle so be sure not to miss it. There is a guide on the blog on things to do in Shoreditch, Shoreditch cafes and bars not to miss as well as a guide on vintage shops to check out including the Shoreditch High Street and Brick Lane.
- St Dunstan in the East Church Garden: Another hidden gem nearby that we stopped over having left The Garden at 120.
How To Get To Duck And Waffle / Nearest Tube
Address: 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AY
Opening Times: Thursday to Monday – 24 hours a day | Tuesday 7 am to 1.30 am | Wednesday 7 am to 12 am
Living fairly central in London, Duck and Waffle is a short walk or quick bus ride. There are plenty of bus routes coming to Liverpool Street and Bishopsgate where Duck and Waffle is located. In addition to this the nearest tube station to Duck. and Waffle is Liverpool Street.
Here you have access to the Elizabeth Line, London Overground, Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan. Wherever you are coming from, there are plenty of options for transportation.
Even London Bridge Station is a good option, say you are on a layover from Gatwick, you can arrive at London Bridge and hop on a bus to Duck and Waffle.
