The Shard in London

If you've been reading this blog for some time, or follow my Instagram feed, you will know that I have something of an obsession with the latest - and the tallest ever - skyscraper to adorn the London skyline. You can imagine how overexcited delighted I was when I received an invitation to a pre-opening 'View from The Shard'.

But as I walked from London Bridge tube station past the tallest building in Western Europe to the office this morning, on the day of the viewing, the weather didn't seem to be suitable at all. I couldn't even see the top of the Shard.

Luckily when I walked back towards London Bridge Station some eight hours later, the darkening skies were clear. I found the entrance with the help of some friendly men in fluorescent jackets (builders) and was welcomed to a waiting area. Then  it was time for the (now) compulsory security check which was followed by a photographic session. I found out later this is a way to fleece you after the visit. The picture is turned into a tourist shot with London skyline in the background which will cost you £15-£20. Oh well, it is a tourist attraction after all.

Just to prove it was the 68th floor...

But back to the main aim of the visit - the View! At last it was time to go into the lifts - there are two. The first one takes you to floor 38, then you wait for the final one which takes you the rest of the 30 (!) floors. After a very smooth ride (Finnish Kone knows their stuff), I was at the top and was rewarded for my patience. 

Only a few steps up and there it was - London at my feet.

It was fully dark now and the lights of all the famous buildings were twinkling. The first thing that I noticed was The London Eye, shining blue in the distance. Moving along the windows which cover all the walls, I saw The Tower Bridge, looking like a little Lego model from nearly 300 metres up. Thames with a barge going along it looked dark and fairy-like. Trains and cars were mere toys. It was just breathtaking.

I was a happy bunny...

On the way up to the topmost floor you can see London afresh. 

But there was more to come:  on the next - and top floor - where the shard-shaped roof (hence the name) is open to the elements, you really get the sense that you are up in the skies. I know there have been much criticism on the luxury aspect (and the source of its funding) of this building, designed by architect Renzo Piano, but it really is a very impressive project. I could have stayed up there all evening, admiring the amazing roof. When the friendly guide told me events could be organised on this floor with canapes and champagne, my mind went into overdrive. Now who could I convince to have a party at The Shard and invite me?

The uppermost floor is open to the elements.

The view up to the jagged roof.

Another corner of the Shard.

Finally, I had to check out the best loo in London. What a view!

A loo with a view.

Thank you Guild Travel - the expert in travel to and from Finland - and Encore Tickets for letting me have a sneak preview of The View from The Shard.

Prince Andrew abseils down The Shard

You know my obsession with the The Shard, the latest London skyscraper? I keep taking pictures of it when I'm in my new office near London Bridge, and I cannot wait until the 1st of February when I'm going to be able to go up to The View on 68th to 70th and experience the fantastic vistas over London myself.

When I heard that Prince Andrew and 40 other people were going to abseil down the facade for charity, I was determined not to miss it. And guess what, I did!

Oh well, at least our friendly hacks at The Telegraph got all the action on film for us.



I've never been much of a fan of Prince Andrew's but I'm not sure I'd have the courage to do what he did - would you?

The Shard is finished

I've written before about my obsession with The Shard, London's latest sky scraper. Today is the official opening of The Shard which is now the tallest building in Western Europe. If, like me you are a little obsessed with architecture, you can follow the live inauguration on the Shard website here. It starts at 9 pm UK time.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you a video clip of the building of The Shard published on The Telegraph site today.




I wish I wasn't so house-bound with my bad back at the moment, and could go and take pictures of this fantastic new building. But, never mind, the platform at the very top of the Shard won't be open to the public until February, so I should be able to make that at least!

The Shard in London

Picture of how the shard will look when finished. From www.the-shard.com

The newest skyscraper being built in London is called The Shard. It'll form a new area on the South Bank called London Bridge Quarter and it will be the highest building in Europe. According to the developers, The Shard will be 'a vertical town' with an open viewing gallery, restaurants, apartments and a five-star hotel. I believe The Shard is going to be a truly remarkable building and I cannot wait to go and see it from the inside. (It will be open to the public, I've been told).

But then I have a thing about modern buildings. I love The Ark in London (although this building has had its problems) and I also really admire the look of The Gherkin.

The Gherkin

All new buildings in London get a lot of criticism, and as I'm not an architect I cannot compete in any professional discussion about whether only mock Georgian or mock Regency style should be allowed in our Capital. All I know is that I love beautiful things, and in my mind all these buildings are beautiful and magnificent.

I've been watching The Shard go up over the last two years, because its construction began at about the time when we moved to London two years ago. It soon began to dominate the skyline in the areas that I travelled in. It's slap bang in the middle of my vision when I sit on the top of the bus from Highgate to Archway, from Hampstead down to Camden, or from Crouch End down to Finsbury Park, or when I walk the terrier up to Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath. I've been told there is a great view from Alexander Palace too, but I am yet to see it.

Here are some of the pictures I've taken of the Shard during the past two years.

The view as night fell from The Tower Bridge

And one from Borough Market...

and right up close and personal.

This was taken somewhere around the back of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

View from New End in Hampstead - you can just spot The Shard in the distance.

You can see the fitting of the final piece of steel onto the very top of The Shard, which is happening today, on the BBC site here.