SKY HIGH DINNING

There’s nothing better than sampling wonderful food, than eating it with amazing city views, hundreds of feet from the ground. We’ve picked our favourite sky high restaurants here, some less conventional than others, some a little further away and some more luxurious. Starting with the nearest to the ground first…

‘London in the Sky’ is an experience like no other; a 22-seat Sky Table suspended 100 feet in the air, where you’ll enjoy fantastic food and drink accompanied by unique views of the capital. So, whether you’re after an epic setting for a date night or the chance to treat friends or clients to an experience they’ll never forget, London in the Sky is sure to be a highlight and probably the best selfie you’ll ever take.

Founded in 2006 and now successfully operating in 63 countries, in London they run eight flights a day: two Breakfasts (45mins); Prosecco & Cake (45mins); two Lunch flights (1hr); Cocktails (45mins); and finally two evening Dinners (1hr). Whichever flight you’re on, you can expect an indulgent menu of food and/or drinks with an amazing view. https://londoninthesky.co.uk/

Sky High Dining at the Emirates Air line is a 5 course feast on the iconic Greenwich cable car 295 feet above the Thames river, London, enjoying some truly inspirational food and fabulous drinks! Jimmy and the team will cook you a tailored menu of incredible canapes, before you enjoy a premium menu featuring scallops, lamb rump and even ‘dessert in the clouds’ – what’s not to love? With wines and cocktails paired to the menu, leaving you to enjoy the view of the skyline.

Its all about a river view with dinner, pods are available to book in blocks of 2 and hold up to 4 guests each (most pods will be sharing with 2 couples per pod). Drinks, canapes and starters served ‘southside’ in the hanger bar, then step into your pod for mains on a full round trip of the crossing, then relax with desserts & cocktails to be served to your pod too on a second trip! ‘Flights’ take approximately 1 hour, with 30 minutes before in the hanger bar. https://www.jimmyspopup.com/

Set 300 feet above sea level on the 34th floor of the West Tower, Panoramic 34, in Liverpool, is one of the UK's highest restaurants. This celebrated fine dining restaurant is encapsulated by ceiling to floor windows offering breathtaking 360° views of the iconic river, city and region beyond.

Having truly escaped the bustle of the city streets, guests are welcomed by the enveloping, sensuous comfort of the bar area, the ideal place to unwind and sample the well-stocked bar or peruse the extensive wine list. In contrast the dining area is luxurious yet understated; a master class in contemporary comfort.

The cool tones, crisp white linen, considered accessories and lighting expertly showcase the spectacular views and incredible dishes.

Uniquely Panoramic 34 will never offer the same experience twice. The changing time, tides and seasons means the scenery and mesmerising vistas change by the hour. The captivating beauty of these changes become effortlessly part of the restaurant environment, and ultimately part of the unforgettable Panoramic 34 experience. https://www.panoramic34.com/

Duck & Waffle London offers a unique blend of breathtaking London views with an intimate, welcoming, critically-acclaimed dining experience. It’s located 574 feet up, on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate in London. Completed in March 2011, it’s one of London’s tallest buildings. Guests are transported to the restaurant from a private entrance on Bishopsgate via two express, double-glazed scenic lifts which travel at 5mps, each lift can accommodate 16 guests and takes just 40 seconds to reach the summit. Designed by award-winning architects CetraRuddy, the restaurant, bar, a bustling open kitchen and a private dining room.

Duck & Waffle London offers a playful take on traditional British cuisine with broad European influences emphasising local, rustic, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.

Dishes are designed for sampling and sharing and are complemented by an iconoclastic cocktail experience served in a vibrant atmosphere that welcomes guests 24/7. Breakfast, brunch, late night, desserts: “all day” dining is redefined as they serve from sunrise to sunset to sunrise again and every hour in between! https://duckandwaffle.com/

Located in the world’s tallest tower, At.Mosphere restaurant is on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai rising 1,450 feet with breath taking views of the Arabian Gulf. The Burj Khalifa was completed in 2004, and underwent 40 tests to examine the effects of wind on the tower and its neighbouring skyscrapers.

The world’s tallest restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon delights, and dinner menus boosting critically acclaimed menus of exclusive creations using high quality produce from around the world. Truly the most high rise gastronomical experience you can have in the world. http://www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com/

The only other way of fine dinning, at a greater height than at At.mosphere is to travel Business Class on a plane, 38000 feet up!

Business class for ordinary folk, is pretty unobtainable however if you want to treat yourself for a special occasion but still cant afford the thousands it costs to buy a Business Class ticket, they is another way of obtaining a ticket more cheaply. Did you know once you have bought your economy ticket you can bid for an up grade with certain airlines for a fraction of the cost? It’s a blind auction for unsold seats for over 50 airlines. You are restricted to a price range and you cant see what others have bid so obviously it’s not guaranteed and can be a bit trial and error at the beginning.

Its also worth checking before you buy your economy ticket that you will be eligible to bid for an upgrade.

If you place a bid, you’re accepting responsibility to pay for the upgrade if it comes through, and bids tend to be non-refundable except when your flight is cancelled.

If your bid is accepted, you can enjoy all the benefits and privileges a regular business or first-class ticket would offer, such as extra checked bags or access to an airline lounge and of course sample the wine list, the fine dinning and all with the most amazing views of the world.