Having been collected by our knight in shining armour, our Uber
London driver of course, and successfully analyzing every detail of the
events of his night, the run of the mill 5am hunger pangs began to take over.
After an active cardio session, in the form of dancing around
the members only Whisky Mist London, famished was an accurate description. In a
city that’s always thriving with life, the lack of "wee hours of the morning" dining facilities has always amazed me.
High on the 40th floor of The City’s Jewel, The Heron
tower, sits a poised eatery open for diners 24 hours a day. So whether
it’s a late night feast you’re after, or a cheeky night-cap, Duck
& waffle promises to not only welcome you with open arms but
nestles you in its menu of utterly delicious foods and unique combinations- the
perfect cure after a night of liquid indulgence.
Guided through a separate entrance we soared up the 600ft
distance to our destination, warning: your ears will pop, and alighted to a rustic
wooden walled maze that would lead us to our much awaited treasure:
Good food.
Having previously visited Duck & Waffle for every meal
of the day, yes there is a separate menu for brunch, lunch and all meals in
between, I have played victim to the routine sharp intake of breath as you turn
the final corner of the maze to discover the incredible view that sweeps the entirety
of London. However, no matter how many times you visit this establishment the
panoramic views never fail to take your breath away.
Settled and raring to order, our maitre de glided over with
a much appreciated perkiness for 5.30am, and muttered my favourite ‘AM’ pillow
talk words:
“Can I get you
anything?”
Oh can you.
“A Round of the
signature Duck and Waffles, a steak and eggs Benedict for precautionary
measures and a side of trotter-braised beans- please.”
The Duck and Waffle is the restaurants signature dish for a
reason.
A crispy duck leg confit cooked so tenderly in a way that
ensure the meat is separable from the bone, perched on top of an airy waffle and
crowned with a fried duck egg drenched in mustard maple syrup (it comes separately
but ask your maitre de to pour it over the top and they will ensure that it is
quite literally soaked.) 40 floors up, and one duck and waffle down, heaven was
literally right around the corner.
On to the Steak & eggs. My overzealous ordering may have
been the cause for this dish, but it was definitely a good thing in this case.
I was presented with braised ox cheeks, crunchy charred sourdough bathed in Hollandaise
sauce. An absolutely exquisite dish.
Although the maitre de forgot our side of trotter-braised
beans, we were definitely satisfied with our early morning chow-down, and retired
to our beds with a head full of fun memories and a stomach completely
satisfied.
Definitely worth a visit!
