Sky Garden Help Center
Use the filter system on the left to select the enquiry category relevant to your question, or search using the search bar. For any other questions or feedback please contact us: sgcovid19@20fenchurchstreet.co.uk
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COVID-19
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General
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Groups
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Location
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Opening Hours
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Restaurants
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Security
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Tickets
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Can tickets be booked on the day?
Tickets are released up to three weeks in advance and get booked up fast so we recommend booking in advance. A limited number of walk-in slots are available from Monday – Friday, however these are at the discretion of our staff and capacity of the Garden.
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Does my visit have a time limitation?
All public tickets are valid for an hour.
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Is there disabled access?
Yes, the Sky Garden is accessible for all. If you have any questions about your visit, please contact our customer services team who can help guide you through access for wheelchair users and carers. Please call 0207 337 2344 or email: skygarden@20fenchurchstreet.co.uk
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Are children allowed into Sky Garden?
During public hours, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 years or over. One adult may bring a maximum of three children with them. We reserve the right to deny entry if these limits are exceeded. Children shall remain under the control or supervision of an adult at all times.
Bars & Restaurants
Yes, children are allowed into Sky Garden’s restaurants when accompanied by an adult (18+). Children under 16 are not able to enter Sky Garden after 6pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends. One adult may bring a maximum of 3 children with them and we reserve the right to deny entry if these limits are exceeded. If you are dining in Darwin Brasserie or Fenchurch Restaurant, parties with guests under 16 will have to make their way directly to the restaurant. Please note that children at the age of 16-17 will need to be accompanied by an adult 18+ years old. Please note that an ID card/Passport may be required upon arrival.
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Does the Sky Garden have restaurants?
The Sky Garden has two beautiful restaurants and two spectacular bars.
You can learn more about our drinking and dining options here.
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Is the Sky Garden available to hire?
Yes, the Sky Garden is an extraordinary rooftop events venue offering a range of event spaces and restaurants for a variety of occasions. Please visit our events page to find out more about hiring this spectacular space.
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What happens if I am running late?
Tickets are only valid for the date and time stated on the ticket and have a time limited of one hour from the time of entry. After this time we cannot guaranteed entry into the building.
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What is the Sky Garden?
The Sky Garden is the most exciting addition to London’s skyline and dining scene. As well as being the capital’s highest public garden, it showcases two destination bars and two beautiful restaurants, alongside a range of private hire options for events. Visiting the Sky Garden is free but spaces are limited. Visits must be booked in advance through this site, and can be made up to three weeks in advance.
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What is the temperature of the Sky Garden?
Whilst Fenchurch Restaurant and Darwin Brasserie are heated, the Sky Pod Bar and viewing terraces are naturally ventilated. This means the temperature is similar to the outside temperature and we recommend dressing suitably for the outdoor weather at the time.
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When is the outdoor terrace open?
The terrace is open daily from 10am-6pm weekdays, 11am-6pm weekends. Security reserve the right to close the terrace at any time due to inclement weather conditions, without advance warning.
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Who has planned the planting in the Sky Garden and what type of plants does it contain?
The Sky Garden planting has been designed by award winning landscape architects Gillespies and installed by Willerby Landscapes.
Find out more about the plants found in Sky Garden here.
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Who is the Francis Golding Terrace named after?
Francis Golding was a renowned architectural townscape advisor whose expertise brought specialist skills to 20 Fenchurch Street and many other world class City of London developments. Francis’ involvement in 20 Fenchurch Street began in 2005 with the selection of Rafael Vinoly as Architect and continued with the various planning schemes that followed, culminating in the significant contribution he made when supporting the scheme at the Planning Inquiry in 2007. Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group chose to name this terrace after Francis as a mark of respect for a man who was passionate about architecture and urban landscape in the City and consistently improved the quality of the developments on which he advised. In a previous role Francis had been Secretary to the Royal Fine Arts Commission and oversaw its transition to the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment (CABE). Francis Golding was tragically killed in a cycling accident in November 2013.
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Can I bring pets to the Sky Garden?
Pets and other animals are not allowed into the Sky Garden, except for Guide Dogs.
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Can I book a group into a restaurant?
Yes for groups of 9+ please make a booking for Darwin Brasserie using the group booking widget, or email groups@skygarden.london to make a booking. For Fenchurch Restaurant please email: groups@skygarden.london or call: 0203 819 7723
During COVID-19 We are available for booking up to 12 people (7 or more from maximum 2 households)
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I want to book free public tickets for a large group, is this possible?
Yes, we do accept group bookings to the sky garden. Please contact skygarden@20fenchurchstreet.co.uk to organise access for group bookings or find out more about here. For group booking enquiries in our restaurants and bars please contact groups@skygarden.london or call 0203 819 7723 Please allow 48 hours for a member of our team to get back to you.
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How do I get to the Sky Garden?
The Sky Garden has a dedicated entrance on Philpot Lane, on the south-west corner of 20 Fenchurch Street. There are signs at ground level around the building. Those entering Sky Garden entrance with a valid ticket or restaurant reservation will go through security and take the lift up to Level 35.
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What dates are you closed this year?
In light of the COVID-19/Coronavirus pandemic and based on government advice, we are unsure of closure dates, we are currently planning to be open for the rest fo the year excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Eve.
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What is last entry time?
Last entry to our bars is 10:00pm (Wednesday – Thursday) and 11:00pm (Friday – Saturday)
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What time do the Sky Garden restaurants and bars open?
Sky Garden’s restaurants and bars are open from 12pm weekdays, 8am weekends (from August) until late. View a full list of our opening times here.
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What time is the Sky Garden open for ticket holders?
Sky Garden is open seven days a week, from early until late. Ticket holders can visit from 10am – 6pm weekdays, 11am – 9pm weekends. Darwin Brasserie is currently are open from 12am weekdays, 8am weekends (from August) until late the bar is open during garden visiting hours and in the evenings (Wednesday – Saturday). View a full list of our opening times here.
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Can I book a window table?
The views are spectacular throughout Sky Garden and won’t disappoint. We always do our best to accommodate window table requests but cannot always honour these.
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Can I bring balloons to the restaurant?
No, helium balloons are not permitted in the Sky Garden or any of the restaurants and bars.
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Can I bring candles to the restaurant?
No, candles are not permitted in the Sky Garden due to being a potential fire hazard.
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Can I purchase Sky Garden gift vouchers?
Yes, Sky Garden gift vouchers can be purchased here and can be used at any of our restaurants and bars.
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Do you have a private dining room?
Yes, we have a beautiful private dining room in Fenchurch Restaurant available for a variety of special occasions. Find out more about the Vinoly Room here.
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Do your restaurants charge corkage?
For guests who wish to bring their own wine to the restaurant, please note we charge a £30 corkage fee for wine (£60 for a magnum) and £75 for Champagne (£150 for a magnum).
Guests to Sky Garden are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the premises. This includes in Sky Pod Bar, City Garden Bar and Fenchurch Terrace. Please note, that any alcohol brought into the venue will be confiscated by security. The reception team cannot take any responsibility for alcohol left in the reception.
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How far in advance can I book a Sky Garden restaurant?
Our restaurants and bars operate a 60 day advanced booking policy and all bookings can be made online.
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If I am dining in a restaurant do I need to book a free ticket to Sky Garden?
No, our restaurants and bars do not require you to book a free public ticket. We advise guests dining with us allow up to an hour before their reservation time to make the most of the gardens and views.
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If I'm dining in a restaurant do I need to join the entry queue?
If you are dining in a restaurant please visit the restaurant queue on the right hand side of the reception. This is a separate queue to the public tickets.
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Is there a dress code?
We operate a smart/casual dress code for evening bookings from 6pm on weekdays and 9pm at weekends. Please note that we do not permit shorts, sportswear, sport trainers or flip flops. Sky Garden is a naturally ventilated space, and therefore we recommend dressing appropriately on colder days. Our management reserves the right to refuse admission to anyone we feel is inappropriately dressed.
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What areas can be booked for private use?
The Vinoly Room in Fenchurch Restaurant can be hired for private use and seats up to 16 people. Darwin’s chef’s table in the main restaurant seats up to 20 guests so is perfect for group bookings.
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What is the difference between the Sky Garden bars and restaurants?
The Sky Garden has two beautiful restaurants and two spectacular bars.
You can learn more about our drinking and dining options here.
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Are suitcases allowed in Sky Garden?
We enforce airport-style security checks at Sky Garden and therefore large bags and suitcases are not permitted in the building, as this may delay your entrance and require extra security checks. Airport size hand-luggage suitcases are permitted as long as they can fit through the X-ray machines (max object size 615 x 410mm).
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Are there lockers or storage facilities in reception?
Unfortunately we do not have any storage facilities at Sky Garden and belongings cannot be left with reception or security. We therefore kindly request that alternative arranagements are made for storing bags and luggage ahead of your visit.
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Can I bring food or drink?
Only food and drink purchased from Sky Garden is permitted in the venue, except for baby food and milk. Hot and cold drinks as well as snacks are available to purchase from Sky Pod Bar and City Garden, with dining menus available in our restaurants Fenchurch and Darwin Brasserie.
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Can I bring my tripod into Sky Garden?
Guests are welcome to bring handheld cameras to take photographs for personal use. It is not possible to bring tripods or other large items of photographic equipment into Sky Garden. To request a permit for commercial photography of filming please visit our press centre.
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What is the lost and found policy?
If you have lost an item whilst in the building, please make enquiries with the Security staff, where your details will be taken and if the item is found, your goods will be returned to you. To make enquiry regarding lost property please email info@skygarden.london. Please hand in any lost/found property to Security at the ground floor lobby. Security staff will attempt to re-unite the rightful owners with their property. Security staff will require the following details from the person/s handing in lost/found items: Full name / Location of where the item/s was found / Contact telephone number
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What items are prohibited from Sky Garden?
The following items will be prohibited on entry, in addition to any items perceived to be capable of causing harm to the Sky Garden and others:
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When are free tickets released?
Free tickets are released every Monday morning (excluding bank holidays) for the following three weeks. To book your tickets and to check availability please click here.
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How do I book a ticket?
Free public tickets to the Sky Garden are released on a weekly basis up to three weeks in advance. To book your tickets and to check availability please click here.
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Do I need to book a ticket for my children?
Children aged over five require a ticket to enter Sky Garden. We ask that guests book a standard ticket for any children accompanying them.
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Can I change my booking?
If you would like to change your booking we recommend you cancelling your ticket online and re-booking an alternative slot.
If you have any questions regarding your free ticket and changing the details please email skygarden@20fenchurchstreet.co.uk or call 0207 337 2344 (Monday to Friday 9:30am-5:30pm, closed on bank holidays)
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I haven’t got a free ticket, can I still visit the Sky Garden?
Yes. A limited number of walk-in slots are available from Monday – Friday, however these are at the discretion of our staff and capacity of the Garden. We cannot guarantee entrance as a walk-in guest and would advise all visitors to book a ticket.
Alternatively, you can visit Sky Pod Bar without a free ticket on weekdays between from 6:15pm onwards, and on weekends from 9:15pm onwards.
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I have booked a ticket but the email confirmation has not come through?
If you have booked a ticket but have not received your ticket via email we will be able to check you in using your booking reference and name. If you do not have a booking reference please contact skygarden@20fenchurchstreet.co.uk or 0207 337 2344 (Monday to Friday 9:30am-5:30pm, closed on bank holidays)
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I would like to make a booking for when you re-open; how can I do this?
We are now welcoming free public ticket bookings for the gardens. Please view opening times. Please note we have a limited number of tickets and reservations available; this has been carefully designed to adhere to the guidelines and to protect staff and customers alike. We ask you to please cancel your ticket if you can no longer make it so we may allow another guest to visit.
Bar and restaurant reservations for Sky Pod Bar (from 15th July) and Darwin Brasserie (from 22nd July) are now bookable. Bookings are being accepted based on government guidelines regarding hospitality businesses reopening. Bookings are available now via telephone and on the website. CLICK HERE.
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What precautions are you taking for your staff?
We will be ensuring our staff are fit to work by:
- Providing training on; social distancing, personal protective equipment, sanitisation protocols and the new service style to tables
- All staff will undergo daily temperature checks and will not be permitted to work if they have a high temperature
- Strict hand washing practices including timed breaks and images of how to wash hands
- Some staff will be in face masks at all time e.g. all back of house and some front of house where possible.
- Uniforms and strict cleaning guidelines for all staff
- Enforcing a 14-day quarantine for those travelling from outside the UK
- Providing any PPE required by government guidelines
- Prohibiting sick employees in the workplace
- Strong procedures and practices to clean and sanitize surfaces
- Ensuring the person in charge of a foodservice facility is a certified food safety manager
- Ensuring the duty manager in charge is on site always during operating hours
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Will your staff be wearing PPE?
Depending on the job role our staff will wear PPE: These include face masks and gloves. All public bars have had plastic safety shields fitted to further protect staff and guests.
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What if I need to cancel due to illness?
Ensuring the safety of guests and our staff is our first priority, as this allows our loyal diners the best possible experience at Sky Garden, therefore in line with government guidance, Sky garden requires all visitors to only visit:
- If they have no symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) including a recent onset of a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
- If you or any of your party have developed these symptoms, however mild, or you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, then you should immediately self-isolate and stay at home for at least 7 days from when your symptoms started.
We ask any guests who feel unwell or show any COVID-19 symptoms to kindly not visit Sky Garden and cancel your booking as soon as possible. Please note, in such cases, we will waive the cancellation fee for those who cancel in advance.
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What hygiene practises have been adopted to prevent the spread of germs in Sky Garden?
We are committed to maintaining all necessary health and safety standards through every step of your visit to Sky Garden without negatively impacting your experience.
To prevent the spread of germs we have increased the frequency of our full venue cleaning schedule. All surfaces and tables will be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant at designated times and we have also installed additional hand sanitisation units throughout the space for guests to use. We have reduced the numbers of visitors in the day to ensure there is free time for more cleaning.
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Will I need to wear a mask inside the Sky Garden?
In line with government guidelines, face coverings are mandatory in Sky Garden unless you are seated at a table in one of our restaurants or bar areas.
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Will temperature checks be in place for guests entering Sky Garden?
Guests will not be required to take a temperature check before entering Sky Garden, however in line with government guidance, Sky garden requires all visitors to only visit:
- If they have no symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) including a recent onset of a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
- If you or any of your party have developed these symptoms, however mild, or you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, then you should immediately self-isolate and stay at home for at least 7 days from when your symptoms started.
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Will there be directional signage on the floor around Sky Garden, marking out safe distances for guests?
Yes, there will be floor markers outlining a safe distance for guests, in line with government distancing guidelines. The floor markers will show the direction of movement permitted for all guests around the venue and to indicate the One-Way system.
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How many guests will be permitted in the lift at any given time?
6 guests will be permitted in the lift at any given time. More will be permitted if all guests are from the same household and as guidelines change.
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Will I need to sign a Health Declaration form before entering Sky Garden?
No but in line with government guidance, Sky garden requires all visitors to only visit:
- If they have no symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) including a recent onset of a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
- If you or any of your party have developed these symptoms, however mild, or you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, then you should immediately self-isolate and stay at home for at least 7 days from when your symptoms started.
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What would happen if a guest or member of staff displayed symptoms of COVID-19 whilst we are visiting Sky Garden?
The guest or staff member with symptoms would be isolated and contact would be made with the NHS to advise next steps.
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How often will deep cleaning take place in Sky Garden?
Cleaning of the Sky Garden, shared surfaces, public bathrooms and touchpoints, will be done every hour throughout the day. Deep clean and sanitation will happen overnight.
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How will the bathroom queues be managed?
We have reviewed all areas where a queue may occur and will be adding stickers to the ground to clearly show safe social distancing for guests to observe. This will be in line with the government’s guidelines.
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Will there be hand sanitiser stations available throughout the venue?
Yes, there will be hand sanitiser stations at key points across the venue. As per government guidance, everyone is encouraged to carry a small pocket sanitizer with them at all times and we recommend all guests do this.
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What should I do if I feel unwell during my visit?
Please inform a member of staff immediately at a safe distance.
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When can I visit Sky Garden’s restaurants & bars?
In line with the government’s guidelines, Sky Garden is expected to re-open as a smaller operation from 3th July.
We plan to open Sky Pod Bar/ Cafe for public ticket holders from 8th July and open for morning and evening guests from 15th July.
We are planning to re-open Darwin Brasserie in line with government guidelines from the 22nd July.
City Garden Bar and Fenchurch restaurant will remain closed for now and we hope to reopen late summer 2020.
We are adjusting to a new normal, like the rest of the world and this will be reflected in a reduced number of pubic tickets and restaurant bookings to ensure we can safely welcome guests and protect our staff during this time.
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What do I need to do before visiting the restaurant?
In line with government guidance, Sky garden requires all visitors to only visit:
- If they have no symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) including a recent onset of a new continuous cough or a high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia).
- If you or any of your party have developed these symptoms, however mild, or you have received a positive coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, then you should immediately self-isolate and stay at home for at least 7 days from when your symptoms started.
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When do bookings re-open?
Below are the estimated dates for re-opening:
Darwin Brasserie: 22nd July 2020
Sky Pod Bar: 8th July 2020 for public ticket holders + 15th July 2020 bar guests (table service not available)
Fenchurch Restaurant: Late Summer 2020
City Garden Bar: Late Summer 2020
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What is the maximum group size I will be able to book?
We are now permitting reservations for up to 12 guests. For any reservations for 7 or more, all guests must be from a maximum of two households.
We will keep this page updated with changes of this kind.
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What will my dining experience be like?
We are committed to maintaining all necessary health and safety standards through every step of your visit to Sky Garden without negatively impacting your experience.
Offering the very best hospitality and delivering an excellent dining experience in a safe and responsible way is our commitment.
Below, we have detailed some of our pledges:
- Floor queuing markers will indicate the required social distance between visitors outside the venue and through reception.
- Lifts will be limited to 4 people as a maximum to ensure we all maintain social distancing guidelines.
- All staff will be fully trained to manage queuing, ensuring the required social distance spacing between guests.
- Within Sky Garden we have considered any potential bottle neck areas which may occur at peak times such as restaurant entrances, the terrace entrance, the exit lifts and toilets. We will be adding social distance stickers on the ground for guests queuing to observe.
- Within the restaurants, tables will be safely distanced to ensure guests and our staff are social distancing, in line with guidelines.
- We will ensure waiters are limited to a set number of tables to reduce interaction with multiple diners.
- We will be only accepting card payments to limit touchpoints.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sky Garden.
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What precautions are you taking in your kitchens?
Preparation of food will be a critical element to the new way we work. We have introduced the following elements in addition our previous (pre COVID-19) stringent health and safety procedures:
- Face and beard masks
- Hair nets
- Gloves
- Additional food preparation training to enhance our rigorous processes and ensure all staff are 100% sure of procedures
- Daily temperature checks
- Enforcing a 14-day quarantine for those travelling from outside the UK
- New SOPs have been implemented to ensure the exceptional cleanliness of crockery and tableware
External suppliers and deliveries will follow our detailed procedures. Each business providing a pledge that no delivery individuals have COVID-19 symptoms.
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How are you implementing social distancing between tables, guests and staff?
On re-opening we will be following all government guidelines and requirements. We will be committing to the following:
- A safe distance, in line with government guidance, between tables to ensure our staff can safely move between tables and provide the best service to diners as possible.
- Guests will be shown to their table at a safe distance, in line with government guidance.
- There will be floor signage outside the toilets to ensure guests maintain their distance when waiting to use the facilities.
- We have increased the frequency of our full venue cleaning schedule – all tables and surfaces will be cleaned with hospital grade disinfectant between every sitting.
- We have installed additional hand sanitisation units through the restaurant for staff and guests use.
Face Masks are Mandatory
In line with government restrictions please note that face masks are now mandatory at Sky Garden.
Unless you are seated in our restaurant or bar areas you will need to be wearing a face mask.
Thank you for helping us all stay safe.
