What could be better than sipping Champagne at 590 ft overlooking the London skyline.

For those of you like me, who never got the chance to go up to the top of the old Nat West tower, well now is your chance.  Vertigo 42 is located on the 42^nd floor of the renamed Tower 42 and offers spectacular panoramic views of London as you have never seen it.  You of course just have to hope for a clear day, which is not always easy in London!  The evening we went up the cloud level was quite low, but I could still see St Paul’s Cathedral and the Oxo Tower in the distance.  You have to pass through airport style security before you are allowed to enter the elevator and once you reach the small intimate bar you are greeted with floor to ceiling glass windows and mirrored walls.

As well as offering a large selection of 35 different types of Champagne starting at around £14 a glass or just under £60 a bottle, they have introduced a new range of Autumn Bellinis all at £14.  There are 5 in the current line up and I tried them all...

First up is the Yuzu & Cranberry, made with Yuzu juice, cranberry juice, raspberry puree and syrup.  Next up is Lychee & Hazelnut, made with Lychee puree, Frangelico and Angostura bitters.  If you fancy something more fruity, then the Raspberry, Passion Fruit & Cacao might be more up your street, made with passion fruit puree, raspberry puree, white cacao and chocolate syrup.  Fourth in the line up is Orange & Raspberry, consisting of Fino sherry, raspberry syrup and fresh orange juice.  Last and by no means least is the Rose & Plum Bellini with Choya Plum wine, Rose syrup and strawberry puree.  The winner for me though was the Lychee & Hazelnut.

For those of you who would rather enjoy some nice wine, they also have a little selection of around 5 whites, a Rosé and 5 reds starting at just over £9 a glass or £35 a bottle.  They come from France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America.

We were somewhat hungry and I am pleased to say that Vertigo 42 has an excellent little menu to accompany your cocktails from a more substantial Risotto, Sirloin Steak or Caesar Salad to smaller canapés to share.  We opted for some sharing plates and were not disappointed.  The scallops were mouth-wateringly delicious as was the layered Smoked Salmon with herb butter and mustard dressing.  A selection of canapés for 2 or 3 people to share starts at £32 whilst the Steak or Haddock for example are around the £20 mark.  Tempting desserts are just under £8.  All the dishes can of course be paired with the perfect Champagne.

All in all a fun place to visit despite it not being the cheapest place in Town.  As space is limited, you need to book a table in advance, which is actually far more comfortable, so it will never be crowded and you can enjoy a conversation with friends or a romantic evening for two.

Photographs by Paul Winch-Furness.