My first impression of London’s sweeping views was from watching the performance of ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ in Mary Poppins. I think it poignantly captured that enchantingly hazy quality that pervades through a London vista at sunset  if, albeit, giving a false representation of how easy it is to jump between the City’s buildings. I have experienced many options in the city which allow guests to soak up London’s panoramas and my latest venture was to Sky Lounge in Tower Hill.

Sky Lounge distinguishes itself by the fact it takes great pride in its culinary offerings, in lieu of simply being an after-work drinks venue with some mediocre bar snacks. I believe I have previously mentioned my incredulity at the amount  of establishments which exist  solely to funnel alcohol into desperate, disheartened souls for whom conversation is an impenetrable fortress without the aid of alcohol’s social lubricant. At several bars in the Bank area, which shall remain nameless, food is seen less as a pleasure in itself and more as a necessary evil. Patrons are served what appear to be scraps from the kitchen which were dismissively rejected by the dog, with the begrudging sentiment that if customers start keeling over from alcohol poisoning then it might be bad for business.

I’m hyperbolising rather a lot of course but regardless, there is no culinary sacrifice at Skylounge. The confit duck sushi cones are certainly a far cry away from the greasy sliders and potato wedges of which my city colleagues have become accustomed. An extensive cocktail menu abounds, however the Charcuterie and Cheese board, comprised of such delights as cured meats, Manchego and some sumptuous fig chutney means that this is somewhere I would quite happily venture for the cuisine and view alone. The dishes are designed to be shared so this is the perfect choice for an after-work gathering with colleague or friends or even a first date. Indeed, while I concede I was expecting some light piano music in lieu of the contemporary tunes that osmosed through the speakers, the music was never overly obtrusive and hence did not inhibit conversation. This is another thing that people (myself included) seem to blindly tolerate in London – deafening music in the smallest of bars where it is impossible to hear anyone properly. You could be uttering such nonsense as ‘Beware the tuxedo-attired koala in the abandoned mine shaft’ and your companion will probably politely nod in the name of social etiquette.

I’m acutely aware I’m starting to sound curmudgeonly so, happily, there’s none of the above issues at Sky Lounge where the food is delightful and the ambiance lively but manageable. Moreover, considering the promising onset of summer, the views of our city are sure to become even more enchanting. If you do go, make sure to stand out on the balcony and truly appreciate the vista that surrounds you; it is seeing London in all its component parts like this, almost as if you were looking down on a model village, that makes me inexplicably proud to be a Londoner.