Catch charming City views at The Garden at 120.
Not to blow our own horn or anything, but we’re usually au fait with exciting upcoming London developments (it is, after all, our job). However, the odd project does fly under the radar, which makes it a nice surprise for us to find that, not only does it exist, but it’s just opened. Such is the deal with The Garden at 120, the ravishing new rooftop in the City of London which is open for a wander from today.
Despite having no knowledge of its existence until five minutes ago, we’re fully on board with this stylish new roof terrace. Sitting fifteen storeys up atop One Fen Court, the new HQ for Italian insurance company Generali, the roof garden is open to the public (via a lift), and completely free to wander around.
Designed by Eric Parry Architects – who bill it, somewhat grandiosely, as “a building of a hundred views” – One Fen Court will hold the now-standard mix of office and retail space. The Garden at 120, which was landscaped by German firm Latz + Partners, is sandwiched between the Walkie Talkie and The Gherkin, both only a couple of streets away, giving you pretty impressive close-ups. The Shard stands imposingly across the river, the Tower of London is within the sightlines, and Canary Wharf is easily visible in the distance.
Whilst there are treats to be seen across town, there’s plenty to see on the rooftop itself. Amongst the neatly trimmed hedges, wildflower patches, and tranquil water feature, there’s a kind of serenity here that’s too often lacking in the City. The elegant metal pavilion, meanwhile, will only get better-looking, as early summer should bring the wisteria into bloom. Plus, at nearly 3000 square feet, there’s no shortage of space on a sunny day.
Location: 10 Fenchurch Avenue, EC3M 5BN. Nearest stations are Aldgate and Monument. See it on Google Maps.
Opening times: currently open on weekdays from 10am-6:30pm. Summer opening hours, which begin April 1, will have it open until 9pm. They’re also trialling weekend opening hours, which will run 10am-5pm.
Price: free! (See more free things to do in London.)
All images courtesy of Eric Parry Architects, unless specified.