Duck & Waffle: What To Expect At London’s 24-Hour Restaurant

Nowadays, London is jam-packed with rooftop restaurants. But when Duck & Waffle first arrived at the Heron Tower back in 2012, it was a pioneer in the sky-high eateries trend. And although Londoners are now spoilt for choice when it comes to dining with a view, Duck & Waffle remains the city’s tallest restaurant. But that’s not its only USP: the venue is most famed for being open 24/7. So what can diners expect on a trip up there?

Duck & Waffle London: What To Expect

Steven Joyce

Duck & Waffle opened on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower in London in 2012, shortly after Sushisamba, which sits below. It quickly soared to popularity, with people flocking there not just for the incredible views, but for the novelty factor: it was – and still is – the capital’s only 24-hour restaurant. That means you can pop in for a pre-work breakfast, a weekend lunch, or a late-night cocktail and bite to eat.

Over a decade on, the allure remains, with bookings for window-side tables getting snapped up months in advance. But wherever you’re sitting, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the city. These begin in the glass lifts, which whisk you up into the sky, before arriving at the dining room: an intimate space decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering panoramic views of the capital. If you can, visit for sunrise or sunset for extra-special vistas.

What’s On The Menu?

Executive chef Daniel Barbosa and his team cook up a storm in the kitchen, with a focus on comfort food classics. As expected from a restaurant which serves many different meals, there are multiple menus, from breakfast to bar bites to Sunday roasts. 

The titular dish, duck and waffle, is available any time of day: crispy leg confit with a fried duck egg, topped with mustard maple syrup. But if that’s not your bag, there are lots of other waffles on the breakfast and brunch menus, including Eggs Florentine, caramelised banana with hazelnut spread, and lemon meringue with Italian sorbet.

On the lunch and dinner front, guests can choose from a selection of small and large plates. Favourites include the bacon-wrapped dates and the spicy ox cheek doughnuts, alongside big sharing grills: roasted chicken, sea bream, Welsh lamb and aged beef. These are best paired with a selection of sides, like mac ‘n’ cheese, honey baked carrots, fries, and crispy Brussels sprouts.

The late-night menu, meanwhile, is available from midnight to 5.30am, including nibbles like duck sliders, cheesy polenta croquettes and fried boccioni, alongside more brunch-style dishes of Colombian eggs and shakshuka. There are also sweet treats, such as salted caramel tart, and maple caramel apples with cinnamon ice cream.

No matter what time you go, you’re going to want a cocktail here. Early morning? The Breakfast Fizz has your name on it, mixed with Grey Goose vodka and pink grapefruit. If you haven’t yet had your waffle fix, the Waffle on the Rocks is a sweet concoction created with waffle-flavoured vodka, St. Germain elderflower liqueur and maple syrup. Or if you’re after something refreshing, go for the Lavender Blues, a mix of Bombay Sapphire gin, lavender and blueberry cordial.

For those keen to carry on the party, there’s a bar area complete with cosy booths and window seats which gets particularly buzzy on weekend nights. It’s easy to get carried away here, and no surprise it’s a rather pricey affair, so be wary of your bill racking up. 

Duck & Waffle’s Dress Code

Duck & Waffle defines its dress code as ‘smart causal’. Its website reads: ‘This means a casual style with a touch of formality. Smart trainers are permitted; however, we request that our guests avoid wearing tracksuits, flip flops/sliders or beachwear.’

How To Book

You can book a table online at duckandwaffle.com, by emailing [email protected] or by calling +44 (0) 203 640 7310.