Offering spectacular views across the capital, the Sky Lounge sits at the top of the Nido Tower, a relatively new towering shard of glass providing students – yes, students – with high-end accommodation on the border of east London and the City.

The Venue
Back in the day, students had to settle for damp-infested rooms in ramshackle houses with no central heating; nowadays, students – at least the loaded ones – get to live the dream with a gaff in this development that looks more like a brand spanking new corporate building than student digs. At the very top of the highest student accommodation in the world, they’ve opened the Sky Lounge, a 32nd floor bar that’s open to the general public, with a premium offering that's more than likely targeting the swathes of local City workers.

First of all you need to navigate the ground floor security and take the lift upwards. On arrival, you enter into a lounge-y space with cushioned sofas and views to the east. There’s another similar space on the opposite side of the floor that offers views west, including a close-up of the Gherkin. Accessible via either of these rooms is the main bar, a mezzanine area with stairs leading up to the highest vantage points. With its pine floors, hastily put together wobbly white tables and chairs, and amp and speakers on the floor in one corner, this room feels like it was intended to be someone’s apartment but has been refashioned in to a bar. Small details like the plasma still wrapped in protective plastic behind the bar shows there’s plenty of work still to be done. Thankfully, the views are stunning and allow you to take in many of the capital’s iconic sights: St Paul’s, the BT Tower, and a close-up of the Gherkin are among the highlights.

The Atmosphere
Groups of City suits gather in one corner, admiring the skyline and shooting the breeze, and professional couples grab the high stools that are available for a spot of after-work sight-seeing. With reservations required 24-hours in advance of a visit, it’s not somewhere to head to on a whim, but you can certainly see the potential for private bookings and events.

The Food
Oysters, sushi and a selection of cheese and biscuits are on offer, demonstrating that the bar seems keen to tap in to the City clientele on its door step. A selection of good quality olives (£4) and canapés (£9) are adequate as nibbles.

The Drink
A good view often comes with an extra surcharge and so cocktails start from the £10 mark at Sky Lounge. From a selection of around a dozen classics, the Gordon’s Garden, a mix of Gordon’s gin, cucumber, elderflower cordial, apple juice and mint, is a refreshing one that’s ideal for slurping down as a cooling after-work drink. The Lady Gaga doesn’t slip down quite as easily; it’s a cloying, sickly blend that mixes Russian Standard vodka, Drambuie, Chambord, strawberry puree and double cream. Plenty of premium spirits, champagne (Pommery) and fine wine pads out the rest of the menu.

The Last Word
The views of the capital are undeniably marvellous at this lofty bar, but the interior does feel like it’s been hastily put together. With bars like Paramount showing that you can match quality design with iconic views, Sky Lounge has some way to go before it can be considered the complete package.

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