London Walks guide & Daily Constitutional Associate Editor Richard III writes…
Constantly researching on behalf of London Walkers, I recently visited the Sky Garden in the company of my colleague Chris…
Rafael Viñoly's office block is officially called 20 Fenchurch Street but it was dubbed the Walkie Talkie because of its unusual shape. Architect Viñoly has admitted he knew the facade of his curvy London skyscraper would focus an intense beam of sunlight onto a neighbouring street, but says that he "didn't realize it was going to be so hot".
Now it's called the walkie scorchie.
Millions of pounds later they've solved the problem by encasing one whole side of the building which has been fitted with a sunshade known as a 'brise soleil' to prevent the glare from damaging cars and nearby shops.
The Sky Garden is designated 'green space' in the City of London so you can go up for free. Book in advance as we did, or you can just turn up after 6pm, but be prepared to queue.
You can book your visit at skygarden.london
Find 20 Fenchurch Street…
Over the next couple of weeks you can join Richard III on the following London Walks tours…
Wednesday 7th 11am Meet at Warwick Avenue Little Venice Wednesday 7th 2pm Meet at Hampstead Hampstead village Wednesday 7th 7.30 Meet at Holborn Ghosts, Gaslight and Guinness Thursday 8th 11am Meet at Green Park Mayfair Thursday 8th 2pm Meet at St. Paul's Crime and Punishment Friday 9th 2.15 Meet at Temple Dickens's London Saturday 10th 10am Meet at Monument Shakespeare's London Saturday 10th 2pm Meet at Tower Hill The Old City Saturday 10th 7pm Meet at Hampstead Hampstead pubs Sunday 11th 1.45 Meet at Highgate Highgate village Wednesday 14th 11am Meet at Warwick Avenue Little Venice Wednesday 14th 7.30 Meet at Holborn Ghosts, Gaslight and Guinness Thursday 15th 11am Green Park Mayfair Thursday 15th 2pm St. Paul's Crime and Punishment Friday 16th 7pm South Kensington Knightsbridge
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com.
