Last week, I wanted to take Justine to Duck & Waffle for a weekend brunch because it's one of my favorite places to take visitors. But of course, the restaurant was fully booked for a weekend breakfast, lunch, or dinner, so we came up with this really crazy idea: since the restaurant's open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, why didn't we have breakfast on a weekday at 6:00 a.m.?
I told you. Crazy, right?
We were all jet-lagged (us from Singapore, Justine from New York), so didn't have any problems waking up at an eye-wateringly early 4:30 a.m. to get ready (though I must admit that my eyes hurt a little) and we got the train into Liverpool Street by 5:30.
At 5:45, we ascended Heron Tower's 40 floors in the famous glass elevator and watched as London unfolded beneath us, and by the time we reached our table in the dining room, this was our incredible view:
Worth. It.
Though it'd just been raining a few moments before, the clouds parted just enough to give way to pink strands of cotton candy clouds and the most amazing orange sky - it looked like a supernova. Guests clamored to the windows to get a better look and that perfect shot - I was surprised at how many diners were at the restaurant at that hour. Some were there for business meetings, others were ... finishing up the night before (Truly. The cocktails were still going strong at 6:00 a.m. I honestly couldn't imagine. It made me feel very, very old).
I'd been craving Duck & Waffle's deliciously indulgent Full Elvis waffles since my last visit to the restaurant with Udita, Deborah, and Kara, so I went for the banana-brulee treat and almost finished all of it. Almost.
John and Justine chose the equally delicious namesake dish, duck and waffle - with its perfectly runny fried duck egg, crispy leg confit and mustard maple syrup, this is my second favorite item on Duck & Waffle's menu. That perfect combination of sweet and savoury is always a winner.
By the time we'd cleared our plates, the sun had returned to its position behind the clouds, but the view from above was still spectacular. The party group left around 7:00 a.m., a little worse for wear, but still in good spirits and it was strange to think that they'd most likely be heading to bed while the rest of us began to plan for the day ahead.
Would you ever wake up this early to watch the sun rise? It was such a beautiful way to start our week! (Don't worry, I got my just desserts: I'm only just better from a flu-like virus and spent the rest of that week tucked up in bed! Ha!)
This is such an amazing idea, if I ever thought I could muster the energy to get up at that time I totally would! I need to eat there anyway, I can't believe I haven't yet. Not sure I'd be able to pick between the two meals you had to be honest.
ReplyDeleteCx
charliedistracted.com
YOU CAN DO IT! It's worth it, Charlie!! It's definitely advantageous to go with as many people as possible so that you can share ;) x
DeleteLove you for doing this, it's so cool!! I'm sure you saw a few people still there from the night before!
ReplyDeleteLots of love,
Angie
SilverSpoon London
Haha, thanks, love - took a lot of motivation to get out of bed at that hour! You should definitely do it.
DeleteYou have inspired us to finally stop saying we'll haul butt & get out of bed, and get a dawn breakfast in the diary!
ReplyDeleteDO IT!!! x
DeleteDuck and Waffle has such amazing food AND views of London! I've only ever been for lunch but I got their signature duck and waffle dish as well and absolutely loved it!
ReplyDeletehttp://thecourtneydiaries.com
I know, right?? I don't care if it's touristy ... I love it! The Duck & Waffle is so, so good. The menu is really reasonably priced too, which makes it all the better!
DeleteI have been trying to convince my boyfriend to do this for ages now, those views are so worth the lack of sleep
ReplyDeletewww.emmainks.com
You should definitely do it, Emma! So worth it.
DeleteI've said it once, I'll say it again- those views are breath taking!!!!
ReplyDeleteK.
It's truly spectacular, Kelsey!
Deletebest.idea.ever. SOOO going to do that next time!!
ReplyDeleteHAHA - YES! When you're here, we can do it!
DeleteWhat a STUNNING view! Totally worth it, definitely. )
ReplyDeleteI'd do it again, Charlotte! But maybe not get ill a few days afterward, that would be helpful ... ;)
DeleteWOW what a sunrise! I agree that it's so worth it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by to take a look, Jessi! Yes, it was spectacular. xo
DeleteAs per all the previous comments I must add that the sunrise would have made it worthwhile..
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely on my 'To visit' list when I'm next in London. I read a pretty good article on 24hrs in the Duck & Waffle once & pictures like yours only tempt me more!
Thanks, Katie! You should definitely do it next time you're in London ... although, it takes superhuman strength to get out of bed at that hour! If only D&W didn't have a dress code ... I'd consider going in my PJs :)
DeleteThat view is simply beautiful!! I am so impressed that you made it up at that hour, but as you said...worth it. Once in a lifetime worth it :-)
ReplyDeletePolly xx
Haha, I think so, Polly - not sure I'll be getting out of bed at that hour any time soon again! xx
DeleteI commented on this on Twitter when you first posted about it, but I still can't get over it. You three are a trio of heroes (though, as you said, there is a definite payoff).
ReplyDeleteThese are really popular places in the city for private events for corporations like us. It can be hard to find the right venue for big events. The right size venues Chicago, that is flexible fits well. Thanks to you.
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