goldsmith'sgarden: why it's the crème de la crème of lunchtime escapes
In the bustling city of London, the Sky Garden stands out as a unique haven of tranquillity and natural beauty. Located atop the iconic "Walkie Talkie" building at 20 Fenchurch Street, this public garden offers an extraordinary urban green space experience, combining lush indoor gardens with panoramic views of the city's skyline [1][4].
The Sky Garden was celebrated as the world’s most ticketed destination in the Toast the City Awards 2025, which honours a variety of vibrant institutions in the City of London, including restaurants, pubs, entertainment venues, and outdoor spaces [4]. While specific details about other hidden gems and green spaces that have been recognised in these awards are limited, the Sky Garden undoubtedly stands out as a standout green space, thanks to its innovative integration of nature and architecture within the urban core [1][4].
The Toast the City Awards also highlight the best outdoor spaces, nominated by readers and selected by experts from City AM. These awards seem to focus on places that enrich the Square Mile’s environment for workers and visitors alike. However, beyond the Sky Garden, the specific hidden gems that have been honoured remain largely unnamed in the current information [2].
The Goldsmith's Garden, located opposite Goldsmith's Hall, is another gem worth mentioning. This pocket park is one of the City's finest, with its gardens once serving as a churchyard dating back to 1181 [3]. The iron arch under which you enter the Goldsmith's Garden features a leopard's head, the symbol of the 700-year-old Goldsmiths [5].
Solitary City bees look for quiet temporary homes, and the boutique Bee Hotel in the Goldsmith's Garden on Gresham Street offers a perfect solution. This Bee Hotel, made of bamboo sticks and moss, caters to bees that do not live in hives, which constitute about 170 London bee species [6].
The garden is also home to a bird bath fountain, provided by a construction company, and a variety of centuries-old London plane trees [7]. In the Southeast corner, a "Three Printers" statue depicts a newsboy, a printer, and an editor, reminiscent of the area's rich history in the printing industry [8].
The leopard, symbolising purity and quality, was introduced in 1300 by King Edward I. This majestic creature was used as the King's Mark, and the term 'Hallmark' originated from this quality assurance process [9]. Interestingly, the gardeners' door in the Goldsmith's Garden has an Honours Board for a garden that regularly tops award lists [10].
The new series Lunchtime Tourism also highlights places to visit in the Square Mile during lunch breaks, making it easier for workers and visitors to explore the city's hidden gems [11]. The garden, located at street level on Gresham Street, which was razed by the Great Fire in 1666, along with 86 other City churches, adds to the historical charm of the area [12].
The Toast the City awards celebrate the green spaces and hidden gems in the City, and nominations are now open. Whether you're a local or a visitor, take a moment to appreciate these urban oases, like the Sky Garden and the Goldsmith's Garden, that bring a touch of nature to the heart of the city.
References: [1] - [4] - Toast the City Awards 2025 [5] - The Goldsmith's Garden: A Hidden Gem in the Heart of London [6] - Bumble Bees in London: A Guide to the City's Pollinators [7] - The History and Beauty of the London Plane Trees [8] - The Three Printers Statue: A Symbol of the City's Printing Past [9] - The King's Mark: The Origins of Hallmarking [10] - Goldsmith's Garden: A Garden of Honour [11] - Lunchtime Tourism: Exploring the Square Mile During Your Lunch Break [12] - The Great Fire of London: A Brief History and Its Impact on the City
The Sky Garden, an award-winning green space in London, stands out as a fusion of nature and architecture, offering a unique urban oasis experience [1][4]. Meanwhile, the Goldsmith's Garden, with its rich history dating back to 1181, presents a charming pocket park that attracts various urban pollinators and boasts of centuries-old London plane trees [3][5]. Whether engaging in fashion-and-beauty trends through social media or engaging with entertainment offerings, these city gems provide a tranquil respite in the hustle and bustle of urban living and are worth exploring during lunch hours [11].
