We have launched the Toast the City awards 2026 and throughout the year we’ll be speaking to some of the nominees. Today we caught up with Sky Garden director Monika Kowalewska-Kheir. To nominate your favourite Square Mile spots for the 2026 awards, from bars and restaurants to galleries and green spaces, visit the Toast the City website here.

Monika Kowalewska-Kheir is director of Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden. She joined the business in the autumn of 2022, overseeing the day-to-day operations, from morning breakfast to  afternoon drinks and evening dinner and late-night live music events. Since opening in 2014, the space has been managed by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection, a premium hospitality group delivering food and beverage experiences across iconic locations in the UK. We asked Kowalewska-Kheir why Sky Garden should win a Toast the City Award.

What makes Sky Garden stand out?

Sky Garden offers something rare in London: a beautifully landscaped public garden 37 floors above the city. Designed by Gillespies, the space is home to two restaurants, Fenchurch Restaurant and Darwin Brasserie, alongside bars, live music and panoramic views across the capital. Whether visiting for drinks, dinner or simply to take in the view, it’s the combination of setting and atmosphere that makes Sky Garden so unique.

How would your regulars describe Sky Garden in three words?

Memorable, panoramic and peaceful (when it’s not one of our music nights!).

What’s the one thing Sky Garden does better than anyone else?

At Sky Garden we create a space that has energy at every point in the day. From early-morning coffee and sunrise yoga to lunch, after-work drinks and late-night parties, our offering shifts as the day unfolds, while the gardens and views remain a constant. 

What’s been the biggest challenge?

Rising costs – from ingredients and tax inflation to running a venue of this scale. The key is finding efficiencies behind the scenes without compromising guest experience. We’ve had to stay disciplined operationally while making sure every visit still feels special.

And the biggest opportunity?

There’s a real opportunity to attract more international visitors, and to position the Square Mile more confidently alongside the West End and South Bank as part of the capital’s wider cultural map. To be recognised not just as a business district, but as an F&B destination in its own right, with standout hospitality, landmark views and experiences that feel distinctly London. 

How has the Square Mile changed?

We’ve seen a real shift in how people use the City. What was once largely a weekday, business-focused area with little weekend activity has evolved into a far more rounded, seven-day destination. There’s now a strong blend of work, leisure and culture, with a noticeable rise in evening and weekend activity as more people come in to dine, socialise and explore beyond the traditional office day.

What’s the most memorable feedback Sky Garden has had?

We once received a handwritten letter from an elderly couple who explained that they didn’t have access to the internet or a phone but dreamed of visiting Sky Garden during their trip to London. We worked closely with them to arrange their visit and communicated entirely by post to make sure they could book their tickets and enjoy the experience. After their visit, they sent us a postcard featuring a beautiful picture of their own garden. Inside, they wrote: “From our garden to yours, thank you. You made our dreams come true by having us at Sky Garden during our visit to London.” It was such a heartfelt gesture and a reminder of how meaningful great customer service can be.

Who is your typical customer?

We continue to welcome Londoners and City workers, but we’ve also seen an increase in tourists who travel specifically to visit Sky Garden both during the week and weekends. 

What’s a trend in hospitality you’re embracing – and one you’re ignoring?

We’re embracing the shift towards experience-led hospitality, where guests are looking for more than just a meal or a drink. They want a reason to stay longer and engage with the space in different ways, whether that’s through live music, wellness events, seasonal activations or memorable dining experiences. At Sky Garden, this approach allows us to welcome a broad range of audiences, from early morning visitors to evening diners, all within the same setting.

We’re ignoring QR ordering and AI systems. While we appreciate technology can drive efficiency, hospitality is ultimately built on human connection. We’re using it to support staff and service, not replace guest interaction.

Which other City venues do you rate?

Venues such as The Ned and SUSHISAMBA London have contributed to making the City a more dynamic destination. What’s been really positive to see is how the Square Mile as a whole has evolved, with a stronger sense of choice and energy across different types of venues, from rooftop spaces to hotel restaurants and late-night bars.

What does a perfect day in the Square Mile look like?

A coconut latte to start the day, made by our exceptional baristas, followed by a busy day with visitors arriving from all over the world to take in some of the very best views of London. Whenever I get a moment, I love stepping out onto the viewing terrace on a sunny day; seeing the city through a visitor’s eyes never loses its magic.

What do you have on your morning toast?

This is unlikely to be a very common answer. But a slice of Polish quark with plum butter spread on fresh sourdough bread is incredible. It’s something I grew up with – comforting and full of memories. You simply have to try it.