I want to like it beacause it’s impressively high, but just looks unfinished to me. The top is a real dissapointment, for me, it really needs to carry on and finish in a nice sharp point.
It’s certainly striking, but in a very brutal way – especially as there is nothing else in London like it (although some angular competition is well underway at Leadenhall now). Yes, it doesn’t really ‘fit in’ where it’s been built, but the developers are building lots of other buildings around it, so it does fit in better. This was an area that was looking very tired at best and the regeneration was sorely needed.
I must admit, part of me thinks going up to the viewing galleries should be done, but at the best part of a ton to take the family it’s just silly money.
As an alternative for London skyline viewing, I can thoroughly recommend The Monument just the other end of London Bridge to the Shard. OK, it’s teeny compaired to the Shard, but it’s only three quid for an adult, has great views and is an important piece of London’s history.