London’s skyline has transformed dramatically since the early 2000s, evolving into a striking tableau of architectural creativity that blends ambitious design with playful nicknames inspired by everyday food items. This whimsical trend began in 2003 when the now-iconic Gherkin shaped building pierced the horizon, setting a new standard for innovative skyscrapers in the city. Once mocked and even derided by some, the Gherkin catalyzed a wave of daring constructions that have since divided opinion but undeniably reshaped London’s urban identity.
How the Food-Inspired Skyline Took Shape
The building affectionately known as the Gherkin is officially named 30 St Mary Axe. Its distinctive, rounded form was not chosen merely for aesthetic reasons but also for practical environmental benefits. According to Peter Rees, former chief planner of the City of London and professor at UCL’s Bartlett School of Architecture, the Gherkin’s circular shape allows wind to flow smoothly around it, reducing wind resistance. Its tapering top lessens the building’s imposing presence as one approaches, while the tapered base maximizes usable ground-level space. This combination of function and form helped create an instantly recognizable silhouette that was both efficient and iconic.
When the Gherkin was completed, it provoked a range of reactions. Some critics mockingly dubbed it the “Erotic Gherkin,” a nickname intended to be provocative but which ultimately drew public fascination. Over time, the building’s unusual shape became beloved, especially after festive events such as a Christmas laser light show that illuminated it like a giant holiday decoration. This cultural embrace cemented the Gherkin’s status as a symbol of modern London.
Following the Gherkin’s lead, other buildings acquired their own culinary-inspired monikers, often bestowed by the public or media rather than architects themselves. The Willis Building, designed by Foster + Partners, earned the nickname “The Prawn” due to its overlapping curved shells that architects say were never intended to resemble seafood. Despite the design team’s reservations, the nickname stuck and became part of the city’s architectural folklore.
Similarly, the Olympic Velodrome gained the affectionate title “The Pringle”, a reference to its curved roof that reminded observers of the famous potato snack. The roof’s design serves functional purposes, such as reducing heat inside and collecting rainwater, yet its playful nickname reflects how Londoners engage with architecture on a cultural level.
Other Notable ‘Food’ Buildings in London
Another landmark that attracted a culinary comparison is The Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper at 309 meters. When it was first unveiled, Prince Charles famously dubbed it an “enormous salt cellar,” highlighting its slender, crystalline form. Though the nickname did not endure in popular usage, the Shard remains a towering presence on the skyline, blending glass and steel to offer sweeping views across the capital.
The Leadenhall Building, often called the “Cheesegrater”, sports a wedge shape and horizontal sun-shading fins designed to protect views of St Paul’s Cathedral and reduce solar glare. Peter Rees humorously credits himself for the nickname, recalling a conversation with architect Richard Rogers about how the building’s shape resembled a kitchen grater. This candid anecdote underscores the informal ways in which London’s architectural community interacts with public perception.
Looking ahead, new projects continue this trend. The “Cucumber” is a futuristic cylindrical residential tower officially known as 1 Merchant’s Square. Although construction dates remain uncertain, its slender form recalls the vegetable in its nickname, reflecting the ongoing appetite for imaginative, edible-inspired shapes in the cityscape.
Meanwhile, the “Can of Ham”, a squat 24-storey office block at 60-70 St Mary Axe, resumed construction in 2015 after years on hold and is expected to complete soon. This playful name complements the expanding collection of food-themed buildings, contributing to the narrative of London as a giant “feast” of architectural innovation.
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Why the Food Nicknames Matter
The whimsical nicknames given to London’s buildings do more than entertain; they reveal how the city’s inhabitants relate to their built environment. As Peter Rees notes, these monikers help reinforce the identity and branding of the buildings, sometimes even contributing to their cultural cachet. They provide an accessible way for the public to engage with architecture that might otherwise seem remote or intimidating.
However, not everyone celebrates this trend. Architect Barbara Weiss, an advocate for preserving London’s architectural heritage, criticizes the surge of iconic, commercial skyscrapers as “unhealthy” for the city’s social and cultural fabric. She argues that since the Gherkin, London has prioritized flashy commercial buildings at the expense of civic monuments and inclusive urban spaces. Weiss warns that these towers often serve as “ghettos in the air” for the wealthy, exacerbating social divisions.
Weiss also compares London’s architectural diversity to a “pack of liquorice allsorts,” highlighting the sometimes chaotic mix of shapes and sizes vying for attention. The city’s skyline, in her view, risks losing coherence as each building attempts to outdo the others with bold, unconventional designs. This critique invites a broader conversation about what kind of city London wants to be and how architecture can best serve its residents.
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Looking Forward: The Future of London’s Skyline
As London continues to grow and evolve, its skyline remains a dynamic canvas for architectural experimentation. The ongoing construction of new buildings with nicknames like the “Waffle” and “Club Sandwich” suggests that the capital’s appetite for playful yet iconic designs shows no sign of abating. These developments reflect London’s status as a global city eager to blend innovation, functionality, and cultural expression.
Ultimately, London’s food-themed buildings symbolize more than just quirky shapes; they represent a city willing to embrace boldness in its urban fabric. Whether celebrated or critiqued, these structures have made London’s skyline one of the most distinctive and talked-about in the world. As new towers rise, the city’s architectural feast promises to offer fresh delights and challenges alike.
