The Cheesegrater is more than just the icon we know and love
In the heart of the City stands a landmark that defines more than just the skyline. Nicknamed “The Cheesegrater,” The Leadenhall Building is a powerful symbol of unity, bringing London together through its architecture, accessibility, and ambition.
Rising 738ft above the streetscape, its tapering form was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) with a deep respect for the city it calls home – carefully preserving key views of St. Paul’s Cathedral from Fleet Street, while asserting a confident presence of its own.
Graham Stirk of RSHP explains, “The design of The Leadenhall Building is the result of a powerful distillation of the key components of what makes a successful office building.” That includes not just exceptional engineering and structural clarity, but a strong commitment to openness and community.
The Cheesegrater is not only a visual icon of the City, but also stands to bring people together and act as a core tenet of the square mile’s community and identity, being more than just a ‘place’, but a space to connect, grow and discover.
This is a vertical community in every sense – from panoramic lifts that travel 8m per second to the top in just 40 seconds, to the building’s expansive public galleria at street level. The foot of the building is ½ acre of expansive space open to the public, creating a vibrant gateway that allows people to move freely through Leadenhall Street and into the heart of London. More than a passage, it’s a place for connection – hosting events, gatherings, and cultural moments that activate the base of the building year-round.
That spirit of openness and innovation is brought to life this summer with Leadenhall Live. In July 2025, this city-wide cultural programme will transform the galleria into a platform for live music, wellness sessions, thought-provoking talks, and artistic installations. It’s a celebration of creativity, culture and community, welcoming people from all walks of life to gather, engage and experience the City in a new way.
“Leadenhall Live is about opening the doors – literally and metaphorically – of a building many admire from afar and making it part of everyday city life,” says Richard Jones, Community & Events Manager at The Leadenhall Building. “This year’s theme is all about connection, innovation, and wellbeing, with something for everyone.”
In a city that’s always evolving, The Leadenhall Building does more than rise above it all – it connects top to bottom, street to skyline, heritage to future. A true landmark for a united London.
Visit leadenhall.live and follow along on Instagram at @leadenhalllive to explore the full Leadenhall Live 2025 programme.