The Can of Ham: London's Most Deliciously Nicknamed Skyscraper
London's skyline boasts a quirky collection of architectural wonders. From the Gherkin, a pickle-shaped masterpiece, to the Shard, a giant shard of glass that reflects the ever-changing city lights, there's always something to catch the eye. But none are quite as delightful – or easy to remember – as the Can of Ham.
Curved Walls and Corporate Suits: The History of the Can of Ham
Officially known as 70 St Mary Axe (how dull!), this 21-floor office building was christened the "Can of Ham" thanks to its, well, uncanny resemblance to a certain tinned lunch meat. Designed by Foggo Associates, the building's curved walls and bulging facade were completed in 2019, much to the amusement (and slight bemusement) of Londoners.
Fun Fact: During construction, a portion of St Mary Axe was even pedestrianized, leading some to joke that the city was creating a "ham lane" just for the building!
Beyond the Nickname: What's Inside the Can of Ham?
Don't come expecting deli meats and pineapples – the Can of Ham is strictly business. Inside its curved walls, you'll find a whopping 28,000 square meters of prime office space spread across 20 floors. Businesses looking for a touch of cured-meat chic (and stunning views of the city) can set up shop here.
For the eco-conscious (because who says office buildings can't be green?), the Can of Ham boasts energy-efficient features and a focus on natural light. So you can work towards that promotion while leaving a small carbon footprint – that's a win-win!
So You Want to Visit the Can of Ham?
Unless you're a high-powered executive with a serious office space hunt on your agenda, chances are you won't be venturing inside the Can of Ham itself. But fear not, fellow ham-atics (get it?), there are ways to appreciate this architectural oddity.
- Take a stroll by: The Can of Ham is located on St Mary Axe, right next to its more famous cousin, the Gherkin. So next time you're exploring the City of London, pop by for a photo op!
- Snap a selfie: Get creative! Hold a can of ham next to the building, pretend to open the top and peer inside, the possibilities are endless (just be safe!).
Remember: While the Can of Ham might be a source of amusement, it's still a working building. Be respectful of the office tenants and don't cause a scene – unless, of course, your scene involves a perfectly staged ham-themed photoshoot.
Can of Ham FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered (Quickly!)
How to get to the Can of Ham? The Can of Ham is located at 70 St Mary Axe, London. You can easily reach it by underground (tube) or bus.
How tall is the Can of Ham? The Can of Ham stands at a respectable 90 meters (295 feet). That's not quite enough to reach the top of the Gherkin, but it still offers some pretty impressive views.
Can you live in the Can of Ham? Nope! The Can of Ham is strictly office space. But hey, if you land a job there, you can practically say you live in a giant can of ham. How cool is that?
Is the Can of Ham open to the public? Generally not. The Can of Ham is an office building, so access is restricted to tenants and staff.
Is there anything else near the Can of Ham? Yes! The Can of Ham is located in the heart of London's financial district, so there are plenty of other interesting buildings, shops, and restaurants to explore nearby.
