Aqua Shard isn't quite at the top but, at Level 31 you should still get a great view. As has been said before, you simply need to buy a drink:
http://www.the-shard.com/restaurants/aquashard/
I think the OP is saying that buying a drink at the top of the shard negates the entry fee. I don't know if it does - I've never been to the top of the Shard.
>>>The idea of saving £25 by having a quick pint is a nice one ... but not actually practical
Well, if there are two of you, sharing a bottle of their cheapest wine (£30) and getting a great view still seems a far better deal than spending £50 just to get the view!
http://www.aquashard.co.uk/mod/menu/31
Yes the idea was to go to the Shard on my day trip to London meeting up with my niece who will be over from Oz. The cheapest way of doing it, as we have a lot to pack in.
GŎNG has a minimum spend policy of £30 per person, Jno, so that actually makes it more expensive than using the viewing gallery (although, of course, you get some booze for your money as well!)
>>>Oh right a min of £30 a person, will have to think about that then
Remember that's for GŎNG (on Level 52). You'll still get good views from Aqua Shard (on Level 31) where, as I've said, you can share a bottle of wine for £30.