Here’s what Kim had to say about her visit to Searcys at The Gherkin …
If you’ve been searching high and low for a special venue in which to celebrate a milestone birthday or anniversary with a loved one or friends, then keep your sights set high and go to The Gherkin. Or more precisely, Searcys at The Gherkin.
The iconic building which changed London’s skyline may now be almost dwarfed by some of its sky-high neighbours, but it’s not standing still.
Searcys at The Gherkin
This summer saw the Searcys at The Gherkin restaurant relaunch and refresh with a new name – the Helix Restaurant.
We were lucky enough to languish over a lunch at the 39th floor venue, seated with floor to ceiling views of the capital spread below us.
The modern menus showcase UK produce – and we enjoyed a scrumptious top-notch 3-course menu with wine pairing.
Here’s a taster of what’s on the mile-high menu! For starters I chose crisp English asparagus served with succulent white meat from a Dorset-caught crab served with grapefruit and a soy and sesame sauce.
Fine Dining at The Helix Restauant
My main was tender and juicy Rhug Estate Welsh lamb, served with courgette, bell pepper sauce and feta mousse.
And for dessert, I discreetly devoured a delicately baked Lemon tart. Served with meringue, passion fruit, raspberry mousse and crème fraiche ice-cream, it was divine.
As well as the excellent food and service at Searcys at The Gherkin, the view from our vantage point was ever-evolving, thanks to the changeable British weather. While misty clouds enveloped the building at the start of our visit, the sun shone for the starters , rain came in for the main course, a thunderstorm for dessert (complete with a little fork-lightning for an extra atmospheric boost) and then the sunshine returned as we washed everything down with the last of our wine. It was quite the show!
Top Tip:
Ask to take your post-dinner coffee one floor up at the Iris Bar. Newly opened to the public this summer, the Iris Bar was previously for members only. It’s on the 40th floor and you’re right at the very pinnacle of the building with panoramic 360 degree views. The Iris bar gets its name because, viewed from above, the Gherkin’s summit is designed to look like the iris of the eye. This in turn to portrasy the Gherkin keeping an ‘eye’s view’ over the city.
There are no walk-ins at Helix or Iris – You have to book in advance. You’ll also need to bring ID with you.
Visit searcysatthegherkin.co.uk for more details
Photos copyright of Alistair Heap and Searcys at The Gherkin
