Searcys at the Gherkin : Two London Icons

‘With the advance of the Nation’ prosperity and culture entertaining has not only become more general but almost one of the necessities of social life’ – Introduction to Searcys catalogue, 1896.

Searcys as a hospitality brand has been part of my city life since I first started work as a trainee lawyer, and so when recently I was creating a video on the City of London’s climate action strategy, I was keen to include voices from key stakeholders and was delighted that Chef Director Darren Deadman gave us some insights into how the company has adopted sustainability into their operations running some of London’s most iconic stand-alone restaurants, which includes St Pancras Grand Brasserie and Champagne Bar (Europe’s longest bar), Osteria at the Barbican as well as the restaurant at Blenheim Palace, to name just a few, as well as a substantial events catering business. It is thus no mean feat to incorporate sustainability commitments into a luxury hospitality offering. But this post is not about that, its a celebration of a fabulous London venue managed by Searcys housed in an iconic building, the Gherkin, which since filming Chef Director Deadman, has fast become one of my favourite spots for special occasions and catching up with friends.

Under the stunning lens- shaped glass roof is Searcys Iris Bar, with the Helix restaurant on the level below offering contemporary all-day dining. Both offer breathtaking 360 degree views over the City of London, together with wonderful food created by Chef Darren Deadman and his team, and exceptional service under the leadership of General Manager John Short. With the hospitality industry having suffered acutely during the pandemic, it is even more impressive how the relatively new team work together so well, and welcome old and new guests with equal warmth and attention.

To top it off, everything is done with the utmost style and precise attention to detail from Searcys signature delicate honeycomb pattern on the table service, its own house champagne brand to the geometric table top designs and ever-changing and seasonal floral displays throughout.

And although I could do a separate post on the Gherkin itself, nicknamed as such because of the shape, this stunning building is without a doubt one of the most famous landmarks on the London skyline, located at 30 St Mary Axe in the square mile and designed by world famous architect Norman Foster. It was opened in 2005 with the accolade of being one of London’s most sustainable buildings at the time, and sixteen years later, through countless changes to building regulations, it still holds its own as an example of a ‘green’ building.

Comprising 40 storeys and rising 180 metres in height, its design enables it to be free of columns and sustainable innovations included mean it uses half as much energy as other comparable office buildings. And as expected it has since won many architectural awards including the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2004.

One of the positives to have come from this pandemic for me has been a renewed appreciated for our incredible city and all that it offers, and Searcys at the Gherkin really does leave you (literally) feeling on top of the world every time I have visited.

For information on the food and drinks menus at Helix and Iris, how to book a table and more about the Searcys brand generally visit their website.

Until next time, with love

Sangeeta x