I am really, really excited to share this blog post with you guys! First of all, because Frenchie and I had a truly unique dining experience at Searcys at The Gherkin. Second, because I have wanted to visit this stunning skyscraper since the day I moved to London 5 years ago!

30 St Mary Axe (informally known as The Gherkin) is a commercial skyscraper in the very heart of London’s primary financial district, the City of London. It was completed in December 2003 and opened in April 2004

It is without doubt, that The Gherkin is London’s most instantly recognisable tower. Totalling 500,000 sq ft, The Gherkin is an iconic structure housing a flourishing community and deserves its reputation for being ‘“the most civilised skyscraper in the world”.

Bonus-info:The Gherkin is primarily an office building. It is the headquarters of many large companies including Swiss Re and some of the offices of Sky News. Some very popular television shows and radio shows are filmed here or near this building today

Inside The Gherkin we took the lift aaaaalll the way to the top excited about our sky-high dining experience! 

Breathtaking….Just breathtaking! No words needed – this was just sublime! Welcome to Restaurant Helix (Searcys at The Gherkin)

My first impression? There are few spots on the London landscape as striking as Searcys at The Gherkin. Pair high-end design with vintage cuvees and contemporary cooking all while enjoying panoramic views from the top of one of London’s most iconic landmarks. It was love at first sight!

To be honest I am happy we didn’t bring Clara for this one… Searcys at The Gherkin is very, very romantic and the perfect place to bring your partner or friend for the perfect evening out! (Oh, and if you want to impress someone this is the place!) The view is majestic, the food delicious (and affordable!), the atmosphere is… Well, how can I describe it… I really felt, that I had entered a different sphere and felt completely relaxed, happy and in Zen!

Like a living post card!  Chin Chin!

Cocktails made in heaven… Sounds and looks pretty perfect, doesn’t it!

Our menu card… 

Bonus-info: Using seasonal produce, the chefs create modern British dishes everyones knows and loves. Only the best ingredients are available, as Searcys work closely with British farmers and local producers. Expect UK-reared fresh meat, flour milled in England, free-range eggs and milk from Red Tractor-certified farms. The seafood is responsibly sourced, and Searcys smoked salmon is sourced from the family-run and Royal Warrant-holding John Ross Jr.

Speaking of salmon… This was my starter! It was as amazing as the view!¨ (Searcys smoked salmon, crab, fennel, apple)

Frenchie enjoyed his “Potted Morecambe Bay shrimp, tabasco and English muffin”

Quite surreal, isn’t it! You must promise me to visit, if you are ever around! This one goes in the memory box for sure!

Our Italian waiter was adorable! He was so sweet and always smiling. I am a bit difficult, when it comes to wine, but he knew exactly what i was looking for a chose the perfect bottle for my taste! Spot on!

 –  Another incredibly warm and lovely waitress was Cornelia! She kept an eye on us all of the time, in case we “needed anything!” It is not always easy getting noticed in a restaurant, but that was certainly not an issue here!

Our main courses. It was very, very hot outside that day, so I actually opted for two starters (so there was room for dessert as well) I had the “Coronation chicken terrine, spiced pineapple, coriander” and Frenchie was very curious about the *Searcys beef and oyster pie, short rib, allium compote, oyster sauce” served with different sides. We were both really happy with our choices! 

As it was getting darker, I had some problems taking great photos – but I will you tell you this… It is an out of this world experience enjoying an amazing dessert while the sun sets from the 39th floor of The Gherkin!

Just wow! You have to forgive that Frenchie’s “Malted bread pudding, tonka bean ice cream, peanut caramel” was a bit melted. I couldn’t stop taking photos of it (poor Frenchie had to wait!) This is a must-try by the way! So good!

I could just have stayed here forever drinking cocktails, while looking out of my beautiful London!

A quick photo from “Harry Potter famous” Leadenhall Market, which is next door to The Gherkin and a really lovely area to visit as well!

We had the most amazing evening out at Searcys at The Gherkin! It was exactly as spectacular, as I was hoping for! The view is everything – and when you add amazing food and service, you have a winner! (Did I mention that the food is actually affordable in spite of the famous venue!) I will for sure be back and definitely bring friends that haven’t been here before, just to see their jaws drop, when they enter! (Psst… Don’t forget photo ID to gain access!)

We were invited as guests at Searcys at The Gherkin. All opinions are as always my own!