Having had many good memories up at Searcys at The Gherkin, as well as at other Searcys establishments over the years, it was good to once again return to HELIX restaurant to try their summer menu. Going through the usual ID and security check downstairs at reception, we made our way up the lifts to the 39th floor and then up the spiral staircase to arrive at the upper floor of the HELIX restaurant where we were shown to our dining seats with a front row view of city, bathed in the wonderfully golden evening sunshine, the iconic Tower Bridge standing out in the distance. Even though I’ve been up there several times I just never get tired of those breathtaking views across London.
To beat the heat we were welcomed with chilled glasses of white wine and a platter of warm bread and whipped butter to whet our appetites whilst we settled in and perused the their summer set menu.
Focusing on seasonal produce, their chefs prepare much-loved British dishes with a modern twist using the best ingredients available, working closely with British farmers and local producers.
For my starter, I ordered the potted Morecombe Bay shrimp with tabasco and malted sourdough, whilst my dining companion had the Searcys smoked salmon, sourced from the family-run and Royal Warrant-holding John Ross Jr, served with horseradish cream, fennel, and apple.
Torn between the beef or a seafood option, I eventually opted for the blackened miso cod, delicious, moist, and delicately marinated tender black cod, served with wilted sorrel, sweet pea, brought together with a fresh and summery garlic sauce Vierge. The Goosnargh chicken was succulent, served with asparagus, wild mushroom and finished off at the table with a creamy tarragon sauce.
We also shared a couple of sides, a portion of triple-cooked chips and some sautéed seasonal greens.
Finally, for dessert, we shared the Searcys summer berry pudding with crème fraîche and mint, and my favourite of the two, the decadent chocolate cremeux with orange and crunchy pieces of honeycomb.
Located in one of London’s iconic landmarks, their dinner set menu is fairly priced at £39 for 2 courses and £49 for 3 courses, currently available from Monday – Wednesday from 5:30pm – 7:30pm (last reservation) and Thursday – Saturday from 5:30pm – 8:30pm (last reservation). They also serve a set lunch from Monday – Friday and a separate set menu on Sundays. Thank you once again for having us, and I look forward to hopefully returning soon to try the new afternoon tea menu which looks a treat.
- My experience at Searcys at The Gherkin was complimentary – views and photos are my own.
