It’s been a year since my last visit to Searcys at The Gherkin during The Glasshouse pop-up last summer (how time flies!), so I was glad to be back for some sky-high dining at one of my favourite Searcys venues in London.
After getting our IDs checked downstairs at reception, we made our way up the lifts to the 39th floor to arrived at the sophisticated HELIX restaurant – a name inspired by the building’s helix-shaped structure. Considering how wet and dreary the weather had been the last few days prior to our visit, we were really lucky that the skies had cleared up that day and we were able to enjoy the stunning panoramic views with the sunset in the distance. There’s just something magical about dining above the cityscape that always elevates the experience.
We were welcomed with chilled glasses of NV, Lanson, Père et Fils, Brut Champagne, served by the charming Fabio that I became acquainted with during my last visit, the perfect way to celebrate in style.
The new menu focuses on the best of seasonal produce and ingredients, and in the true spirit of London, it pays homage to the markets across the capital, with dishes inspired by iconic food markets such as Billingsgate and Borough Market.
I started with the Suffolk chicken and pistachio terrine with prune purée, fresh fig, and foraged leaves, whilst my dining companion had the Searcys smoked salmon with dill pickled cucumber, horseradish cream, and a serving of malted rye bread.
For my main, I opted for the meat option, the braised Hereford beef with creamed parsnip, sliced turnips and chestnut mushroom, finished off with a rich jus. The miso cod loin was beautifully marinated with a delicate and buttery texture that simply melted in our mouths, served with roast cauliflower, verjuice and grapes. We also shared a couple of sides, a portion of truffle triple-cooked chips and some sautéed seasonal greens. Fabio kindly helped to recommend a lovely Malbec to go with my main, Château Lagrézette 2016 Chevalier du Château Lagrezette (Cahors).
Ending the evening on a sweet note, we shared a light passionfruit delice with baked chocolate and mint, and the rich chocolate salted caramel tart with whipped mascarpone and raspberries.
An experience not to be missed, their all-day dining menu is fairly priced at £28 for 2 courses and £35 for 3 courses. Searcys at the Gherkin is currently only open on weekdays and on Saturday 24th October, serving afternoon tea from 14:30 – 17:00 and dinner from 17:00 – 20:00 (last reservation 18:30). However, from November onwards, they will be open every Saturday in addition to weekdays. I will be heading back soon to try their afternoon tea, and hopefully make a cheeky trip upstairs to the Iris Bar, which I am certainly looking forward to.
- My dinner experience at Searcys at The Gherkin was complimentary – views and photos are my own.
