Iris Bar by Searcys at The Gherkin

Iris Bar by Searcys at The Gherkin

BARCHICK SAYS

Leave your vertigo at the door. There's panoramic views waiting at the top.

It used to be that only friends in high places got you to this high place, but Searcys took a chill pill in 2018 and the "Private Members" status was axed. Excellent news for us, bad news for anyone who wanted to keep the panoramic views to themselves. Unlucky suckers.  Your ears will pop as the lift reaches the 39th floor, but it's the floor above you're aiming for. Look up as you climb that last spiralled staircase for the first glimpse of those cross-hatched windows. It's like rising up into a fancy-ass snow globe. We dig it.

The crew here are super friendly but not all that hot on prompt service, so you'll be getting drunk on the views more so than the cocktails. They're worth the wait, though. Each section of the menu is inspired by one of London's famous markets. BarChick picked a Flower Pot from the Columbia Road Flower Market menu for fruity, flowery and fresh vibes of rose liquor with watermelon, elderflower and Peychaud bitters, while her date strolled through Borough Market with the Berries In The Jungle;  smooth n' tropical created with banana liquor, apple and passion shrub. 

There isn't a bad seat in the place, but perch around the edge to get the best selfie for the grid. Just beware cos as soon as the sun dips, the place is lit by ceiling bulbs which bathe everyone in an extremely intense red light. Turns out Roxanne didn't get the memo. All drinks lose colour, food becomes unappetising and lads, if you're on a date, you're not gonna be looking your best, so we suggest you both split while the sun is still out.

searcysatthegherkin.co.uk

By BarChick
13/08/2019

ADDRESS

30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF, UK Tel: 0330 107 0816

OPENING HOURS

Monday 9–10:30am, 12–2pm, 6–9pm
Tuesday 9–10:30am, 12–2pm, 6–9pm
Wednesday 9–10:30am, 12–2pm, 6–9pm
Thursday 9–10:30am, 12–2pm, 6–9pm
Friday 9–10:30am, 12–2pm, 6–9pm
Saturday 12–2pm, 6–9pm
Sunday 10am–4pm

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