First look: Helix and Iris – the new bar and dining destination in the Gherkin

Head to London’s hottest new sky high dining destination and bar – Helix and Iris at the top of the Gherkin…

Since 2001, The Gherkin has been a prominent feature in the London skyline and while many have longed to head up to the top floors for the views of the city, the top levels haven’t been open to the public. But that is all changing now, with Searcys at the Gherkin relaunching with a re imagined dining and bar concept – Helix and Iris, due to open on the 13th July 2018.

Helix and Iris the Gherkin

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Helix

Helix and Iris the Gherkin Helix in the Gherkin will offer sky-high contemporary dining for both lunch and dinner, offering delicious food with jaw-dropping views over the city. Under the talent of Executive Chef Daniel Loftin, it is set to offer a proud celebration of British produce in one of London’s finest landmarks. Loftin was previously head chef of Royal House London and Peninsula Restaurant and will deliver menus that put local and seasonal produce centre stage. Salmon will come directly from John Ross Jr, holders of the Queen’s warrant, in Scotland, all fruit and vegetables are sourced from the UK, and meat is locally and lovingly selected from some of the country’s finest farms.

Menu highlights include; English green asparagus, Dorset crab, grapefruit, soy and sesame and Rhug Estate Welsh lamb with bell peppers, aubergine, courgette, pepper and pine nuts.

Iris

Helix and Iris the Gherkin

Iris in the Gherkin is set to be one of the city’s hottest new bars. Opening with amazing 360 degree views, it will offer an extensive cocktail menu that is as unique as the setting it is in. It will play homage to the London sights and neighbourhoods that can be seen from the Iris in the Gherkin’s position up in the sky. This includes The Little White Bird, inspired by the Kensington Gardens, with its Peter Pan associations (Violet liqueur, vanilla vodka, lychee, elderflower, lemon and English sparkling wine), whilst the Jack the Ripper (Mediterranean herbs vodka, beetroot juice, tomato, lemon, Worcester sauce, Mexican sauce), a dark local twist on the Bloody Mary, references Whitechapel’s most famous former visitor. You can reserve your spot in Iris in the Gherkin any time between 11am to 11pm and enjoy a range of delicious champagnes and wines while watching over the skyline.

The new names are derived from the Gherkin’s structure itself, with the unique helix shape which is the pinnacle of the building. Less well known, is that when viewed from above it forms an iris shape – designed by Foster to reflect the Gherkin’s place as the eye over the city.

Opening hours:

Helix lunch service: 12pm – 2.15pm

Helix dinner service: 6pm – 9pm

Iris Bar: 11am-11pm

searcysatthegherkin.co.uk
30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP

Natasha Colyer
Natasha Colyerhttps://seeninthecity.co.uk
My name is Natasha and I am the Editor and Founder of Seen in the City. I have always loved to express myself creatively, most particularly through my writing, and after working for a number of other companies including Vogue and My Chic City I decided to head out on my own and Seen in the City was born. You can contact me on natasha@seeninthecity.co.uk

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