Searcys at The Gherkin — Restaurant in London

Searcys at The Gherkin offers an undeniably unique setting within London's iconic Gherkin building. The panoramic views from the restaurant are indeed fabulous and certainly contribute to a memorable atmosphere. However, our recent extended family holiday dinner, following a fantastic culinary journey across Europe, left us feeling underwhelmed and, at times, quite frustrated.

The security protocols to enter the building are exceptionally stringent, bordering on excessive, and felt more akin to airport screening than a fine dining establishment. While we appreciate feeling safe, the multi-layered checks, including repeated name verification, felt intrusive and started the evening on an uneasy note.

Upon arrival, the hostess was pleasant and our table was ready. We were aware of the £15 per person deposit required for reservations, which seemed a bit unusual but acceptable for a high-demand venue.

Our experience began to decline with the service. Our assigned waiter, though friendly, was difficult to understand due to a strong accent and seemed to lack comprehensive menu knowledge, perhaps indicating he was new. A particular point of contention arose when I, under medication, requested to share a meal with my partner – a practice we'd been allowed in every other European restaurant. We were informed by management that this was strictly not permitted, requiring me to order a full meal despite my limited appetite. While we complied, this inflexible policy felt unwelcoming.

Furthermore, our wine order was incorrect, though it was quickly rectified. We were also informed that unfinished wine could not be taken to the upstairs bar, which we accepted, ensuring we finished it at the table.

When the food arrived, portions seemed small. More concerning, one of our companion's main courses was incorrect. While it was eventually replaced, the staff's manner in handling the error made us feel as though we were at fault, and our companion had to wait a significant 15 minutes for their correct dish. The food quality itself was mediocre (around 60-70% satisfactory); the pork was fatty, and the side potatoes were bland.

The most perplexing policy, and ultimately a deal-breaker for us, was the absolute refusal of takeaways. Despite having paid for the food and having a substantial amount remaining due to my medical condition, a manager informed us with an air of satisfaction that leftovers could not be taken. This rigid and seemingly arbitrary rule is unlike any we've encountered in numerous restaurants both in Europe and the United States, and it came across as completely customer-unfriendly. The general attitude from some management seemed to prioritize strict adherence to rules over customer satisfaction.

Lastly, a visit to the upstairs bar area revealed a surprisingly empty and somewhat lifeless space with disengaged staff. Our departure was further marred by a female manager who, when we struggled with an exit gate, displayed clear irritation and walked off without offering assistance, only to be seen talking and laughing with security staff while seemingly looking at us.

Considering the high price point and the multitude of exceptional dining experiences available in London (such as Goodman's or even Burger & Lobster), Searcys at The Gherkin, despite its impressive setting, falls short on service, flexibility, and overall value. While it might suit certain business dinners, for a memorable and welcoming culinary experience, we cannot recommend it at this time. There are far better options that genuinely prioritize...

After a challenge in the lobby about having ID we arrived to have our coats checked.

My wife’s vintage Louis Vuitton coat was shoved on a plastic hangar with as much care as an old sock.

We caught the lift to the 39th floor and were taken to our table.

The Bread (COLD) and butter (Whipped) arrived. The bread and butter was nice however the butter was very salty and certainly not as nice as a Normandy butter. Quite light in colour by comparison and much more pale (not enough actual buttermilk in it?) it lacked any buttery punch. The white bread was nicer than the brown

Wine prices are eye wateringly overpriced. A 90 GBP Paulliac from Bordeaux on the menu is $45 in Australia that is, at current exchange rates 22.50 GBP compared to 93 GBP. Markup and then some.

My wife had an uncomfortable experience in the toilet where one of them was stained with what she described as period blood and we had to request it was cleaned.

Mains

We went for the steak and lamb.

Sides

Tripled cooked chips were still a tad hard in the middle. With not the expected fluffiness on the outside. Sent it back. Came out again - better but still just average.

Honey Roasted Parsnips like the chips were again too tough in the middle

Steak was medium rare. Overcooked around the edges but overall ok. Gravy quite watery - made the potato soggy.

Wife was overly underwhelmed by meal quality of lamb and taste. We live in Australia which is huge on lamb and of course we eat it often. The quality here sadly fell below expectation

Plates cleared at the end. No how was it.

The place lacks ambiance. You cannot hear the music, the noise echoes as there is no furniture to absorb the noise with no soft surfaces. You literally are deafened by the background chatter. The table and chairs are hard surfaces and feel cheap like ikea furniture, causing far too much refraction of noise and giving a feel more like a canteen/food hall than restaurant.

We asked for the service charge to be removed and there was a discussion between the server and a suit like we had asked for a free meal. We had to give a reason for us wanting the service charged removed! Like what the hell. Adding on a tax we did not agree too and that was not warranted.

Overall the quality and consistency here needs revised and refined. A high end dining experience this is not.

Service was below average Food was below average Venue was...

After drinks at Iris Bar we headed down to the 38th floor to the Helix Restaurant operated by Searcys at The Gherkin. We were lucky enough to have a table right at the front by the window with fantastic views of London.

We started with a glass of Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs Champagne which was served in beautifully ornate glasses. It was perfectly light and refreshing for the starters we had.

While we were deciding what to eat, we were presented with some fresh sourdough bread. It was so moreish!

To start we had the Portland crab, celery, grapes and candied walnuts (£17) and Portwood Farm asparagus, whipped goat’s curd and radish (£16). The crab and accompaniments were light and fresh and perfect for a summery evening. The asparagus with the goat’s cheese was particularly enjoyable and full of flavour and texture.

For our main, we shared the 45-day aged Shorthorn rib of beef served with watercress, triple cooked chips, béarnaise (£86). We also ordered some Purple sprouting broccoli (£4.50).

The meat was served medium rare and cooked to perfection. The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle – just delicious. The sommelier recommended Cuvaison 2017 Pinot Noir from Napa Valley in California. It was light enough for a warm evening whist having sufficient weight to complement the red meat.

We were too full for dessert which was a shame as the glazed lemon tart with raspberry ripple ice cream and selection of cheeses (Blue Monday, Barron Bigod and Quicke’s Vintage Cheddar) really caught our eye!

Instead we finished the evening with a Lady Flower or a “Negroni’s wife” as it is informally known! Served with Beckett’s sloe gin, campari infused for 24 hours with raspberries and strawberries, rose liquor and a little elderflower, it was sweeter than a regular Negroni. With such elegant presentation, it was a lovely way to cap off a luxurious evening.

An evening at Searcys at the Gherkin is not cheap but for a special occasion there are few better locations to indulge in such a stunning setting. The drinks, food and service are superb and you will not come away disappointed! A special shout out to Alessio, Head Bartender and Mixologist at the Gherkin who is so knowledgeable and passionate!

Make sure you check out the set menu deals. They offer a 3 course lunch including gin trio (£42) and 3 course dinner including a...