Searcys to open top floor private members' club to the public
Searcys is relaunching its private members' club at the Gherkin as a public restaurant and bar called Helix and Iris.
The space, on levels 39 and 40 of the Norman Foster-designed building in London, will relaunch on 13 July with a reimagined concept.
Dishes will include English green asparagus with Dorset crab, grapefruit, soy and sesame; and Rhug Estate Welsh lamb with bell peppers, aubergine, courgette, pepper and pine nuts.
The new names derive from the Gherkin's structure: the helix shape at the pinnacle of the building, which when viewed from above it forms an iris shape, designed by Foster to reflect the Gherkin's place as the 'eye over the city'.
The new bar, Iris, will open in the former members-only space serving London-themed cocktails, Champagne and English sparkling wine.
Head mixologist Federico Geniale has designed the list including 'the little white bird', inspired by Kensington Gardens' Peter Pan associations (violet liqueur, vanilla vodka, lychee, elderflower, lemon and English sparkling wine), while the Jack the Ripper (Mediterranean herbs, vodka, beetroot juice, tomato, lemon, Worcester sauce, Mexican sauce) is a Whitechapel twist on the Bloody Mary.
Searcys' managing director Matt Thomas said: "As restaurateurs and event caterers our work is to make our guests and our teams feel special, creating memorable experiences. Opening to the public, we look forward to welcoming in new customers to enjoy this spectacular building and its views."
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