On November 18th Searcys will officially open the season of sky-high festiveย parties at Londonโsย iconic landmarkย โย The Gherkin.
The Art of Spectacle will see in the festive season atop theย cityโs skyline with a showstopping 12-foot Christmas tree in the 360o Iris Bar,ย exclusive Champagne breakfasts and tasting flights with Laurent-Perrier, a range of festive menus in the restaurant and the five stunning private dining rooms, and a spectacular New Yearโs Eveย bash to see in the new decade in style.
The Art of Spectacle at the Gherkin
On the evening of November 18th, the Christmas lights will be turned on and this yearโsย grand Christmas tree will be revealed to the public. Guests will be greeted by a giant birdcage centrepiece as they arrive on Level 39, lavishly decorated with Laurent-Perrier champagne bottles. On the floor above, a 12-foot tree located within the glassย dome of The Gherkinโs Iris Bar will shine out overย London, making it one of the cityโs highest Christmas treesย within a landmark building.
Elevated 180 meters above the city, this will be visible from the nearby Walkie Talkie and Heron Tower.ย The treeโs decorations will be inspired by Laurent-Perrierโsย colour palette, with rose gold and black baubles. Perched high above the city, this elegant, contemporary space combines big-sky views and a festive atmosphere to marvelย the cityโs Christmas lights.
Laurent-Perrier Champagne Breakfasts
For the first time since the Gherkin opened to the public, Searcys will host a brand new series of festive Champagne Breakfasts in partnership with a prestigious champagne house, Laurent-Perrier. Available from Monday to Friday, classic breakfast dishes will includeย Eggs Benedict,ย Florentineย orย Arlington, withย Smoked streaky bacon, eggs, Cumberland sausage, black pudding, tomatoes and field mushroomsย on offer for those wanting the full works. Healthier options will also be available includingย Granola, berries, yoghurt and honey, along with indulgentย homemade waffles, hedgerow berry compote and sweet cream.
Executive Chef Shaun Rowlandsโsย avocado on toast with poached hen eggs, sherry smoked salmon, keta caviarย has been devised to match the flavour profile of the Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne. Breakfast will be paired with a variety of Laurent-Perrier blends, with the option of La Cuvรฉe Brut, Cuvรฉe Rosรฉ, or Blanc de Blancs. A Laurent-Perrier tasting flight with a glass of all three cuvรฉes is also available.ย A stoneโs throw from Leadenhall Market,ย a lavish Champagneย breakfast makes for the perfect start to a day of festive celebrations in London. Whatโs more,ย all breakfast guests will be entered into a draw to win in a pair of all-inclusive hospitality tickets to watch Cirque du Soleil at The Royal Albert Hall, in Laurent-Perrierโs private box.Champagne breakfasts are available Mondayย โย Friday from 18 November to 30 December, from 7.30ย โย 11am, and bookings can be madeย here.
Private Dining Celebrations
The Gherkinโsย five private dining rooms offering some of the highest views of the city, have been lavishly decorated, making for a show-stopping venue to host corporate dinners and intimate celebrations alike. A range of packages for the private dining rooms cater for parties of between 18 and 50 guests, with a festive cocktail reception, and a three- or four- course Christmas meal, served with wines selected by the Searcys sommelier team. Alternatively, guests can indulge in a selection of canapรฉs and festive food stations, with unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks for two hours. Throughout the festive season, Helix and Iris are also available for exclusive hire, with packages including a live DJ. Optional extras include red or white mulled wine, a photo booth, luxury crackers and a retro digestif trolley.
Festive private dining packages are available for breakfast, lunch or dinner, from 18 Novemberย โย 20 December. Bookings can be madeย here.
New Yearโs Eve
The Gherkinโs panoramic Iris Bar and Helix restaurant will be open to the public this New Yearโs Eve, offering an unforgettable space to see in 2020 with back to back live music and DJ sets. Guests will be greeted with a glass of vintage Dom Perignon 2009 on arrival, before enjoying a five-course tasting menu in the restaurant. Celebrations will then continue in the Iris Bar with another glass of Veuve Clicquot Extra Brut Extra Old, as well as surprise circus- inspired entertainment. As the clocks strike midnight – and with no neighbours this high in the sky – the party can continue undisturbed well into the night. Tickets for New Yearโs Eve dinners are priced at ยฃ350.
Drinks-only tickets are also available for the Iris Bar, which will include canapรฉs, a glass of Dom Perignon and a glass of Veuve Cliquot Extra Brut Extra Old at midnight, for ยฃ150.ย Helix Restaurant will also be serving a special lunch menu on 31 December, for those wishing toย start their celebrations early and enjoy the Gherkinโs views in daylight.
