On November 18th Searcys will officially open the season of sky-high festive parties at London’s iconic landmark – The Gherkin.
The Art of Spectacle will see in the festive season atop the city’s skyline with a showstopping 12-foot Christmas tree in the 360o Iris Bar, 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 Year’s Eve 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 year’s 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 glass dome of The Gherkin’s Iris Bar will shine out over London, making it one of the city’s highest Christmas trees within a landmark building.
Elevated 180 meters above the city, this will be visible from the nearby Walkie Talkie and Heron Tower. The tree’s decorations will be inspired by Laurent-Perrier’s 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 marvel the city’s 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 include Eggs Benedict, Florentine or Arlington, with Smoked streaky bacon, eggs, Cumberland sausage, black pudding, tomatoes and field mushrooms on offer for those wanting the full works. Healthier options will also be available including Granola, berries, yoghurt and honey, along with indulgent homemade waffles, hedgerow berry compote and sweet cream.
Executive Chef Shaun Rowlands’s avocado on toast with poached hen eggs, sherry smoked salmon, keta caviar 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 Cuvée Brut, Cuvée Rosé, or Blanc de Blancs. A Laurent-Perrier tasting flight with a glass of all three cuvées is also available. A stone’s throw from Leadenhall Market, a lavish Champagne breakfast makes for the perfect start to a day of festive celebrations in London. What’s more, 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-Perrier’s private box.Champagne breakfasts are available Monday – Friday from 18 November to 30 December, from 7.30 – 11am, and bookings can be made here.
Private Dining Celebrations
The Gherkin’s 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 canapés 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 November – 20 December. Bookings can be made here.
New Year’s Eve
The Gherkin’s panoramic Iris Bar and Helix restaurant will be open to the public this New Year’s 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 Year’s Eve dinners are priced at £350.
Drinks-only tickets are also available for the Iris Bar, which will include canapés, a glass of Dom Perignon and a glass of Veuve Cliquot Extra Brut Extra Old at midnight, for £150. Helix Restaurant will also be serving a special lunch menu on 31 December, for those wishing to start their celebrations early and enjoy the Gherkin’s views in daylight.
