SEARCYS is a restaurant on the top floor of The Gherkin skyscraper. The restaurant occupies 39th floor with 180 degree view of London, and there is also a bar on the 40th floor with all round view. While on the subject the view from bar is more impressive than from the restaurant, not only because it is 360 degrade but the top of the glass building looks awesome. So if you are only dining at the restaurant I would strongly recommend to arrive 30 minutes before your reservation and have some drinks there or to finish your lunch/dinner with a coffee on the top floor.
On special occasions we visited most of London top floor restaurants and SEARCYS was on our to go list for a long time. Usually the restaurant and bar are open for tenants and members, but there are special events when it is open for general public. Before Easter, two weeks before, the restaurant released tables for booking. We booked a table for 4 for such on Easter Monday Bank Holiday. The restaurant was busy during lunch and people were enjoying food, drinks and joyful atmosphere. This is not the place where you eat fast and go, you are here for the experience. The staff was friendly and helpful, menu well composed. We tried each different dishes and everyone was pleased.
The menu costs £45 for lunch and £55 for dinner, and it is a three courses menu. Barry Tonks is a renowned executive chef, who worked in many restaurant that have been awarded Michelin stars. All dishes have many components on them and even a tiny elements complements the dish. Fox example, greasy Foie Gras was complimented with acidic Granny Smith Apple and it was a perfect combination.
Main courses were all excellent, meat was melting in the mouth and fish was flaky and delicious. Even my meat-loving husband decided to go for pea and parmesan risotto and was delighted with his choice.
Desserts were good, although there were only four options, they can satisfy every taste. My personal favourite was Banana Parfait with honeycombs and salted caramel ice-cream. Dinner menu and lunch menu are different. Presentation of food was also beautiful, I personally like black plates better, food stand out more on a dark plate and colour appear more vibrant.
This is a great restaurant for business lunch, if you want to dazzle your dinner party, it is also great for special occasions, great view and great food.
