The Gherkin
The Gherkin is one of those buildings you will either love or hate. Old or modern London? Or both? I love London having grown up in London and lived there until I was 22. I love old London and Tower Bridge is my favourite building in London. Although The Gherkin comes a really very close second. I love the silver and black look and before the buildings exploded in the City it stood out as modern London.
I remember the first time I went up to the top of the Gherkin, it was for champagne at a corporate thing. I was so struck by it I knew I wanted to have a special event there at some point. I didn’t then know when but knew I needed to!
That chance came for my 40th birthday, I thought about having a large party but decided instead to have an intimate dinner in one of the private dining rooms instead. It was a dream come true.
The room was absolutely beautiful and the views both from the room and from the bar at the top were breathtaking. The staff were wonderful and couldn’t be faulted at all. They were attentive yet so discreet you didn’t notice them moving around filling up drinks making sure everybody was happy.
The canapés were absolutely divine and they set the wonderful meal up perfectly.
We had for a starter Wye Valley asparagus with Comte custard with onion and mustard micro herbs. The fish course was soused Cornish mackerel, tarragon, anchovy, lemon curd and potato salad. The main course was beef dripping fondant potato, wild garlic purée and heritage carrots. This was followed by a cheese board and Tiramisu.
The food was just beautiful, we were able to go up and down from our private dining room to the bar at the top with our champagne and take in the beautiful sights of London. It was a wonderful evening full of great food and wine, dancing and laughter. I’d return in a heartbeat for a special occasion.
I have since been back a couple of times, including a special evening when Monica Galetti took over the restaurant for an evening which was out of this world, brunch for Victoria’s 18th and Mother’s Day brunch. Such a beautiful building which makes any meal there even more special.