My idea of the perfect romantic date is watching the sun set over the wonderful city of London, wine in hand, with the love of my life… either that or snuggled in a pub on a winter’s day with boardgames and books for entertainment!
If you fancy the former, I can really recommend Searcy The Iris Bar. Situated on level 40, this bar sits on the top level of The Gherkin, one of London’s most well known high rise buildings in the city. I had NO idea the public were allowed in the building, let alone could wine and dine at the top level and so it was a lovely surprise to visit for cocktails with my family for my sister’s birthday last weekend.
We attended on a Sunday at 2pm until around 4pm and it was so quiet with only a couple of other tables booked, making it the perfect spot for a peaceful, romantic date. For that reason I think this is a great contender for the Shard – it has a really lovely view of London but without the crowds!
The cocktails were lovely – we must have tried about 7 in total and they were all unique in their own way. I had a ‘Mezcal Marg’ which was INTENSE, probably the strongest twist on a margarita I’ve ever tried with Mezcal, Triple Sec, fresh orange juice, lime and sugar. A couple of us also had the ‘Winter Warmer’ which was strong but really perfect for cold day with Laphroaig Whiskey, Frangelico (one of my spirits – a sweet sticky vanilla!) condensed milk & orange bitters.
There is a full restaurant the level below so if you were after a full meal then that’s an option, but they also serve bar snacks – olives, chips, mini chorizo, cheeses etc in the bar.
We had the loveliest couple of hours up in the clouds watching the sunset (check out my time-lapse of the sky on my Instagram stories, it’s breathtaking) and I would definitely go back for a special occasion – it’s pricey so best saved for your fav people!
RATING: 7/10
COST: ££££ This place is pricey with most cocktails around the £14 mark and a small glass of wine for around £13, but the view makes the prices more bearable!
LOCATION: 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) London EC3A 8BF. Closest station is Aldgate but it’s also walking distance from Liverpool Street, Tower Hill and Bank!
WEBSITE: https://searcys.co.uk/venues/the-gherkin/bar/
Let me know if you end up visiting and I’d recommend booking just in case!
K x
Those cocktails look delicious! I’ve always wanted to go to one of these bars, I’m sure I’d get distracted by the view.