ling yeung b

I do have one last Parisian adventure to share with you (you can catch the first day of my weekend trip here and here), but I wanted to slip this one in before it’s too late!

Searcys at The Gherkin is normally a (London’s highest!) private members’ club, but for the next few weeks it’s opening its doors to us hoi polloi!

If you’re looking for a slice of peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the City, look no further, well, higher - 180 metres to be precise - than their 40th floor bar that has been transformed into a Moroccan sky riad for the summer!

I honestly think I have the worst luck when it comes to booking somewhere with a view… the weather gods never seem to want to cooperate! But despite the grey skies, the 360-degree view of good ol’ London was still glorious! I mean, how could anyone not fall in love with this?

After finishing our pre-dinner bubbles, we headed downstairs to the restaurant on the 39th floor. They’re also serving a 5 course Moroccan influenced tasting menu but we opted for the normal 3 course menu with a glass of champagne instead.

Starter: smoked duck, white peach, candied walnut, rocket | seared scallop, strawberry, basil Main: butter roasted monkfish, Heritage carrot, crisp bone marrow, Alsace bacon foam | Gressingham duck breast, raspberry, tarragon, girolle Dessert: cherry “Bakewell” salted almond ice cream | lemon cheesecake, strawberry and basil sorbet

Food at landmark restaurants is often hit and miss, but we were both pleasantly surprised. I’m not normally a huge dessert fan but that strawberry and basil sorbet was divine! In fact, I think I’m going to have to try and recreate it at some point!