The Gherkin*
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 Not for the hoi polloi this one. Completely exclusive drinks, and therefore perfect. |
Date Description |
   Central |
The Gherkin, otherwise known as 30 St Mary Axe, has become a film and TV shortcut for the London skyline, recognisable everywhere. Rising like a silvery dildo into the ether, it's a little-known fact that apart from all the offices occupied by functionally-redundant City workers, the top two floors are a restaurant and bar, ideal for a premier league date.
The bad news is that it's not open to the public. That would be too easy. But dating shouldn't be a stroll in the park, kicking the leaves (although that is an excellent date, to be elaborated elsewhere). Yet have no fear Sancho Panza, there are ways around this.
The bar is open to paying customers only on Friday evenings, but you need to be invited. This means you need to either: (a) be dating an insurance broker (Swiss Re, who commissioned the building, still occupy loads of the lower floors) or another City type; or (b) have a very kind and considerate friend who won't mind slipping you and your date into the bar and then fading into the background with the lightest of light gooseberry touches.
Once you're in, it's pretty special. The bar is 360 degrees of glass, with unspoilt vista in every direction. Hampstead, the Palace of Westminster, the London Eye, the Tower of London, Docklands and lots of other places I've never visited swing into view. It's great any time of the year, and you'll fall in love with London all over again (and maybe even your date). It's truly incredible. Order champagne for a flourish, or stick to the more modestly-priced beers and G+T's. There are also platters of themed nibbles available, which are often very nice.
The downsides? It is, of course, painfully expensive. The service in the bar is also absolutely abysmal. Painfully slow, beyond a joke really (order two rounds of drinks at a time). Date-esses may not enjoy the lighting, which I'm told is a bit stark. And it does have a slightly chavvy air early in the evening - presumably before Abacus opens and the flunitrazepam kicks in. After about 9, it's generally pretty quiet.
Post-date options? Coq d'Argent is a 10 minute walk away for summer al fresco drinks, and Pacific Oriental is an OK-ish bar just around the corner. Highlight is probably the Lowlander, a Belgian bar which serves an enormous range of exciting (read 'potent') beers. But other than that, you're going to be faced with ruddy-cheeked spittle-flecked spivs. Best to escape to the real world as soon as possible.
Tags
london central EC3 drinks special occasion the gherkin 30 st mary axe user submitted date cocktails cityContact information
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