Frequently asked questions
RESTAURANT & BAR FAQ
Do I need to book in advance?
All reservations must be made ahead of your visit. For same day bookings please contact the team on 0330 107 0816 or gherkinreception@searcys.co.uk.
In order to secure your reservation, Searcys at The Gherkin requires a £15 per person deposit which will be deducted from your final bill on the day of your reservation. Special events such as New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day may have separate deposit terms.
Please note that tables are allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis and window seats cannot be guaranteed.
What are the security procedures?
Entry to Searcys at The Gherkin is conditional on security screening. Identification needs to be presented to our reception team upon arrival – this can be a bank card. Searcys at The Gherkin requires all guest names prior to your reservation time.
You and your property will be subject to searches by authorised personnel on entry to The Gherkin building. Please note, any item which in the reasonable opinion of officers could be used as a weapon or cause nuisance or harm to others are prohibited and will be confiscated.
What is the dress code?
Casual elegance. We welcome and encourage style, however, we kindly ask that guests refrain from wearing shorts, flip flops and sportswear.
Can I reserve a window table?
Window tables are allocated on a first come first serve basis and cannot be guaranteed.
Do you cater for dietary needs?
We are pleased to cater for a variety of dietary needs, please ensure that you highlight any dietary requirements at the point of booking.
Where is the closest station?
You can find us between Liverpool Street, Bank and Aldgate East.
Can I make changes to my booking?
If you need to make changes to your reservation you can do so up to 48 hours before your booking, subject to availability. Please contact the team on 0330 107 0816 or gherkinreception@searcys.co.uk.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations can be made with 48 hours’ notice, any changes made after this will incur a cancellation charge. Special events, such as New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day, may have a separate cancellation policy.
Bikes / Scooters
All bikes and scooters including folding bikes, e-scooters and hoverboards are not permitted in the building.
Promotional and ticketed events
Event tickets sold via third parties and other unauthorised outlets, including online auction sites, are not valid for admission to Searcys at The Gherkin. All events must be organised via Searcys dedicated events team. Unauthorised ticketholders may be refused entry.
VOUCHERS FAQ
How do I claim my voucher?
To book your experience please use our booking form and select your voucher type, please quote your voucher number and provide us with the names of each guest. If your voucher is for a day that we are not open, or for an experience that we no longer offer, we will work with you to provide an alternative.
What days can I use my voucher?
Vouchers are valid from Tuesday to Saturday. Please note that vouchers are not permitted on special occasion dates such as Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
Can I amend my voucher booking?
If you need to amend your voucher booking please contact us at least 48 hours prior to your booking. Unfortunately for changes within 48 hours of your booking, no changes can be made.
EVENTS FAQ
What sort of events do you host?
Our flexible spaces enable us to host a range of events from business lunches and boardroom meetings to weddings and product launches.
What are the maximum numbers?
Our capacities for events range between 2 – 260 guests. Please visit our event pages for more information.
What floor are you located on?
Private Dining – Level 38
Exclusive Hire of Level 39 & 40.
When can I book an event?
You are able to book the private dining and meeting rooms in sessions throughout the week. Private hire of Level 39 & 40 is available Monday to Sunday with the options of breakfast, lunch dinner and all-day hire.
What is the style of catering?
We offer innovative, contemporary dishes, created with precision and distinct British execution.
How much is venue hire?
Venue hire varies on the space you wish to hire.
Kindly contact entertaining@searcys.co.uk or call 0330 107 0815 for your bespoke quotation.
Can I get married at the Gherkin?
We hold a wedding licence for civil ceremonies across the year. A fantastic range of packages are available to suit your requirements, kindly contact weddingsthegherkin@searcys.co.uk or call 0330 107 0816.
How late do events run and can they be extended?
Standard venue hire runs up to 23.00, however, we are able to offer a late extension to 03.00 at an additional venue hire fee.
Filming location, is it possible to use The Gherkin?
Filming requests are managed on a case by case basis. Please contact entertaining@searcys.co.uk with information on your filming request and we would be delighted to assist.
Can external suppliers be used?
We have an approved list of suppliers for which we request all bookings to use for entertainment, production and audiovisual etc.
Promotional and ticketed events
Event tickets sold via third parties and other unauthorised outlets, including online auction sites, are not valid for admission to Searcys at The Gherkin. All events must be organised via Searcys dedicated events team. Unauthorised ticketholders may be refused entry.