30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
4.5
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The area
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Neighbourhood: City of London
From its ancient past as a Roman trading outpost to its 21st century status as the wealthiest square mile in the world, the financial district known simply as “The City” is one of London's most historic and fascinating neighbourhoods. Here high rise office towers such as Norman Foster’s Gherkin mingle with Roman ruins and architectural marvels from virtually every era in between, including Christopher Wren's glorious St.Paul's Cathedral, and John Soane's dauntingly classicist Bank of England. This neighbourhood is also home to some of the finest restaurants and plushest hotels in Europe, in addition to an assortment of of watering holes, upscale shops, and Tube stations. During the week, the City is abuzz with white collar workers going about their business; the weekend sees this area turn into a quiet haven for sightseers.
How to get there
- Aldgate • 5 min walk
- Liverpool St • 6 min walk
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4.5
440 reviews
Excellent
218
Very good
171
Average
44
Poor
5
Terrible
2
127Fred
London, UK571 contributions
May 2024 • Business
On the chapter of architectural aesthetics of this building, let us leave people to judge by themselves.
Having been at the top floor, we can say that we were impressed by the view, with seagulls trying unsuccessfully to land on the top glass panels, the sun going down over the City... The rest is . just secondary.
Having been at the top floor, we can say that we were impressed by the view, with seagulls trying unsuccessfully to land on the top glass panels, the sun going down over the City... The rest is . just secondary.
Written 10 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GummyB
San Francisco, CA303 contributions
Jul 2022
We chose to have breakfast at this place instead of buying a ticket. It's a functional office building so it gets crowded so the restaurant option is better and the food is good, but on the expensive side. Had to make a reservation about a month before our actual trip.
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kaz
West Wickham, UK722 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Visited with a friend late afternoon for cocktails and it was a lovely experience.
Staff were lovely and because it was 5.00pm there weren’t many people there so had a fabulous seat and view from the windows.
Amazing building and great cocktails.
Staff were lovely and because it was 5.00pm there weren’t many people there so had a fabulous seat and view from the windows.
Amazing building and great cocktails.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
30 St Mary Axe or The Gherkin as it's more popularly known is a commercial building in the financial district of London that looks a bit like a Gherkin as the name suggests. One of the great things about this building is that even up close, it's distinctive shape is very obvious. Sadly, unless you have a reservation in the restaurant or have business here, you're unlikely to be allowed in.
Written 17 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia50,924 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin) is an instantly recognizable building. It can be seen from afar and from many spots. It is very interesting and you can't help looking at it. It is quite beautiful architecturally.
Written 10 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DrJames
London, UK188 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
This is for the admirers of architecture.
I work here. It leaks during heavy rain fall. The glass needs caulking.
Suggest to visit 11:30am to taste the posh food trucks at the foot of the gherkin. Expect a £6 for "Kanye West Mac n Cheese", which is bacon with mac and cheese. The trucks are there Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also food trucks at the nearby Devonshire square. If all else falls, I recommend Japanese Canteen. There's plenty of seating during summertime. Check out the fashion of successful lawyers bankers, and property managers.
The bar is accessible to only to those who work in the building, pay the £1,000 annual membership fee, or have a booking for lunch. Coke is £5 but comes with a view.
Avoid during the evenings.
I work here. It leaks during heavy rain fall. The glass needs caulking.
Suggest to visit 11:30am to taste the posh food trucks at the foot of the gherkin. Expect a £6 for "Kanye West Mac n Cheese", which is bacon with mac and cheese. The trucks are there Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also food trucks at the nearby Devonshire square. If all else falls, I recommend Japanese Canteen. There's plenty of seating during summertime. Check out the fashion of successful lawyers bankers, and property managers.
The bar is accessible to only to those who work in the building, pay the £1,000 annual membership fee, or have a booking for lunch. Coke is £5 but comes with a view.
Avoid during the evenings.
Written 23 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wanderlust Is Real
Istanbul316 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
If you are visiting London, you must have noticed the tall egg shaped building; The Gherkin. Its architecture is different and most striking so you might as well walk there and check it out. It is beautiful in the distance but close-up, it's definitely something. It's also a walking distance to The Monument and The Leadenhall Market so you'll have lots to do in the neighborhood.
Written 11 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland64,715 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Our arrival day was lovely and sunny so we walked from Liverpool Street station to our hotel, about 1km. We made sure our route took us along St Mary Axe where we saw this marvellous architecture up close.
On previous visits we had often seen it in the distance, but approaching it and passing by it cannot be bettered. It was gleaming in the sunshine. London has many iconic architectural designs adorning its famous skyline but I think this one will be its most unique well into the future.
On previous visits we had often seen it in the distance, but approaching it and passing by it cannot be bettered. It was gleaming in the sunshine. London has many iconic architectural designs adorning its famous skyline but I think this one will be its most unique well into the future.
Written 23 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
property4wealth
London90 contributions
Oct 2011 • Business
We are lucky enough to have a small serviced office in 30 St Mary Axe (Gherkin) building - we chose this over the other landmark buildings in the area (Lloyds, Tower 42, Heron etc.) as it just felt "right".
Having now been in there for a few months, I can confirm the building is a very nice place to work. Views to one-side, the security and shared facilities are excellent. The highlight, obviously, is the 38th floor private members area, the 39th floor restaurant and 40th floor bar. If you ever get a chance to visit any of these, do take it. I visit several times each week and the views are just amazing.
I'm guessing from the number of visitors taking photos outside that this building is becoming a tourist attraction of sorts, which is great for what is effectively just an office block.
Anyway, full recommendation for this "attraction".
Having now been in there for a few months, I can confirm the building is a very nice place to work. Views to one-side, the security and shared facilities are excellent. The highlight, obviously, is the 38th floor private members area, the 39th floor restaurant and 40th floor bar. If you ever get a chance to visit any of these, do take it. I visit several times each week and the views are just amazing.
I'm guessing from the number of visitors taking photos outside that this building is becoming a tourist attraction of sorts, which is great for what is effectively just an office block.
Anyway, full recommendation for this "attraction".
Written 20 October 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura C
Cheltenham, UK182 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
My partner and I wanted something different and new to do on our trip to London and this was definitely the place. Offers a great view over London and some great drinks. Various cocktails, wine, beer and champagne are available. We had a seat right but the window and the atmosphere was great not too quiet but not too loud either. The drinks can be pricey we had 2 cocktails a small wine and a beer which was £42 and they include 12.5% service charge but we felt it was worth it as it was such a good night out. There is a dress code so be aware, no shorts, althetic wear, flip flops or sports trainers and if you wear jeans you have to wear a collared shirt. Definitely worth a visit but make sure you book a space online before you go!
Written 13 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are children allowed in the searcys area ?
Written 6 December 2021
Waar kan je een reservering maken? Ter plekke? Of online? Alvast bedankt!!!
Written 7 November 2019
Online via ga naar searcysatthegherkin
ter plekke weet ik niet.
Written 9 November 2019
What is the age limit to go to the cocktail bar?
Written 16 April 2019
Though someone under 21 years of age can't order or consume alcohol in public, children are allowed to enter a bar at any time as long as that particular bar or pub serves food.
Hope this is helpful!
Written 17 April 2019
Hi there
Does anyone know if there is a cheap hotel to stay nearby?
Written 26 January 2019
Yes, have a look at the Travelodge Liverpoolstreet
Written 30 January 2019
Dalila R
Capbreton, France
Hello,
I'm a French teacher and taking a group of students (13 years old) to London. I'd like to share with them a breathtaking experience and the view from the Gherkin is just perfect ! We'll be 46 students and 4 adults...Do you think we can make a break in there and admire the view ?
Sincerly,
D. REGLAT
Written 1 April 2018
I have known for large groups to go up to the top floor however I would contact the reception in advance as the levels of security are tight and they would need to assess whether it’s possible for such a large group
Written 1 April 2018
silly question but where do u book for free. I went into webpage nothing and can see only tours where u have to pay
anyone a link x
Written 23 March 2018
do you need to pay to go in, or book in advance?
Written 22 March 2018
It is free but you must book online in advance. Airport style security on entry and often quite a queue so turn up 15 minutes early.
Written 23 March 2018
Is the bar open for non members and if so can I get snacks there and does a table need to booked for lunchtime
Written 6 November 2017
Hi again Woody185, further to my response to you yesterday I made enquiries and non residents are allowed on occasion. The best thing to do is look at the website searceysatthegherkin and there should be plenty of information to help you.
Written 7 November 2017
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