Searcys The Gherkin St Mary Axe, London EC3 Top of the London private members’ clubs, literally, Searcy’s The Gherkin is laid out in seemingly infinite space at the very apex of Norman Foster’s iconic architectural masterpiece, an integral part of the famous London skyline since 2004. Standing up here in the top-floor bar almost 600ft high, you have a 360-degree panorama that is breathtaking. Look east, to the Thames Barrage, the Olympic Stadium and Millennium Dome. Follow the Thames to Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, the London Eye, Parliament and beyond. Below you, that other icono- clastic building, Lloyd’s of London. As the light fades, the sky glows and the whole city lights up. All London is literally and figuratively at your feet. We cannot think of anybody who would not wish to be a wel- come insider within this spec- tacular building. Who among us would not like to invite clients, colleagues, family, friends, bank manager or broker to share the pleasure? For one thing—leaving the delicious food, wines, cocktails and general bonhomie to one side for a moment—there is no more prestigious contemporary address in London. To suggest holding your meetings at ‘The Gherkin’ has limitless potential for one-upmanship: with its soaring views of the City, who could possibly fail to be so im- pressed as to back your latest wizard invention, invest in your brand new enterprise, or give you their blessing to marry their daughter? The Gherkin is ordinarily open primarily to those who work in The Gherkin, and to others holding a private mem- bership costing £900 per year plus £300 to join. But the doors have long been opened also to our Club Members. As a Member of CountryClubuk you are invited to the private bar and restaurant whenever they are open, and all you do is call Member Services to book. Your personal guests are wel- come to accompany you—all that is asked is that you book in advance; security is understand- ably tight. Everybody knows the City of London has plenty of closely guarded doors, but per- haps the most closely guarded of all belong to The Gherkin. To get in, one must undergo airport-style security. Pass muster, and a silent lift trans- ports you smoothly up The Gherkin, and into the even smoother Searcy’s Club opera- tion. Searcy’s have an enviable reputation, and a prestigious list of venues including the Bank of England Club and the Hurlingham Club. None is quite so lofty in real terms as The Gherkin. Prior bookings are essential: to check availability, please call us on 020 7399 2960. TopoftheLondonclubs:Searcy’sTheGherkin To hold your meetings at The Gherkin has limitless potential for one-upmanship 142