Rising 180 metres above the City of London, the 41-storey tower is a prime example of contemporary architecture. Designed by Norman Foster and Arup Group, its distinctive elongated shape, clad in glass panels, has earned it global recognition. The building's innovative structure, featuring a triangulated perimeter, ensures exceptional rigidity without the need for excessive reinforcement.
DIRECTORY
The Gherkin
Affectionately known as The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe is a striking commercial skyscraper that has transformed the London skyline. Originally commissioned by the reinsurance company Swiss Re, it was briefly referred to as the Swiss Re Building before its popular nickname took hold.
Completed in 2003 and opened the following year, The Gherkin occupies the site of the former Baltic Exchange, which was destroyed in a bomb attack in 1992. Before the Gherkin was approved, ambitious plans for a 92-storey skyscraper, the Millennium Tower, were proposed for the site.
The building's energy efficiency is remarkable, incorporating ventilation shafts and double glazing to optimise performance. While the main lift ascends to the 34th floor, visitors can access the upper levels via a separate lift and a marble staircase. The top floors offer breathtaking views and are available for hire for events.
Sold in 2007 for a record-breaking £630 million, The Gherkin remains a symbol of London's financial prowess and architectural ambition. Its numerous architectural awards are a testament to its groundbreaking design and enduring impact on the city's skyline.
While The Gherkin isn't typically open to the public, you can still experience its iconic design. The top floors house the Helix restaurant and Iris bar, both offering breathtaking panoramic views of London. Additionally, special events like Open House London provide rare opportunities to step inside this architectural marvel.
Address and Contact Details
Address: 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8BF
General Enquiries: 020 7071 5000 (main building reception). For Searcys restaurant and bar enquiries, contact them directly.
Email (building management): enquiries@thegherkin.com
Email (Searcys): entertaining@searcys.co.uk or gherkinreception@searcys.co.uk
Website (main building): The Gherkin (opens in new window).
Website (restaurant and bar): Searcys (opens in new window).
Travel Connections
The Gherkin is a distinctive landmark in the heart of the City of London, making it highly accessible by public transport.
Underground (Tube)
- Aldgate Station (Metropolitan and Circle lines): Approximately a 4-minute walk.
- Fenchurch Street Station (National Rail): Approximately a 3-5 minute walk.
- Bank Station (Central, Northern, Waterloo & City lines, DLR): Approximately an 8-minute walk. This is a major interchange.
- Monument Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately an 8-minute walk.
- Liverpool Street Station (Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines, Elizabeth line, Overground): Approximately a 6-10 minute walk.
- Tower Hill Station (District and Circle lines): Approximately a 4-7 minute walk.
Train
- Fenchurch Street Station: Approximately a 3-5 minute walk.
- Liverpool Street Station: Approximately a 6-10 minute walk.
Bus
Numerous bus routes serve the area around The Gherkin. Key bus stops include:
- Fenchurch Street (Stop T): Buses 25, N25, N550.
- Bishopsgate (Stop N): Buses 100, N551.
- Duke's Place (Stop A): Buses 42, 78, 100, 135, 205, N205.
- Camomile Street (Stops W, Y): Buses 8, 21, 26, 35, 43, 47, 141, 149, 344, 388, N8, N26, N133, N242, N551.
- Liverpool Street Station (Stop K, F): Buses 47, 149, 388.
River Boat
- Tower Pier: Approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
- London Bridge City Pier: Approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Services run by Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.
Car
- The Gherkin is located in the City of London, within the Congestion Charge zone and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). There are no public car parking facilities directly at the building.
- Limited street parking or nearby car parks may be available, but public transport is highly recommended.
Cycling
- Santander Cycles docking stations are available on St Mary Axe itself, as well as nearby on Bishopsgate and Leadenhall Street.
- Allocated cycle storage is available for building tenants.
Facilities
- Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar: Located on the top floors (39th and 40th respectively), offering panoramic 360-degree views of London and serving contemporary British cuisine and cocktails. These are operated by Searcys.
- Event Spaces: Private dining rooms and event spaces are available for hire on levels 38, 39, and 40, suitable for corporate events, private parties, and weddings.
- Office Space: The vast majority of the building is premium office space for various companies.
- Cafes & Shops: An arcade of shops and cafes are accessible from the newly created piazza at the base of the building, including an on-site artisan bakery and Notes Café.
- Street Food Market: A street food market is often held in the piazza at the base of the Gherkin during lunchtimes on weekdays.
Access
- Access to The Gherkin is primarily limited to those with reservations at Searcys restaurant and bar on the upper floors or guests attending private events. The main office building is closed to the general public except for those with specific appointments.
- Step-free access is available to the main ground floor reception and lifts. The top-floor restaurant and bar are accessible via lifts.
- Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms are available.
- Assistance dogs are permitted.
- The distinctive design of the building, tapering towards the base, creates more public space at street level, improving the pedestrian experience.
Entry Fees
Entry to the public piazza and ground-floor cafes/shops at The Gherkin is free of charge.
- Access to the Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar on the top floors requires a reservation for dining or drinks, which will incur standard menu prices. There is no separate "entry fee" for these areas beyond the cost of food and beverages.
- During special events like Open House London, the building may offer limited free public access, but these events are highly popular and often require ballot entry.
Opening Times
The Gherkin building, as a commercial office space, operates during standard business hours for its tenants, but it is not generally open to the public except for those with reservations for the top-floor restaurant and bar, or attending private events.
- Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar (operated by Searcys):
- Afternoon Tea: Thursday – Saturday, 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Bar (Iris Bar): Tuesday, Wednesday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Thursday – Saturday, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
- Dinner (Helix Restaurant): Tuesday – Saturday, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Please note that Searcys at The Gherkin will be closing its doors in January 2026. This means 2025 is the final chance to experience dining and views from these top-floor venues.
- Ground-floor cafes and shops: Typically follow standard City of London retail hours, generally weekdays during business hours.
It is always advisable to check the official Searcys at The Gherkin website for the most up-to-date opening times and booking availability.
Articles
City Skyscrapers: An exploration of the major tall buildings in the City of London (Financial District).
Other Places of Interest Within 15 Minute's Walk
Leadenhall Market (2 minutes): A beautiful, ornate Victorian covered market with stunning architecture, known for its selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and famously used as a filming location for Harry Potter.
Lloyd's of London (2-3 minutes): An iconic and architecturally significant building, the home of the world's leading insurance market, designed by Richard Rogers. While internal access is limited, its exterior is a striking sight.
The Royal Exchange (4-5 minutes): A magnificent historic building with high-end boutiques, bars, and restaurants, originally established as a centre for mercantile exchange.
Bank of England Museum (5-6 minutes): Learn about the history of the Bank of England and the UK economy through interactive displays and exhibits. Entry is free.
Sky Garden (5-7 minutes): London's highest public garden, offering panoramic views of the city from its lush landscaped spaces, restaurants, and bars. Free to visit but booking well in advance is essential.
The Monument (8-10 minutes): A towering column commemorating the Great Fire of London, offering a fantastic viewing platform at the top after climbing its spiral staircase.
Tower of London (12-14 minutes): A historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames, famous for its history as a royal palace, fortress, prison, and home of the Crown Jewels.
Tower Bridge (14-15 minutes): An iconic London landmark, this Victorian-era bascule and suspension bridge offers a museum experience inside its towers, including glass walkways and engine rooms.
St. Paul's Cathedral (15-18 minutes): A masterpiece of English Baroque architecture, with a stunning dome offering panoramic views of London, and rich historical significance.
