London’s Gherkin is the familiar nickname for 30 St Mary Axe, a 180-metre tower in the City’s dense financial district. Its curved, tapering profile is an unmistakable landmark, but it is also a working office building rather than a daily public attraction. That distinction matters in 2026: Searcys, the operator of the tower’s rooftop restaurant and bar, states that its venue closed from 1 January. The property website still promotes top-floor food and event facilities, but it does not publish public opening hours or explain a replacement operator. Visitors should plan to see the architecture from outside unless access is confirmed directly.
Designed by Foster + Partners for Swiss Re, 30 St Mary Axe was completed in 2004, according to the City of London’s architecture profile. The 41-storey, 180-metre tower won the RIBA Stirling Prize and the London Region Award that year. “The Gherkin” is an informal nickname inspired by its rounded, narrowing shape; the formal street address remains the clearest name to use for directions. Its smooth outline stands apart from the rectangular office blocks around it, while still belonging to the City’s evolving cluster of tall buildings.
