Exclusive hire of Helix and Iris at Searcys at the Gherkin - Events
Capacity: Up to 300 guests (Reception)
Location: 30 St Mary Axe, City, EC3A 8EP, London
Coordinates: 51.5144054, -0.0802511
Features
- Wifi
- 360 degree views
- Bar
- In-house catering by Searcys
- Lift
Food & Drink
- Professional Kitchen
- Halal Catering
- Kosher Catering
Space
- Disabled Access
- 150m² (1,615ft²)
Licenses
- Licensed Until 11pm
- Extensions Available
- Wedding License
Capacities
- 70 Cabaret
- 140 Dining
- 300 Reception
- 140 Theatre
Venue Guide Prices
Dining
Party packages
| Price | Schedule | Package |
|---|---|---|
| £75 / Per Person | Every day, 09:00 - 17:00 | Breakfast Package |
Party packages
| Price | Schedule | Package |
|---|---|---|
| £135 / Per Person | Every day, 09:00 - 17:00 | Day Delegate Rate |
Events
Delegate packages
| Price | Schedule | Package |
|---|---|---|
| £79 / Per Person | Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 - 17:00 | Breakfast package |
Party packages
| Price | Schedule | Package |
|---|---|---|
| £159 / Per Person | Every day, 09:00 - 17:00 | Reception Package |
Weddings
Party packages
| Price | Schedule | Package |
|---|---|---|
| £215 / Per Person | Every day, 09:00 - 17:00 | Wedding Package |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact pricing structures for different event types and times?
Private dining rooms on level 38 have £500+VAT room hire with minimum spends of £2,000+VAT (afternoon) or £2,500+VAT (evening). Exclusive hire of levels 39-40 costs £11,000+VAT room hire with £12,000+VAT minimum spend for evening events (18:30-23:00), or £2,500+VAT room hire with £4,500+VAT minimum spend for breakfast/day events. Dry hire is available at £18,000+VAT with 4 hours kitchen access (2pm-10pm).
What capacity limits apply to different areas and event setups?
Private dining rooms on level 38 accommodate up to 18 people for oval table setup or maximum 2 round tables of 10 each. Levels 39-40 can host up to 300 guests for standing receptions across both floors, 150 guests for drinks receptions, or 65 people for conferences with theatre-style seating. Maximum capacity varies significantly based on event type and setup requirements.
What are the mandatory service charges and payment requirements?
A discretionary 12.5% service charge applies to all food and beverage items and is included in contracts by default (can be requested to be presented at end of function instead). 100% deposit payment is required upon contract signing, with remaining balance due 3 months prior to the event. AMEX payments incur additional surcharges.
What are the standard event timing slots and access arrangements?
Private dining rooms operate 12:00-16:00 (afternoon) or 18:30-23:00 (evening) with 30-minute early access for setup. Levels 39-40 exclusive hire runs 18:30-23:00 for evening events or 07:30-11:00 for breakfast events, with 1-hour early vendor access. Late license extends until 03:00 at additional £1,500+VAT per hour between 23:00-03:00.
What catering restrictions and ordering requirements must be followed?
Searcys provides all food and beverage as the in-house caterer - external catering requires dry hire at £18,000+VAT. All catering orders including special dietary requirements must be pre-ordered 10 working days prior to the event. Final guest numbers are required 5 working days before the event date, and maximum 3 cocktails/mocktails can be ordered with minimum 10-person pre-order.
What AV equipment is included and what are the costs for additional requirements?
Built-in speakers for background music are included throughout all rooms. Additional AV requirements are provided by preferred supplier Prelude Entertainment, or clients can bring their own AV for a £350+VAT supplement. The venue can accommodate screens, projectors, microphones, and DJ setups depending on the specific room and event requirements.
How does the booking process work and what information is required?
Bookings operate on first-come, first-served basis with no holds. To proceed, clients must provide: contract signatory name and contact details, event name and date, billing address with company name, and preferred payment method (bank transfer or credit card). Site visits can be arranged, and contracts with deposit invoices are generated once commitment is confirmed.
What types of events are prohibited or have restrictions?
The venue cannot accommodate certain event types (specific restrictions not detailed in communications). All guests must be pre-booked with ID required upon arrival - no walk-in guests permitted. The venue is described as excellent for corporate and networking events, suggesting it's positioned as a professional rather than casual entertainment space.
What room configurations and setups are available for different event sizes?
Level 38 private rooms offer oval table setups for up to 18 people or double room configurations for larger groups. Levels 39-40 can be configured with poseur tables for standing receptions, theatre-style seating for conferences, or cabaret-style setups. Breakout rooms on level 38 are available for additional £2,500+VAT (single) or £3,500+VAT (double room) subject to availability.
Are there seasonal menu changes and what catering options are available?
Searcys uses seasonal ingredients and updates menus regularly - new menus are shared when available. Three-course menus start from £75+VAT per person (same starter, main, dessert for whole party), working lunch at £40+VAT per person, and continental breakfast with baps at approximately £82+VAT per person. Sample menus and catering price lists are provided during the proposal process.
Venue Photos
This venue has 10 professional photos:
Amenities & Features
- 360-degree panoramic views from levels 39 and 40
- Exclusive hire of Helix Restaurant and Iris Bar
- In-house catering by Searcys
- Built-in speakers for background music
- Late licence until 03:00
- Granite staircase connecting levels
- Maximum capacity 300 guests standing reception
- Private dining rooms on level 38 for smaller events
- 3D virtual tour available
- Seasonal ingredient menus
Event Types
Great for: Exclusive hire of the top two floors of London's iconic Gherkin with unmatched 360-degree city views.
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Additional Information
✓ Prime Venue - Verified premium partner
Contact: Available through HireSpace booking platform