Summer Sky Riviera at The Gherkin: The ultimate high-rise bar experience

London’s most spectacular bar has opened its doors with a themed 1950s French Riviera look. Summer Sky Riviera at The Gherkin is the ultimate high-rise bar experience; set on the 40^th floor of the iconic skyscraper designed by Norman Foster, there aren’t any better locations to enjoy a cocktail or have a snack.

The concept behind the interior design represents an evening spent by the Riviera with wave-sound illusions, palm tree reflections, nautical-striped sun loungers and a Provençal foot stall.

Once the goose-bump moment of watching the sunset under a magnificent glass dome has faded, we open the limited-edition menu to decide what to try. The Saint Tropez (gin, rose liqueur, sweet Vermouth, grapefruit, rose water) and Marseille (gin, pastis verveine, cucumber, Provençal herbs) seem the obvious choices although the homemade Provençal lavender cordial used for Vaucluse is probably equally interesting. Despite being based on the same spirit, the two drinks are completely different: whereas the longer and lighter Saint Tropez is more appropriate to be drunk while chatting, the Marseille‘s texture and herbal aftertaste perfectly accompanies Provençal food. All the cocktails are mixed with Tanqueray No. Ten gin, which is a sponsor for this six-week pop-up.

Summer Sky Riviera is not only for drinks and champagne (specifically they serve Louis Roederer, well-known for its prestige cuvée Cristal), you can have good food too and the prices are surprisingly very reasonable. The selection of six oysters – which are rather fleshy – comes at £11, and the Grand Aperitif Provençal – fougasse, crudités, tapenade, anchoïade, cervelle de canut, pesto, black and green olives – at just £8.50 per person.

In good French fashion, there’s also a cheese platter – three or five pieces – and a charcuterie board. The French aren’t famous for their jambon and it’s good to see that they’ve opted for hand-sliced Parma ham on top of the classic chicken and duck liver pâté, chicken terrine, and saucisson.

Visiting Summer Sky Riviera is a must-do this summer, not only for its unparalleled 360-degree view of London, facing the majestic Shard from the front, but also for its delicious cocktails and food in an exclusive – yet affordable – environment.

★★★★★

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Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

Summer Sky Riviera is on at the Gherkin from 25^th July until 1^st September 2016. To book a table call 020 7071 5025 or enquire here.