There’s something deeply gratifying about sipping a lychee and pitahaya-garnished champagne cocktail in The Gherkin’s pinnacle, and glancing out to find yourself eye-to-eye with the top of The Walkie-Talkie, London’s City Hall a mere marble below.

The interior of Iris by Searcys is appropriately minimalist. A scattering of monochromatic tables, gleaming bar and a DJ throbbing out chic beats on the decks are all in humble obeisance to the heady surround vistas of London’s skyline.

Iris by Searcys’ cocktails are aptly inspired by London’s signature sites – many of which you can observe from this lofty perch. The tangy brandy and yuzu muddle that is Sakura Cherry Blossom nods to Hampstead, apparently, while our choice, Little White Bird, has a mellow resonance with Kensington Gardens.

The bar snacks – think marinated olives, cured meats and a selection of cheeses – are as down to earth as you can get being 180m up, and utterly sublime. We’re convinced the plump tomatoes in the Heritage Tomato Salad were freshly picked in Tuscany that morning.