Belle Epoque and The Gherkin

On Tuesday night, wearing my best glad rags, I hopped in a taxi and popped up to the top of The Gherkin... you know, as you do.

The Gherkin, or as it's supposed to be called, 30 St Mary Axe, is one of London's mostly iconic buildings. Everyone instantly recognises it around the world, making it one of my must visit buildings. It's primarily a commercial building; it's not that easy to access. However with a little help of Perrier-Jouet, I got my wish granted. And it was worth the wait. What a view.

I'd dressed up for the occasion in a frankly bust crushing top by Oh my love and the most amazing gold sequin skirt from Virgos Lounge

We were here to celebrate the launch of a very special champagne. Perrier-Jouët were unveiling their 2005 vintage of its most loved Cuvée Belle Epoque Rosé in a limited-edition bottle designed by acclaimed Brazilian visual artist Vik Muniz. In champagne terms, 2005 is a excellent year, as they had an Indian summer, so we all knew we were in for a treat.

But first came the treat for the eyes. Just visually stunning. I'd almost buy it just for display... if not a little pricey display mind you. Maybe if I'm extra extra nice to the boy...

Muniz’s design is a fairy-tale fusion of a hummingbirds and flowers. Originally he actually created it from scraps of gold, which he then photographed and applied to the Belle Epoque bottle via a gold plate.

After admiring its beauty for long enough, we sat down for some good old champagne tasting.

I just loved their 2002 vintage, which again in champagne terms is just an excellent year. But the star of the show wanted attention, and so we welcomed the Belle Epoque Rose 2005.

Described as one of their most exciting champagnes in a long time, I have to agree. It was elegantly soft, and almost melted on the tongue. It was full of red fruits, and even  a touch of spice to stop it being so sweet. Delicious,

After a rather formal start of the evening, it was time to let our hair down and get the real part started. Climbing up to the very top of the tower, the lights went down and the music went up. Who doesn’t love a good old dance eh?

All accompanied by champagne of course.

I love this photo, see, I'm not the only camera mad one, despite what my friends think.

The party went on to well into the night, but like Cinderella I had to make a dash for home around midnight as sadly the real world started again tomorrow morning.

If you are in need of a date night, the you must visit the Searcy’s Club at The Gherkin where Belle Epoque Rose will be exclusively sold. The views are stunning and the drink even more so. If have been a very good partner this year, the  you may be in line for a treat from your other half- tell him or her to get it from Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Go on, leave those book marked pages casually lying around...

belle epoque, belle epoque rose 2005, Champagne, drink, lifestyle, London, perrier-jouet, the gherkin