This year Searcys turns 175 years old. To mark such a grand anniversary it is celebrating with style through the year, starting with the newly refurbished St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys.
If you are a frequent visitor to St Pancras you may have noticed that the Champagne Bar by Searcys was closed over the summer period. Since then the seating areas have been transformed into booths, creating comfortable private spaces for one, two and larger groups.
The new booths are deep blue velvet with mahogany timber and brass accents. Stretched along the Eurostar platform, they make Searcys Europe’s longest champagne bar.
The new booths are rather cosy varying from two comfy armchairs set across each other, to rounded sofas for larger groups. I particularly liked the two-seater booths. They come with sliding doors resembling vintage train coupes perfect for dates, friends catch up or even all to yourself while typing away on a laptop and enjoying a flute of champagne.
The bar’s signature ‘Press for Champagne’ buzzers remain, of course. The food menu though has been revamped with plenty of seafood such as Rock and Native oysters, Exmoor and Sturia caviar, Portland crab rarebit, native lobster, shellfish platters, salmon tartare and scallop ceviche to name a few.
Searcys is also offering afternoon tea, it wouldn’t be British without it, right? Afternoon tea comes in a travel style of a bespoke suitcase stand. Along with an extensive list of champagne by glass, bottle or magnum and a selection of English sparkling wines.
In addition to the plush velvet booths Searcys Bar also features classy high stools, ideal for people or train watching.
Searcys houses an impressive collection of bottles from over 50 Champagne houses, including vintages and monthly tasting specials.
It is open seven days a week from 12pm and the new St Pancras Champagne Bar by Searcys is open for walk-ins and pre bookings.
To mark the 175th anniversary Searcys is giving diners a complimentary glass of bubbles across Searcys restaurants from 19th October until 19th November. There are quite a few venues to choose, from the high rise Searcys in the Gherkin, to Brasserie in St Pancras and 116 Pall Mall Champagne Bar. Quote SEARCYSDAY when booking.
In addition to the complimentary glass of champagne and to celebrate Champagne day (28th October) Searcys is also hosting a few special events:
• Friday 28th October: Sabrage Champagne Masterclass Dinner 6.30pm-9.00pm Corks will be popping on Champagne Day with a special masterclass and dinner experience. Hosted in the private dining room on level 38 against the backdrop of the city vista, learn the art of champagne with Searcys Head of Champagne, Martin Dibben, and discover its origins through a guided flight. With every glass served from a magnum for a heightened tasting experience, enjoy pours from champagne houses including Pol Roger (favoured by Winston Churchill) and Bollinger. All will be perfectly paired with a three-course dinner plus a dramatic demonstration of Sabrage – the art of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre – only seen in select hotels and restaurants approved to perform this ceremonial technique dating back to Napoleon. Price: £129pp. Tickets here.
• Saturday 19th November: A Wonderful World with Pete Horsfall: Celebrating the genius of Louis
Armstrong experience a symphony of gastronomy and music at Searcys 116 Pall Mall hosts an exclusive concert in partnership with the London Chamber Orchestra this Autumn. For this special tribute, acclaimed UK jazz trumpeter Pete Horsfall celebrates the music of the legendary singer and trumpet player Louis Armstrong. A regular at Ronnie Scott’s and The Lincoln Center in New York City, Pete and his band of some of the most sought-after jazz musicians in the UK will have you wanting to croon the night away with all of the classic tunes.
Tickets are £39 per concert, or start your evening with Searcys Confectioners Afternoon Tea for £69 per person (includes a concert ticket) at 4pm followed by a concert at 6pm.
This year also marks a brand new addition to the Searcys family – Rolls-Royce Champagne car pop up in Battersea Power Station. Located at the North entrance of the new retail and leisure destination for London, British restaurateur and event caterer Searcys unveils the first home for its Champagne Coupé – a fully working mobile champagne bar on wheels.
Housed in an intricately converted 1935 Rolls-Royce Sedanca de Ville, the unique car-bar, created to mark the restaurateur’s 175th anniversary, will exclusively serve Searcys signature fizz and a selection of bar nibbles, with space for up to 20 guests in a nearby seating area.
The striking blue Champagne Coupé offers a full range of Searcys Selected Champagnes, including its Brut Rosé, alongside its new English Sparkling Wine and the limited edition 175th Blanc de Blancs. Rolls-Royce Champagne is open seven days a week.
Searcys, St. Pancras, St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL