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Searcys launches its first-ever signature bone china tableware as part of a new gifting collection to mark the company’s 175th Anniversary
1 December 2021We are delighted to unveil Searcys’ first-ever signature bone china sets, designed by British company William Edwards. The fine bone china is a chance to bring a keepsake of Searcys into your own home, with the launch of our very own tea sets this November. Beautifully designed tableware can lift the whole look and feel of an occasion, bringing the joys we associate with dining out into our own homes.
The tea sets are part of our new afternoon tea tableware collection, launched across our restaurants. These include the famous Pump Room in Bath and three London locations: 116 Pall Mall, Searcys at the Gherkin, and St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar. The elegant white tea sets have been designed with Searcys signature delicate honeycomb pattern. They were created by William Edwards, an English manufacturer from Stoke-in-Trent, a British hub of ceramics. Combining a sophisticated and refined gold geometric pattern with a 24-karat gold edging, the new collection captures the timeless Art Deco silhouette and British heritage of Searcys’ venues.
The MD and the founder of the company William Edwards shares, “After a tough 12 months for all of us in the hospitality industry, it’s truly remarkable to see places like Searcys coming back stronger than ever. What an honour it has been to work on a collection that presents not only a wonderfully unique collection but also continues to support the British ceramics industry which we are incredibly proud to be a part of!”
Tell us about your company
Since 1993, our fine bone china has become the talking point for style, design, and bespoke manufacturing of plates, teacups and more. For over 25 years, we have built a prestigious collection of specially commissioned designs, working with the best luxury restaurants and hotels worldwide.
William Edward’s reputation is founded on the success of its iconic clients worldwide, and bespoke is at the centre of everything they do. Pairing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, William Edwards fine bone china is both quietly elegant yet remarkably timeless with its translucent body, opulent appearance and unsurpassed durability.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you started the business.
I am extremely proud to be part of Britain’s proud to have started at Wedgwood and having been selected to study at the Royal College of Art on Wedgwood Scholarship, after which I set up a company in 1993. We are incredibly proud of our in-house team of highly skilled designers well known for their skill in decorating fine ceramics. All our designs are created in-house. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, a British ceramics hub since the late 1700s, we continue to adapt and champion craftsmanship, maintaining and establishing new traditions.
Why is tableware important for the overall dining experience?
The tablescape is a huge part of dining rituals across the world, and I believe that it is a lot more influential than a lot of people may think. As well as an aid to interior décor and culinary craftsmanship, the visual appearance also inspires the mood, sets expectations, and creates atmosphere.
What are the signatures of great hospitality?
For me, it is luxury and attention to detail for food and beverage service. The manner by which this is presented by professional staff and utilizing the very best tableware available.
What is your favourite dish?
Beef Wellington
Champagne or wine?
Red wine
What does the ritual of Afternoon Tea mean to you?
Afternoon Tea is the ultimate British ritual. A definitive experience full of tradition and celebration where everyone can savour amazing tea, decadent sweets and delicate finger sandwiches in a fun and relaxed environment
What inspired Searcys tea set design?
Throughout the process, I have worked in close collaboration with Searcys to create a design that would both complement culinary expertise and visually synchronise with their classic Art Deco interiors. Combining a sophisticated and refined gold geometric pattern with a 24-karat gold edging, our sets perfectly fit within each of Searcys opulent environments, resulting in a collection that boasts aesthetic beauty and unsurpassed quality.
What does indulgence and heritage mean to you?
Indulgence is giving in to our desires – treating ourselves and enjoying something for the occasion. Heritage is a huge part of our DNA here at William Edwards and to put it lightly, heritage is not only respect for history and generational influence, but it also defines who and what we are as a company.
Searcys is turning 175 soon. What would be your birthday wish for the company?
I wish for Searcys to continue breaking boundaries, maintain their prestigious reputation and of course, continue to celebrate the qualities Searcys stands for i.e., quality, service, and creativity.
To discover more of Searcys gifting range, click here.