A Friday Chat with Bethany Perry and Harriet Smith from The Pump Room

This week, we talk to two more winners of Searcys Awards, whose can-do attitude and friendship to one another helped earn them the joint “Searcys Team Spirit of the Year” in our 2021 awards ceremony. Harriet and Beth both work as sales and events coordinators at the stunning Pump Room in Bath, Grade II Listed venue in the centre of the Georgian city. In the shared position of events and sales coordinators, Bethany and Harriet have continued to throw themselves into whatever the business needed them to do – from dealing with enquiries and bookings to helping set up the restaurant.

The Pump Room restaurant is back from Monday, 17 May, serving daily morning coffee and cake and the famous afternoon tea.

This week, we talk to two more winners of Searcys Awards, whose can-do attitude and friendship to one another helped earn them the joint “Searcys Team Spirit of the Year” in our 2021 awards ceremony. Harriet and Beth both work as sales and events coordinators at the stunning Pump Room in Bath, Grade II Listed venue in the centre of the Georgian city. In the shared position of events and sales coordinators, Bethany and Harriet have continued to throw themselves into whatever the business needed them to do – from dealing with enquiries and bookings to helping set up the restaurant.

Beth, let’s start with you! Tell us a bit about yourself and your interests outside work?

I love to travel and explore new places. When I joined Searcys, I’d just come back from six months exploring South East Asia. I spent a small fortune, but it was worth every penny! Next on my list is a month in India, when we’re able to travel again. I’m passionate about good food and wine with friends and can’t wait until we can get back to enjoying nights out together again. Every year, I run a team at Glastonbury Festival, and that feeling when you first get on-site and feel the buzz in the air is unbeatable. I also do a lot of pole fitness and yoga, and in between bouts of baking banana bread, I beat the lockdown blues by working on my splits and handstands. In my spare time, I can generally be found in homeware stores, buying yet another throw cushion or basket I don’t need.

And what about you, Harriet? What are the things that make you happy?

Family is essential to me, and I love spending time with them, especially at Christmas. I also love to travel and explore new countries and cultures. It is one of the biggest things I have missed over the pandemic. My favourite trip so far has to be Australia. My husband and I hired a campervan, travelled up the East Coast, and had the most amazing time. We are already planning our next adventure once we can travel again. I also love going to the coast here, in England, and taking my dog on long walks along the beach. I am a very organised person, I love to make lists and plan, which comes in very handy with my job.

Beth, tell us about the role you have at Searcys?

I joined Searcys in January 2019 as the Senior Events and Marketing Coordinator. My role includes managing the marketing and event coordination for Searcys at Bath’s Historic Venues – the Roman Baths, Pump Room and Assembly Rooms. A normal day for me can include anything from launching our in-house Christmas and seasonal events, creating social media posts, writing marketing briefs for restaurant campaigns, meeting with clients for menu tastings and event planning, sales reporting and menu writing, all whilst supporting the restaurant and handling our social media and phone enquiries. It’s a busy role but I love working across all the departments and doing something different every day.

Anything to add to this, Harriet?

I joined Searcys back in May 2017. I am the Wedding and Events Coordinator and look after events at The Roman Baths, Pump Room and Assembly Rooms. I fully coordinate events from enquiry up to the day of arrival, meeting and discussing all catering elements with customers and hosting menu tastings.

Beth, what do you both enjoy most in your line of work?

I love the logistical and creative sides of my role, bringing events together in a way that you know is going to work flawlessly (you hope!), whilst providing your client with an unforgettable experience. However, my favourite part of the job is the team I’m lucky enough to work with. When you’re trying to problem-solve or manage a busy restaurant or event, having a team you can count on is so important – especially if they can make you laugh at the same time! The menu tastings are also a very welcome perk!

Harriet, do you enjoy most?

I love meeting our lovely clients to go over what they want for their special day, be it their wedding day, a special party or a ball. I also love hearing their feedback following the event and seeing photos. It always brings a smile to my face to know we have another happy customer!

Lastly, what are your favourite dish at the Pump Rooms?

For both, it has to be the signature Searcys smoked salmon. With pickled beetroot and fennel, it featured on our Christmas evening dining menu – it’s so light and fragrant, and the different flavours really complement each other.

Beth, let’s start with you! Tell us a bit about yourself and your interests outside work? 

I love to travel and explore new places. When I joined Searcys, I’d just come back from six months exploring South East Asia. I spent a small fortune, but it was worth every penny! Next on my list is a month in India, when we’re able to travel again. I’m passionate about good food and wine with friends and can’t wait until we can get back to enjoying nights out together again. Every year, I run a team at Glastonbury Festival, and that feeling when you first get on-site and feel the buzz in the air is unbeatable. I also do a lot of pole fitness and yoga, and in between bouts of baking banana bread, I beat the lockdown blues by working on my splits and handstands. In my spare time, I can generally be found in homeware stores, buying yet another throw cushion or basket I don’t need.

And what about you, Harriet? What are the things that make you happy? 

Family is essential to me, and I love spending time with them, especially at Christmas. I also love to travel and explore new countries and cultures. It is one of the biggest things I have missed over the pandemic. My favourite trip so far has to be Australia. My husband and I hired a campervan, travelled up the East Coast, and had the most amazing time. We are already planning our next adventure once we can travel again. I also love going to the coast here, in England, and taking my dog on long walks along the beach. I am a very organised person, I love to make lists and plan, which comes in very handy with my job.

Beth, tell us about the role you have at Searcys?

I joined Searcys in January 2019 as the Senior Events and Marketing Coordinator. My role includes managing the marketing and event coordination for Searcys at Bath’s Historic Venues – the Roman Baths, Pump Room and Assembly Rooms. A normal day for me can include anything from launching our in-house Christmas and seasonal events, creating social media posts, writing marketing briefs for restaurant campaigns, meeting with clients for menu tastings and event planning, sales reporting and menu writing, all whilst supporting the restaurant and handling our social media and phone enquiries. It’s a busy role but I love working across all the departments and doing something different every day.

Anything to add to this, Harriet? 

I joined Searcys back in May 2017. I am the Wedding and Events Coordinator and look after events at The Roman Baths, Pump Room and Assembly Rooms. I fully coordinate events from enquiry up to the day of arrival, meeting and discussing all catering elements with customers and hosting menu tastings.

Beth, what do you both enjoy most in your line of work? 

I love the logistical and creative sides of my role, bringing events together in a way that you know is going to work flawlessly (you hope!), whilst providing your client with an unforgettable experience. However, my favourite part of the job is the team I’m lucky enough to work with. When you’re trying to problem-solve or manage a busy restaurant or event, having a team you can count on is so important – especially if they can make you laugh at the same time! The menu tastings are also a very welcome perk!

Harriet, do you enjoy most? 

I love meeting our lovely clients to go over what they want for their special day, be it their wedding day, a special party or a ball. I also love hearing their feedback following the event and seeing photos. It always brings a smile to my face to know we have another happy customer!

Lastly, what are your favourite dish at the Pump Rooms?

For both, it has to be the signature Searcys smoked salmon. With pickled beetroot and fennel, it featured on our Christmas evening dining menu – it’s so light and fragrant, and the different flavours really complement each other.