A Very Searcys Summer In Beautiful Surroundings: Rooftops and Gardens Edition

Summer soirees have been at the heart of Searcys since the company was founded 175 years ago. “The Season,” as it was known, was one long flurry for elegant weddings, drinks parties, banquets, and balls for London’s great and good. London Society and the country families always had an excuse for celebrations – coming of age, christening, first return home after marriage, etc. When occasions ran out, there was always the church fête, garden party, picnic, school treat, flower show, and so on. In the 1860s, our company records state, the aristocracy and nobility from various distances would flock into the capital to host lavish summer parties catered by John himself. In 1870, John Searcy received a Royal Warrant, and his reputation was secured.

Fast forward 100 years and Searcys were hosting extravagant events at 30 Pavilion Road in London during the heyday of the 1970s and 80s. Throughout our history, we like to think we know the secret to throwing a good bash: genuine hospitality, warm and friendly service, excellent planning and plenty of Champagne. This summer will be no exception. People are in the mood for a good bash, and Searcys is planning for celebrations to be more lavish and joyous affairs than ever. Whether it’s an alfresco afternoon tea, a rooftop glass of fizz or a lavish banquet to celebrate being together once more, Searcys can help create those special moments this summer that’ll last a lifetime.

In preparation for summer, we’re highlighting five central London gardens and four rooftop terraces to inspire you, whatever the occasion. These venues are spread across the City, Mayfair and West London, steeped in history and yet kitted out for 21st-century celebrations.

The Inner Temple

If you are looking for an award-winning, beautiful outdoor space in the heart of the City, where else could be more fitting than the garden at Inner Temple, which has been the perfect backdrop for the most inspiring dinners, weddings and parties for centuries. Today, we pay tribute to the building’s origins with first-class food and wine menus, a place where guests can relax, enjoy, and soak up the sense of occasion.

The summer party packages vary to meet client needs. All standing reception packages include 3 hours of unlimited house wine, beer and soft drinks and you can then choose from either bowl food and canapes or food stations. On offer are also optional event extras such as entertainment, an ice-cream bike, gin tent and cocktails to add colour to the event.

Our garden is available for hire in May and June, with an indoor wet weather option included. We hire the garden with a marquee from 28 June to 21 July 2022. If you’d prefer to go for an indoor event, our traditional Hall can host dinners for up to 250 and receptions for 400, while the modern lecture theatre has tiered seating and standing receptions for up 120.

Packages start from £99.50 plus VAT per person for bowl food and canapes package.

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116 Pall Mall, Mayfair

This outstanding Grade I-listed building in Mayfair has all the regal splendour for a spectacular summer soiree, conveniently situated just moments from iconic London locations such as Downing Street, Mayfair and Trafalgar Square. The venue showcases Georgian architecture in all its elegance, with flexible spaces across five floors and a magnificent terrace. Our summer party package includes the exclusive hire of the Carlton Terrace, which will accommodate a considerable party of 180 – 220 people. Such outdoor space is a rarity in a central location – it’s a stone’s throw from St James’s Park

The beautiful private terrace and garden are accessed through the Carlton Room, the hire of which is included in the package to provide a wet weather option just in case.

Guests will receive a welcome glass of bubbles or Pimm’s and two hours of unlimited house beers, wines and soft drinks. They’ll be able to dine at two specially designed food stations, ranging from Japanese fusion to Indian wraps, South American cuisine to a sweet corner or chocolate table, depending on your preferences. The sweeping staircase makes for unforgettable photo moments for your guests, set to the backdrop of many Regency-era pieces.

Summer party packages start at £130 + VAT per person

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10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James’s

Hidden away in the heart of Westminster, the beautiful outdoor space at Carlton House Terrace is an unbeatable setting for a summer party in London. Enjoy one of our new summer party packages in your own leafy oasis. Relax and unwind with garden games, refreshments, and a delicious summer feast while enjoying the surrounding beauty of St James’s from your own private gated garden. Inside, this Grade II-listed building is a quintessential Georgian townhouse, overlooking the Royal Park, The Mall and many iconic London landmarks. We understand that food and drink are key elements to the success of your event, so we have carefully crafted ideal seasonal menus to suit our garden space that celebrate local, fresh and seasonal British produce. There’s also a dance floor, DJ facilities, giant garden games, staff, security and an online event organiser.

Summer party packages start from £97 per person + VAT for canapes and drinks packages, or £108 per person plus VAT for BBQ and unlimited drinks for 3 hours.

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Rooftop parties at 30 Euston Square

In a stunning central London location, 30 Euston Square’s Grade II-listed venue and inspiring State Rooms and Rooftop Terrace ticks all the boxes for hosting summer celebrations in 2022. Choose from a rooftop reception for 230, including a street food-inspired live chef BBQ, with a choice of the Classic BBQ or the Caribbean Grill menus, followed by desserts. Guests can also enjoy creative cocktails beneath the London sunshine, with a selection of summer-themed cocktails, and four hours of unlimited wine, beers and soft drinks. We’ll arrange cocktails on arrival, as well as jumbo games, entertainment and a photobooth thrown in. The partially covered Rooftop Terrace is perfect for overcoming typical British weather, too: the smooth transition inside to out ensures your party never has to stop come rain or shine.

Packages start from £95 per person, plus VAT, 80-230 guests.

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Stationers’ Hall, the City

A magnificent Grade I-listed building close to St Paul’s Cathedral and with easy transport links to the underground and City Thameslink is opening its doors this summer after a considerable refurbishment.

BBQs, receptions, team celebrations, and client entertaining for up to 250 guests are all possible in its enchanted walled garden. Garden games, live music, and entertainment are all welcome. If it rains, there is enough indoor space to guarantee that your celebration goes off without a hitch.

Packages start at £70 per person, plus VAT and room hire.

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Vintners Hall, the City

Vintners’ Hall provides a wonderful historic backdrop for special events in the heart of London and is the spiritual home of the international wine trade. Dinners, Conferences, seminars, wine tastings, exhibitions, weddings, and receptions can all be arranged and tailored to suit your every need, and the venue is set to host parties and events this summer. Events in the boardroom can kick off with drinks on the rooftop terrace, looking over London.

Vintners’ Hall is steeped in history, with records dating back to a grand banquet held for the Kings of England, Scotland, France, Denmark and Cyprus in 1363. It is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, with deep historical roots in the import, regulation and sale of wine. The Court Room is the oldest continuously used room in the City of London, but the venue is just as stunning in the 21st century, with a rooftop balcony overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, the river Thames and the Cheese Grater skyscraper.

Packages start from £95 per person, plus VAT and room hire.

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The HAC, the City

Our summer venue collection won’t be complete without the glorious 5-acre Artillery Garden at The HAC. Steeped in history and located in the heart of the City, just a few minutes’ walk from Moorgate and Old Street tube stations, The HAC boasts two incredible outdoor spaces where your guests can sip summer cocktails beneath the City sunshine.

The summer terrace is a spectacular party venue. It boasts views over the lush green lawns of the Artillery Garden and has a unique city skyline backdrop. The space can host up to 690 drinks reception guests and is hired in conjunction with the Prince Consort Rooms, a contemporary event space separated from the terrace by a pretty courtyard.

Indulge in this year’s BBQ delights with a Latin flair while sipping on cocktails, watching the sunset over the Artillery Garden – Havana nights come to the City!

Packages start at £120 per person, plus VAT.

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The View at Lincoln’s Inn Field, Holborn

The stunning combination of modern and classical architecture at Searcys’ newest venue makes it an excellent venue for a summer party. Only a five-minute walk from Holborn station, The View at the Royal College of Surgeons offers an ample versatile space for casual summer drinks. Searcys team has launched a summer party package for up to 300 guests, with exclusive hire of the 6th floor from 18:30-23:00. Guests will be treated to a refreshing welcome cocktail while taking in the spectacular sunset from our terrace. They will then enjoy three bowls of seasonal cuisine as the night gets going. Alternatively, our post-conference summer package is an add-on option should you have a full-day event with us and included are two summer cocktails or house beers per person, nibbles and background music. Indoors, the two-tiered Lumley Library is a theatrical location to host your event, with a high panelled ceiling, period balcony running around all four walls of the room and pronounced olive green and cream colour palate.

Party packages start from £99 per person plus VAT.  Post-conference summer packages start from £40 per person plus VAT.

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St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar, Kings Cross

A true hidden gem for events, St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar is located above the hustle and bustle of the historic train station and can be transformed into a spectacular event space for exclusive or group hire for any occasion. For summer parties this year, our vast terrace couldn’t be better suited. The Grand Terrace is directly under the iconic Victorian arches of the station, overlooking Tracey Emin’s famous neon installation, ‘I want my time with you.’

With old station clocks and vintage private booths, St Pancras Brasserie by Searcys whisks guests back to the golden age of travel while the station buzzes beneath. Our team can set up Champagne fountains and serve colourful cocktails, shared platters and nibbles for summer parties in the airy venue. Searcys Champagne Bar and stunning Art-Deco style Brasserie are available for standing receptions for 400 and 250 guests. Please note that Searcys Champagne bar will be closed for refurbishment between 27 June and 2 September, when we will be unveiling its new look.

Packages from £75 per person, plus VAT.

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