A Year in Searcys: Reflecting on 2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey Searcys has embarked on throughout the year. From the launch of new concepts to the unveiling of stunning venues, this has truly been a year of growth, giving back, and celebration.

People at the Heart of Searcys

At Searcys, we understand that people are the cornerstone of our success. In 2023, we celebrated the Searcys Long Service Awards, recognizing 48 colleagues for their unwavering commitment, totalling an impressive 450+ years of loyalty. Our dedication to mental health support is evident through our team of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders. Notably, we increased female General Managers by 50%, reinforcing our commitment to gender diversity and equality.

Acknowledging the importance of work-life balance, we introduced new benefits, from enhanced family leave to providing access to over 43 apprenticeship schemes and the prestigious Searcys Champagne School, demonstrating our commitment to the personal and professional growth of our team members.

July brought the joyous occasion of our annual Searcys Family Day, where over 550 guests indulged in a Searcys feast and enjoyed various activities, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

The Year of Giving

In 2023, giving back became a priority. The 2023 Tour De Searcys bike ride raised an impressive £22,257 for our nominated charities: Royal Academy of Culinary Arts Adopt a School Trust, Hotel School, and Just One Tree. Covering 320+ miles between London and Epernay, the team’s efforts will support Hotel School in training 14 students and sponsor 90 children for a ‘Chef on the Farm’ visit through Adopt a School Trust. Just One Tree will plant 7,419 trees in Kenya, thanks to our contribution.

The Year of Hospitality

This year saw the unveiling of two unique venues – The Portrait by Richard Corrigan at the National Portrait Gallery in July and the Searcys Champagne Bar at Battersea Power Station in October. Hosting a collective of 36,200 guests since opening, these venues quickly became must-visit destinations in London.

Our Searcys restaurants and Champagne bars welcomed over 281,000 guests, serving a remarkable 69,000 Afternoon Teas at the iconic Pump Room in Bath. The festive season is alive with 217 Christmas parties and 12,125 guests across our core 10 party venues.

In a groundbreaking move, we launched our events staffing agency, JS Society, covering 1,944 shifts in events across our venues and benefiting both Searcys and the wider hospitality community.

THE YEAR OF CHAMPAGNE (AND ENGLISH SPARKLING)

This year, we poured over 180,000 glasses of Searcys own Champagne, alongside 6,500 bottles of award-winning Searcys English Sparkling Wine. Our English Sparkling, earning Gold at the Wine GB 2023 Awards, showcases the exceptional quality of wines produced in the UK.

THE YEAR OF RECOGNITION

Throughout the year, Searcys received accolades, including the prestigious SRA Top 3* Food Made Good accreditation and four Golds at the London Venue Awards for venues like 30 Euston Square, Searcys at The Gherkin, and 116 Pall Mall.

LAUNCHED IN 2023

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the year was “The Searcys Bubbly Show,” a spectacular event drawing in over 430+ visitors and featuring 18 top-notch Champagne and English growers.

This year also witnessed the launch of our Searcys Champagne Coupé, a mobile Champagne bar in a 1930s vintage Rolls-Royce, now available for private hire.

Celebrating the arts, our Arts Competition in collaboration with the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) showcased the talent of QEST scholars. We also proudly expanded our Searcys gift range with the launch of Searcys London Dry Gin and Caribbean Rum in partnership with Hawkridge Distillers.

SEARCYS IN THE NEWS

Searcys made notable appearances on TV, showcasing our expertise in Champagne with a feature on ITV News and a heartwarming story on BBC Breakfast. These moments highlight our longstanding relationships with our customers, including the remarkable story of Mrs. Christian Lamb, a customer since 1943.

Wishing you ‘A Very Searcys Christmas’

Wishing all our teams, colleagues, partners, their families, and friends a heartwarming festive season. Here’s to a new year filled with further growth, success, and unforgettable experiences at Searcys!