Searcys Appointed New Catering Partner At The Institute of Directors’ London HQ – 116 PALL MALL

Searcys has been appointed as the new catering partner for 116 Pall Mall, home to the Institute of Directors in London.

Founded in 1903, the Institute of Directors is the UK’s longest-running membership organisation for professional business leaders. Its London headquarters are located at 116 Pall Mall; a Georgian Grade-I listed business and event venue, which offers flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and event spaces, set across five floors for members and non-members alike.

From September, Searcys will manage all catering and service provision across the venue, in a five-year agreement with the IoD at 116 Pall Mall.  Searcys will also support it in the further development of commercial events, bringing their experience in the sales and marketing of premium event venues across London.

In true Searcys style, the company will focus on providing quality catering and service across the venue, from refreshed brasserie menus which will champion seasonal British produce, to a new wine bar concept. For members, a new food and drink menu of signature dishes will be available in the members’ lounge, including great artisan coffee and home-made bakes, as well as more substantial lunch options.

In September, 116 Pall Mall will open its doors to retail customers for the first time, serving a quintessentially British afternoon tea. Guests will enjoy the grandeur of the Carlton Room, with its opulent artwork.  They will also have access to the garden terrace, an oasis in the heart of central London.

Experience a taste of indulgence with a side of music as 116 Pall Mall launches its first ever afternoon tea, The Confectioner’s Afternoon Tea, on Saturday 18 September. Opening its doors to the public at the weekend for the first time, explore the history and opulence of one of Pall Mall’s most prestigious venues, before tucking into a host of sweet treats, from cakes to éclairs, all expertly paired with Champagne and live music.

On the doorstep to London’s Theatreland and with the National Gallery a stone’s throw away, escape the hustle and bustle and while away the afternoon with decadent treats and plenty of bubbles. Home to the Institute of Directors, with sweeping staircase, ornate ceilings and glittering 15ft chandelier, be our guest and take a seat in the stunning Morning Room for a slice of the new Confectioner’s Afternoon Tea, crafted by in-house caterers Searcys.

Inspired by the founder John Searcy, who started as a head confectioner to the Duke of Northumberland and catered to many residencies on Pall Mall, the tea will be served on the newly commissioned tea ware, specially designed for Searcys by British manufacturer William Edwards, and featuring its signature honeycomb design. Set to live music, start off with a selection of savouries including Smoked salmon rillette, horseradish, pickled fennel, and keta, and a Salt beef Reuben brioche bun, alongside freshly baked scones with lashings of clotted cream and Galloway fruit preserve. Follow-up with the main event, a confectioner’s staple of indulgent delicacies including a Chocolate, cherry and pistachio delice; Passionfruit éclair; and Searcys signature Victoria.

For little ones, there will also be a Children’s Tea with a Galia melon, orange and pomegranate salad, rolls, scones, and special sweet pastries with popping candy, rainbow frosting and cake pops.

Accompany your tea with a selection of JING teas, or for some fizz, upgrade to a Champagne pour of Searcys Selected Cuvée Brut.

Located along one of London’s most famed roads, the Confectioner’s Afternoon Tea will mark the first time the public can dine at the historic Grade-I listed venue at the weekend. To celebrate the launch, Searcys and 116 Pall Mall will support UK Hospitality for National Hospitality Action Day, donating the profits from the event on Saturday 18 September to charity partners including Hospitality Action and Springboard.

Priced from £35 per person (children for £17.50), the tea will be available every Saturday from 14.00 until 17.00, with bookings are now open at www.116pallmall.com/afternoon-tea.

The partnership will see the introduction of new event and wedding packages to support and develop the venue as a London event destination. Available for meetings, weddings, conferences and celebrations, packages will be tailored to members and external event organisers, alongside added experiences of wine tastings and masterclasses.

Jonathan Geldart, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said: “As we begin to put the last year behind us, I am delighted that we are partnering with Searcys to ensure that IoD members and visitors to 116 Pall Mall alike are able to experience the very best food and drink in our historic Georgian venue.”

Commenting on the appointment, Searcys Managing Director Paul Jackson said: “We are honoured to have been appointed as caterers for the prestigious Institute of Directors at 116 Pall Mall. Both Searcys and 116 Pall Mall have an incredible heritage and share the same commitment to quality service and guest experience. Hospitality remains pivotal in the social and economic recovery to our city, and with our expertise of running restaurants and events, we look forward to working with the team to create sleek and memorable experiences to realise the venue’s full potential and enhance our guests’ experience. We can’t wait to welcome the members and guests through the doors and showcase this magnificent building in its full glory.”

Find out more about 116 Pall Mall here.