Searcys Insider: Searcys celebrates 175 years of history on Searcys Day

This week on Searcys Insider – Searcys celebrates 175 years of heritage with it’s inaugural Searcys Day

On Wednesday 19^th October this year, we hosted a hugely fun and engaging Searcys Day, to mark the milestone of our 175^th anniversary once and for all. Champagne flowed across many of our venues as guests enjoyed a complimentary glass on the house, and we had several actors dressed in Victorian-era clothes going from spot to spot in London handing out our Searcys Champagne Shillings that can be exchanged for a free glass of bubbly with your meal. Guests lucky enough to receive these custom-made shillings kept a memento of the special day – a reminder of the huge change we’ve seen throughout the last 175 years. After all, when Victorian entrepreneur John Searcy founded the company in 1847, London looked rather different.

Why Champagne Shillings?
Our story as an events caterer began in the 19th century and has been closely linked with Champagne ever since. The first mention of Searcys own cuvée, something we’re proud to offer today, dates back to 1893. That year’s catalogue called attention to the Champagne specially prepared for and shipped by Searcys, the De Garnier et Cie 1893 vintage at 66s a dozen bottles, which makes it 1 shilling a glass.

The trio of actors travelled through central London, stopping at the Royal Institution, 116 Pall Mall and Inner Temple, as well as famous and historic landmarks such as Convent Garden, Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and Guildhall Art Gallery. It’s not all about historic spots, though – The Gherkin and brand-new Battersea Power Station also played a part, with Searcys’ specially converted Rolls-Royce Champagne Bar serving yet more fizz. Honouring the tradition of being one of the oldest British catering and events companies, it was a wonderful celebration as we look forward to our next chapter.

Seen by Searcys

Searcys Day actors at Piccadilly Circus

Searcys Day actors with Managing Director, Paul Jackson at 116 Pall Mall

Searcys Day actors at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace

Searcys Day actors at Covent Garden

Searcys Day actors at The HAC

Searcys Day actors at St Pancras by Searcys