Searcys and the Barbican host isla’s “Made Possible Festival” A One-Stop Event Sustainability Summit 

On 6th May 2025, our team hosted isla’s Made Possible Festival at the iconic Barbican Terrace overlooking the Conservatory – welcoming 180 delegates in a fittingly vibrant and green venue for a day dedicated to transforming the future of sustainable events. 

This one-day festival is a hub of sustainable events industry conversations – a space where the most important discussions about event sustainability came to life. Whether it’s the conversations you’ve been eager to have, or the ones you didn’t even know you needed – they’re all happening under one (rather beautiful) roof. 

From thought-leader-led sessions where you can listen and absorb insights, to interactive workshops and roundtables that welcome open discussion, this was an event where every voice mattered.  

Our chefs designed a 100% plant-based menu showcasing our brand-new ‘Nourish’ range – developed by their nutritionists and chefs to deliver both nutritional benefit and minimal environmental impact. 

Crafted with ingredients that support brain health, immunity, gut health, and energy levels, every dish is designed with purpose and sustainability in mind. Highlights include: 

Breakfast and mid-morning included Super C Smoothie (VE, GF), Green pina colada smoothie (VE, GF), Turmeric and blueberry breakfast muffin (VE). Wholewheat berry and seed muffin (VE). Wholegrain berry banana bread (VE) and Strawberry and cherry pots (VE, GF). 

For Fork Buffet Lunch we served, Greens, Grains & Aubergine salad with Gochujang dressing (V). Butternut squash tagine (VE, GF), Moroccan freekeh (V), Bitter leaf, fennel and watercress salad (VE, GF), and Cucumber, asparagus, spinach and pea salad (VE, GF). For dessert, the delegates tucked into Chocolate, nut and date cake (V, GF) and seasonal fruit bowls.  

All recipes in the ‘Nourish’ range have been evaluated to ensure a low-to-moderate CO₂ footprint, aligning with the wider event’s commitment to carbon-conscious choices. 

Searcys’ involvement goes far beyond the menu. As lead event partner for the festival and a newly joined member of the isla community, we are playing an active role in reshaping what sustainable hospitality looks like across the industry. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Searcys to the isla community as they take a meaningful step in driving sustainability across their catering operations. As one of London’s most established and well-respected hospitality groups, their commitment to accountability and action will be instrumental in addressing the environmental impact of catering at scale.  

With sustainability leads from 30 of their venues joining isla education programmes, Searcys is actively equipping its teams with the knowledge and skills to embed best practices across its diverse portfolio. Their expertise in hospitality and venue operations will also bring valuable insights to isla’s action groups, particularly in advancing waste measurement and reduction strategies. 

As our lead event partner for the Made Possible Festival 2025, Searcys is already demonstrating its commitment by helping us set a standard for sustainable event catering, ensuring an impactful and responsibly delivered gathering for the isla community.”_
– Ellie Ashton-Melia, isla Community Director