Industry expert: The main event

With the industry continuing to reopen, Bruno Pelletier, drinks ambassadors for Searcys, tells us about the caterer’s range of champagne classes...

As restrictions lift and the industry goes back a new form of normality, it’s a real pleasure to see the return of in-person events taking place across the UK. At our venues, we have seen a real pick-up in enquiries – not just for meetings, conferences and weddings, but a trend of clients wanting more experience-led events,

As the volume and value of enquiries for our restaurants, private dining rooms and event spaces grows, we have noticed how our customers are seeking stimulating dining experiences with a touch of indulgence. After two years in lockdown, not only are guests keener to leave home for special experiences, but they’re also looking to learn something new through informative and inspiring events.

After the thriving success of our champagne masterclasses last year, which saw all events selling out in the first month since its launch, we found a way to integrate this love for fizz, good food and learning with a full year of champagne masterclasses and tasting events by Searcys. Born in 1847, Searcys has been at the heart of celebrations and linked to champagne for over 175 years, with the first mention of Searcys’ own cuvée dating back to 1893.

Designed to appeal to all kinds of fizz lovers, from novices to accomplished connoisseurs, we have developed a collection of masterclasses, tastings sessions, hosted dinners and special events that take place across our venues. Examples include everything from sky-high champagne tastings at the very top of The Gherkin to intimate dine-and-learn sessions at St Pancras by Searcys, home to Europe’s longest champagne bar, and now also at our newly-launched Searcys Champagne Bar at 116 Pall Mall.

At St Pancras Tasting Room, each two-hour masterclass takes place in the intimate dining room with wines hand-picked from established houses and small, independent growers alike. These are all paired with a three-course meal of seasonal British dishes.

Celebrating a year of fizz, themed classes include the already sold-out Female Founders of Champagne, taking place on 8th March for International Women’s Day, with other themes including an April Fool’s twist of Not Everything That Sparkles is Champagn,’ which places the focus on award-winning sparkling wines and exploring traditional wine-making methods across Europe. Masterclasses will include the wines from boutique producers, like Drappier and Piollot, alongside a selection of champagne from the royal favourites, just in time to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee.

For those who want a more intimate experience, we also offer private masterclasses. These are the perfect way to do something fun and different with friends, family and work colleagues, while also learning more about champagne, its history and how to make the most of it. 

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