11/02/2021
Valentine’s may be a little different this year, but British restaurateur and event caterer Searcys is on hand to add some sparkle to your home-bound date night.
With a long history of 174 years creating memorable occasions, Searcys has put together an expert guide to help you plan the Day of Love. We wish we could host you here at the Royal Institution venue but for now lets leave all the planning to the experts, we are sharing fun tips from Searcys on how to turn your lounge into a regency-era soiree or recipes to make at home to transport your loved one to Bridgerton.
Celebrate it at home!
Searcys Executive chefs have tailored easy but yet impressive three-course dinner recipes to inspire your Valentine’s date at home. Start the evening with warming aperitives like Leek Broth or Roast Parsnip Soup, then move on to a delicious classic and a favourite from The Orangery at Blenheim Palace: Salmon and potted shrimp. For the advance cooks, showcase their skills with Searcys’ Pan-Roasted Duck, Potato Gratin and Chicory for a hearty main course. To make the grand-finale extra special, Chef Alun Roberts shares his “Chocolate Delice” recipe, with a bonus tip on how to get the “restaurant look” in this winner dessert.
All recipes and tips available here: https://searcys.co.uk/romantic-valentines-dinner-ideas/
Raise a toast to love with exclusive Searcys cuvée
You may be limited as to where you can go out, but Searcys cuvee rosé or brut can reach you anywhere in the country. Bringing the charm of St Pancras Champagne Bar or The Iris Bar at the Gherkin to homes, each bottle will arrive in a bespoke white and gold box, complete with a personal message. An elegant and fruity pour, the Brut white encompasses aromas of peach and plum with notes of citrus, while the red fruits of the Brut rosé are dominated by strawberry and white flowers aromas. Bruno Pelletier, Searcys Drinks Ambassador says, “For centuries, romantic occasions and celebrations have been associated with Champagne. Searcys story has been intrinsically linked with Champagne since our foundation in 1847. I am delighted to offer you our exclusive Rose and Brut champagnes, that have been developed in partnership with our chefs to be a perfect accompaniment for a meal.” Priced from £39 per bottle plus delivery, Champagne gift boxes are available to order from its online store at searcys.co.uk
Would you rather surprise your secret Valentine with a gift?
Treat each other with a gift experience voucher, something to look forward to when life returns to normal. With something for everyone, opt for a gift they will never forget, with experiences ranging from traditional Afternoon Tea in the beautiful surrounds of The Pump Room in Bath, to lunch at the Orangery at Blenheim Palace. If you would rather keep it simple, what better gift than a magnum Champagne experience at Europe’s longest Champagne Bar at St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar, ideal for ringing in a special occasion, while for something truly breath-taking, dinner with unparalleled views overlooking the London at The Gherkin.
Searcys experiences are available to order at https://gifts.searcys.co.uk/, with the team on hand to help with any enquires and bookings.
Searcys guide to celebrating Valentine’s at home this year.
Embrace your creative side and follow Searcys tips to turn your lounge into a Bridgerton-like soiree:
1- Place the table against a wall and cover it with linen, preferably white and embroidered. Colour is fine but avoid prints and designs. Linen napkins are also important, fold them in triangle style.
2- Search your cupboards for old-fashioned crystal and silverware, do not worry about matching items. Mismatched cutlery or crockery are very charming and add more colour to the table.
3- Abundance on the table is essential. A good tip on how to create a centre piece with fruit and flowers, is to turn over a nice bowl and place a platter on it to add height. Add cake stands on both sides of the table and fill empty spaces with bakes, iced cupcakes, macaroons, homemade sandwiches and champagne buckets
4 - Serve savoury dishes in small plates and for main course we suggest Blenheim Palace’s Salmon with potted shrimps - see recipe attached.
5 - There is no Victorian evening without champagne, serve them in stylish antique glasses - coupes or any antique flute you can find around the house. Searcys Rose and Brut Cuvee’s are delivered nationwide, individually or in a six-case pack. https://searcys.giftpro.co.uk/category/valentines-day/
Perfect Serve
For centuries, romantic occasions and celebrations have been associated with Champagne. Searcys has a long-standing association with Champagne, since our foundation as an events caterer in 1847. Here is our short guide for a perfect serve as recommended by our Drinks Ambassador Bruno Pelletier.
Coupes or flutes?
Reminiscent of the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, the saucer-shaped coupe is the classic glassware first designed for Champagne. Its wide bowl allows the drink to ‘open up’ giving the Champagne a fuller taste. For those who prefer a bit more fizz, experts recommend the flute, which enhances the flow of bubbles and Champagne’s aroma. Whichever you choose, both can be held by the stem to keep them cool and refreshing.
ABOUT SEARCYS
Searcys’ iconic restaurants, Champagne bars and events have a world-renowned, long-standing reputation for quality and innovation. One of the first British event caterers, founded in 1847 by John Searcy, the company has carved out a name as brave market- leaders. Searcys has launched bold, pioneering concepts including the original in-station Champagne Bar at St. Pancras International, one of London’s first skyscraper restaurants, Helix, as well as cafés and restaurants in two World Heritage Sites.
Bars and restaurants: St Pancras Brasserie and Champagne Bar, Helix restaurant and Iris bar at the Gherkin, Osteria and Bonfire at the Barbican, The Pump Room in Bath, The Orangery at Blenheim Palace.
Venues: 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, 11 Cavendish Square, The Royal Institution, the Barbican, Vintners’ Hall, 30 Euston Square, National Army Museum, Blenheim Palace, One Moorgate Place, The Roman Baths, The HAC.
Discover more at www.searcys.co.uk
