Searcys launches first-ever ‘Bubbly Show’ on Carlton House Terrace

Searcys, the historic catering company arguably best known today for its Champagne bar in St Pancras and restaurant at the top of the Gherkin, has launched its first-ever weekend dedicated to tasting fizz, which is being dubbed “The Bubbly Show”.

The two-day event, which will run this summer on Friday June 23 and Saturday 24, is aptly named. It will feature a number of exhibitors from across both Champagne and the UK, all showcasing their wines, but there will also be a number of tastings, masterclasses and talks for guests to consume. Producers set to appear include Taittinger, Pommery and Moët & Chandon, all from France, alongside with English producers Greyfriars and Gusbourne. More names are expected to be announced closer to the time.

Given the fizz-fuelled rivalry between English and French producers, one tasting — The Battle of Bubbles: England vs France — should prove particularly popular. It will be hosted by wine writer Jonathan Ray of the Spectator magazine.

Elsewhere, another high point is expected to be the sabrage lessons — where drinkers are taught to open a bottle using a sabre, a kind of small sword still used in fencing today. The session will be hosted by Searcys own head of Champagne, Martin Dibben, who will also run a talk on Sunday afternoon called Women of Champagne.

Both Friday and Saturday fun will be held in Carlton House Terrace, a John Nash-designed row just off Pall Mall, and is being hosted in partnership with the Honest Grapes wine club. Besides all the wine, there will be both a Champagne dinner and a Champagne afternoon tea offered across the two days.

Given Searcys is credit with inventing the much-copied “press for Champagne” button — which can be found in St Pancras — the weekend is likely to be a lively one.

The Bubbly Show will be held on June 23 and 24 at 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, SW1Y 5AH. For more information and to book tickets, visit searcys.co.uk