A welcome retreat from the hyper-capitalist wonderland within which it lies, Searcy's quenches more than a just a physical thirst. Surprisingly understated, Searcy's Champagne Bar was to serve a refreshing escape from the high tide of blissful shoppers that occupy this consumerist paradise.
The Venue:
Sitting pretty upon the ground floor thoroughfare of Stratford's Westfield shopping centre, Searcy's Champagne Bar finds itself nestled amongst some of the most prestigious boutiques in town; in spite of it's context, Searcy's carries itself with modesty and flair. Low level seating affords a good view of the tides of shoppers wandering in and out of shops, whilst the intimacy provided by the booths reinforce the feeling that this is very much a retreat. The most impressive feature of this bubbly hideaway is undoubtedly the central chandelier, flying high above the walkway and spectacular in its decadence and ornate detailing.
Searcy's offers a welcome retreat from the hubbub of Stratford's Westfield Shopping Centre.
The Atmosphere & Clientele:
This swish little hotspot pulls in a clean cut crowd of fatigued shoppers, ready to refuel with a glass of bubbly and a rich platter of indulgence. The crowd is by no means uppity as one might expect from such a venue, particularly in light of its exclusive location; rather, lunch time deals offering a Champagne Lunch for £10-£15, or a trio of Champagne flutes for £18 pulls in an everyday crowd. A great spot for people watching and a welcomed retreat from the hubbub of Westfield Shopping Centre, Searcy's Champagne Bar offers a little respite but at no point does one feel removed from their context.
Sitting pretty in the ground floor thoroughfare, Searcy's offers weary shopper a space for relaxation.
The Food & Drink:
Searcy's treats its guests to a wide and varied selection of bubbles. We kept it modest, opting to sample four varieties, all of which were recommended by our knowledgeable waiter. First up, was the Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV, a fruity blend that was married nicely with a crisp glass of Canard-Duchere Cuvee Leoni Brut; a wonderfully effervescent choice. Whilst we were savouring our drinks, our friendly waiter delivered a large charcuterie board, paired nicely with a large cheese board; the carefully selected nibbles tenderly drew out the subtle flavours of the champagne we sampled, a careful and well considered accompaniment. To finish, we moved onto two rose varieties: the Brice Brut and the Bollinger; a delightful way to round off an afternoon.
Get on board their afternoon lunch deal, priced between £10 and £15 per person.
Summary:
Despite my initial reservations about the price tag, clientele and setting, I was soon won over by the charm of Searcy's Champagne Bar; modest and unassuming, I was struck by how well they had managed to transport a high-end formula to the masses, ensuring that this sleek venue pulls in a wide and varied crowd. Searcy's offered the right amount of commercial respite, but managed to retain an openness that offered a happy balance between immersion and escape.
