LFF'S LONDON: SEARCYS ONE NEW CHANGE

Welcome to a new feature that I am excited to introduce to the blog: LFF’s London.  This regular addition to LFF will introduce some of the fashionable hotspots London has to offer; those super-stylish venues made for airing your new Choos and Mawi jewels. A brief background on me: I moved from the Midlands to the capital in 2010 and I have spent three years exploring this city I now call home (although in that time I have barely scratched the surface!). When it comes to dining/drinking out, I love an expertly-mixed cocktail and appreciate a stylish interior to offset a good menu. Location is also important; if a venue has a panoramic view of London then it will usually receive an LFF gold star. To open LFF’s London I was invited to an evening of champagne tasting at Searcys bar in St Paul’s. Searcys bars can be found in 5 locations across the city: St Pancras Grand, One New Change, Westfield London, Westfield Stratford City and Paddington. The St Paul’s bar is located inside shopping destination One New Change. Described as ‘a vibrant bar in the beating heart of the City, famed for its cuvée selection’, Made in Chelsea buffs (me!) might also remember Searcys as the venue Spencer Matthews chose for his first date with Lucy Watson.

In LFF's diary: Bollinger tasting at Searcys bar

Where: One New Change, Cheapside

LFF's date: my older sister Alicia - a food and wine buff!

When: If you are looking to impress a date, Searcys has the desired wow factor

Lubrication: we tasted (and drank!) 4 champagnes- Ayala, Bollinger Special Cuvée, Bollinger Rose non-vintage and Bollinger La Grande Année 2004

On the menu: Specially selected food pairings- the highlights of which being the delicious fresh breads and soft cheeses

LFF says: When it comes to champagne, my knowledge is less-than-limited. So what I appreciated about the tasting experience was the opportunity to sample fizz side-by-side and consider what suited my palette. The champagne that I enjoyed the most was tasting no.1: Ayala. Dry and elegant, the Ayala was extremely ‘drinkable’ and would be ideal for an aperitif. The One New Change Searcys is quite small, but there is plenty of seating round the gorgeous circular centre bar. I would still advise booking in advance for larger parties of guests though. The neat square footage carries the benefit of creating an intimate feel, making for an ideal date venue - if a potential suitor bought me here I would definitely be impressed (unless it's Spencer Matthews)! I loved the modern and chic interior design and dimmed lighting created an ambiance that exuded luxury. The real selling-point of this branch of Searcys for LFF was the location; St Paul’s has an innate sense of glamour and romance, especially after dusk. Before you leave, take a trip up to the rooftop of One New Change for dreamy panoramas of the city. The combination of incredible panoramic views and exquisite champagnes has a truly dizzying effect. 

LFF would like to thank Searcys for their wonderful hospitality. Plan your trip to Searcys here. x