Searcy expands Champagne bar business

Catering firm and dining operator Searcy plans to expand its Champagne bar franchise to several new sites after returning to private ownership.

The expansion comes after an £8 million buyout deal from the Alternative Hotel Group (AHG).

12 new sites have been earmarked and there are further plans to extend Searcy’s catering business by 20 contracts in the next five years.

The group already handles the catering arrangements at the National Portrait Gallery and 40/30 at the Gherkin.

Searcy’s chief executive, Doug Tetley, said: “We will look to expand on what we’re doing with our Champagne bar business. It has some real legs as an alternative strand to our business model. Westfield has been expanded, doubling in size, and St Pancras continues to do well.”

Aside from London, the company is reportedly considering sites in cities including Manchester and Birmingham.

Rupert Millar, 06.07.10