Unique dining experience

Searcys and The Pump Room Bath both have a rich history… tell us more?

Both Searcys and The Pump Room are deeply rooted in British heritage.

The Pump Room, located in the heart of Bath, has been a social hub since the 18th century. Closely tied to the city’s spa culture and frequented by figures such as Jane Austen, it became synonymous with Georgian elegance, high society, and ritual – particularly the taking of the mineral waters and refined social gatherings. If you wanted to make a successful match for your daughter amongst the well-to-do classes, your best chance was to introduce her to Beau Nash, the original MC and matchmaker who presided over the balls and society events of the town.

Searcys, founded in 1847 by John Searcy, began as a purveyor of fine food to the Duke of Northumberland’s household. From these origins, our company has built a reputation for craftsmanship, quality, and quintessentially British hospitality – values that still underpin our brand today.

Why did Searcys decide it was important to offer a Traditional Method English Sparkling Wine as a reception Drink at the Pump Room?

Searcys has a long-standing association with Champagne, having offered our own house Champagne since 1893, as a cornerstone of our luxury hospitality experience. However, introducing a Traditional Method English Sparkling Wine at The Pump Room was a deliberate and meaningful evolution.

We wanted to celebrate and champion the excellence of English winemaking – a category that has gained global recognition in recent years. This move aligns perfectly with the Searcys’ core ethos: celebrating British heritage, sourcing with integrity,and delivering elevated yet authentic experiences.

Offering English Sparkling Wine in such an iconic venue creates a powerful sense of place. It connects the guest experience not only to history, but also to modern British craftsmanship – making it a natural pairing with The Pump Room’s legacy as well.

How did Searcys choose a vineyard partner?

We selected our vineyard partner with the same care we apply to all sourcing decisions. Key considerations included proven quality, and strong sustainability and vineyard management practices. Greyfriars are an award-winning vineyard, having taken home Gold Outstanding in the International Wine and Spirit Competition for their 2013 Blanc de Blancs, and another Gold for their 2014 Rosé Reserve.

The goal was to find a partner that reflected Searcys’ standards while showcasing the very best of England’s terroir, and we very much felt that Greyfriars fit that bill.

Please tell us a little about the Searcys Sparkling Wine?

Searcys English Sparkling Wine is crafted using classic Champagne grape varieties:

Chardonnay – elegance and citrus freshness
Pinot Noir – structure and red fruit depth
Pinot Meunier – softness and fruit roundness

Style and flavour profile:

Bright acidity with fine, persistent bubbles
Notes of green apple, citrus, and stone fruits
Subtle brioche and toasted almond complexity from ageing

Alcohol volume:

12.5 ABV.

The wine is best served in a tulip or flute, and is designed to be versatile – equally suited as a celebratory aperitif, or paired with light seafood and pastry dishes – such as oysters, smoked salmon, or light desserts and afternoon tea.

Guests can also purchase the wine as a gift-boxed keepsake, allowing them to take home a lasting memory of their experience at The Pump Room.

How many visitors does The Pump Room welcome each year?

We are lucky enough to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, making us one of Bath’s most iconic and well-visited historic venues. Our global appeal draws both domestic guests and international tourists seeking a quintessentially British experience.

How have Searcys included English Sparkling Wine in some of the special experiences offered at the Pump Room?

It’s our most popular and well-received reception and toast drink – for weddings, awards and gala dinners, corporate celebrations. We welcome a significant amount of both domestic and international guests to all our events here, and it’s a genuine pleasure to be able to share such a quality product with them.

We’ve also incorporated our ESW into our day-to-day experiences, so that our daily guests can enjoy it too. The ESW is available as part of our joint package with the Roman Baths, and our Pride and Prejudice Afternoon Tea. This option also features starters such as salmon or charcuterie, and an enhanced version of our Jane Austen Tea menu with all the trimmings – a delightful means to while away the afternoon!

How has Searcys English Sparkling wine been received by domestic and international tourists?

The response to Searcys English Sparkling Wine has been overwhelmingly positive. Domestic visitors appreciate:

Supporting homegrown producers
The quality arguably now rivaling Champagne
The sense of national pride and authenticity

International tourists are often:

Pleasantly surprised by the quality of English wine
Drawn to the uniqueness of trying something distinctly local
Enthusiastic about taking a bottle home as a souvenir

Overall, it enhances the guest experience by offering something both authentic and memorable, reinforcing Searcys’ position as a curator of modern British hospitality rooted in tradition.

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