Oldest British caterer is celebrating its 175th anniversary

The UK's oldest British caterer is celebrating its 175th anniversary with the recreation of a royal wedding cake created by its founder, John Searcy, 126 years ago.

The caterer has taken a trip back through its archives to the1896 royal wedding of Princess Maud, then the future Queen of Norway, to Prince Carl of Denmark. Considered the society wedding of the year, royal attendees included Queen Victoria, grandmother of the bride, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Crown Prince and Princess of Denmark.

A confectioner by trade and a Royal Warrant holder, John Searcy came out of retirement to bake the breathtaking multi-tiered big-day bake. Adorned with sweet treats, the cake included fine sugar work flowers ,roses and angels, along with the Royal Arms of England and Denmark.

In tribute to its founder, Searcys has recreated the same cake in partnership with baker Elizabeth Solaru of Elisabeth's Cake Emporium. Working alongside Searcys own pastry chef, Yvonne Graham, the confectioners spent three weeks tirelessly completing the bake to reflect the original design.

Five-tiers of Dundee fruit cake are covered with delicate marzipan and white and gold lattice work icing before being topped with carefully crafted sugar work of flowers, fruits and cherubs. The cake will travel across Searcys restaurants throughout the summer, so for your chance to sample a slice head to 116 Pall Mall, Searcys at the Gherkin or St Pancras Brasserie from early July to early August. The Princess Maud wedding cake can also be made to order for any wedding celebrations booked at Searcys iconic venues.

To find out more check ou twww.searcys.co.uk