Searle & Co jewellery brand returns to London’s Royal Exchange

Bespoke jeweller Searle & Co has opened at the City of London’s Royal Exchange, marking the brand’s return to the destination after four years.

Reopening under a different operator, the brand has taken a 519 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease. The boutique was previously home to the original iteration of Searle & Co from 1896 until its closure in 2021.

Searle & Co joins other luxury brands at The Royal Exchange including Tiffany & Co., Bremont, Omega, Montblanc, and Hermès.

The scheme has also recently welcomed a number of new dining options – including Engel and Jang from Des Gunewardena, the Fortnum & Mason bar and restaurant, and The Libertine.

This increased offer – which saw The Royal Exchange reach 96% occupancy in 2024 – has led to the scheme recording higher visitor numbers: 2024 as a whole saw footfall 20% up on 2023, with December visitors 36% higher than during the same month in the previous year.

Andrew Hilston, managing director of The Ardent Companies UK, said: “It is fantastic to see a historic jewellery brand such as Searle & Co return to The Royal Exchange, and highlights its position as the City of London’s leading luxury scheme. Alongside the new dining operators we have brought in, The Royal Exchange is the Square Mile’s destination of choice for premium shopping, eating and socialising.”

The retail element of The Royal Exchange was acquired by US-based real estate investment and asset management firm The Ardent Companies in October 2022. Since the acquisition, The Ardent Companies UK – along with asset manager Pave – has implemented a new leasing strategy and refreshed the advisory team, with agents at Bruce Gillingham Pollard and Savills retained on the scheme.