Glisten, glamour, and great conversation: our January evening at The Other House had it all.

A rainy January night. A gloriously indulgent room. Excellent company.
While the city glistened with dark-at-four o’clock January rain, a determined group of beautiful people ignored the weather, stepped into elegant shoes, and came out anyway. Which, frankly, is always a promising sign. Despite the rain (and one guest who charmingly arrived on entirely the wrong date), the room filled, conversations sparked, and the evening unfolded exactly as these things should: easily, warmly, and with a sense that something rather nice might happen.

We gathered at The Other House, tucked away behind eleven Victorian townhouses that have been transformed into something deliciously over the top. Our private space – The Keeping Room- was repeatedly described as “dreamy”, which feels accurate. Sumptuous interiors and intimate nooks meant the room buzzed with energy, laughter, and conversation –  the kind of chaos that only a good date night can bring.

The atmosphere was buoyed by impeccable hosting from the wonderful team – Jessica, Fran, Jeanette and Aidan – who made everything feel seamless. Drinks flowed easily: glasses of winter-appropriate red wine for some, and a gratifying number of Dry January devotees happily sipping Seedlip and tonics. Special mention must go to the clever people at award-winning Nirvana Brewery, whose 0% beers disappeared so fast I didn’t even manage to photograph them in their brightly coloured glory.

Canapés were the sort you actually want to eat rather than politely nibble: Scottish smoked salmon blinis with dill cream and cress, beef short-rib croquettes with horseradish and watercress mayo, and caramelised red onion tartlets – all perfect fuel for flirting, chatting, and lingering a little longer than planned.

And linger, people did. One of the great pleasures of these evenings is watching guests arrive, thinking they’ll “just pop in for one” and then stay for dinner, settling into conversation as if they’ve known each other for ages.

The feedback afterwards said it all. Guests spoke of great conversations, delightful company, and the care and thought behind the evening. Several asked when they could come again – always the nicest possible review.

January has a reputation for being bleak. We respectfully disagree. Give it a beautiful room, good drinks, and interesting people, and it turns out to be rather excellent after all.