The Conversation Salon
Champagne tasting · 30s–60s · 67 Pall Mall × Maclynn × Rendezvous
For one evening, the elegant rooms of 67 Pall Mall became a salon devoted to something increasingly rare: good conversation.
A lively mix of 67 Pall Mall members and Rendezvous guests gathered in St James’s, united by curiosity, excellent champagne, and the possibility of meeting someone unexpected. Fortunately, a tube strike that had threatened proceedings was called off, allowing everyone to arrive in good spirits and with plenty of time for a glass in hand.
The evening began with Lydia Hoey of Maclynn, who shared thoughtful observations on what makes conversations memorable. Not networking, not interviewing, not waiting for your turn to speak, but the simple art of asking better questions and listening well. It set the tone perfectly.
Guests were seated at intimate tables of four, creating a relaxed atmosphere where conversations could unfold naturally within the group. Gentle rotations between tastings ensured everyone met new faces without the awkwardness often associated with structured introductions.
The team from 67 Pall Mall, Alex, Lucina, Harriet and Renata, were warm and welcoming throughout the evening. Alex shared the story of the club itself, founded in 2015 as a home for wine lovers and now with locations across the world. For many guests, it was their first glimpse inside a club that manages to feel both deeply knowledgeable and remarkably unpretentious.
As for the tasting itself, what many had expected to be wine turned out to be three exceptional champagnes: Nathalie Falmet’s Le Val Cornet Brut 2020, Yann Alexandre’s Blanc de Blancs Brut Millésime 2013, and Laurent-Perrier’s Brut Millésime 2018. Alongside them came trays of beetroot and blackberry tartlets, sweetcorn and dill fairy cakes, and impossibly moreish cheese gougères.
The conversations proved just as varied. Travel, work, family, books, cities, relationships and future plans all surfaced as strangers became closer to friends.
Afterwards, very few people seemed ready to leave. Guests drifted upstairs to join members of the club for another glass, continuing conversations that had begun downstairs. New friendships were formed, invitations exchanged, and plans quietly made.
As one guest remarked afterwards, it was It felt less like speed dating and more like elegant speed chatting.
Which felt exactly right.