The Art of the (Modern) Soirée: A Rendezvous at Lucy Wong

Tuesday 22nd July

Lucy Wong | 33-34 Rathbone Place | London | W1T 1JN

There are some nights in London that simply glow—not from the streetlights or the sequins, but from that elusive, irresistible cocktail of mood, lighting, and chemistry. The kind of night where the air crackles with possibility, and your glass is never empty for long. Enter: Rendezvous at Lucy Wong—where flirtation meets finesse, and all bets are off by midnight (sometimes sooner).

Lucy Wong herself, of course, was nowhere to be found—rumour has it she’s currently drifting down the Mekong on a houseboat full of poets and gin—but she kindly left her Fitzrovia flat open for one of the capital’s most seductive social affairs. Hidden behind an unassuming door just off Charlotte Street, the venue is all smoky shadows and Eastern promise—a 1950s Hong Kong daydream. You half expect Suzie Wong to sashay past in a haze of jasmine and silk.

Guests were greeted with a glass of fizz—because nothing says “this is going to be fun” quite like something chilled and sparkling in your hand—and promptly melted into clusters of candlelit conversation over velvet banquettes. The atmosphere was part Shanghai speakeasy, part glamorous house party, with just a dash of the unexpected. Add in a soundtrack of low laughter, gently clinking glassware, and a few truly dangerous cocktails (yes, the infamous Sleeping Tiger made a return), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for delightful mischief.

Huge thanks to the Lucy Wong dream team—Kat, Dennis, James, Editya, and Gee—who kept the magic flowing and the drinks even more so.

As always with Rendezvous, the aim isn’t just romance (though sparks absolutely flew), but connection. Proper, old-school, eye-contact-across-the-room connection.

By 10pm, the room was alive: voices low, laughter high, and a steady rhythm of “You have to meet so-and-so…” ricocheting across the bar. Stories were swapped, numbers exchanged, and one couple—we won’t name names—were last seen disappearing into the night, possibly in search of late-night bao buns in Mayfair.

And that’s the secret charm of a Rendezvous evening. For a few golden hours, you’re not just in London—you’re in a better version of it. One where people are disarming, conversation is unhurried, and anything feels gloriously possible.

So here’s to Lucy Wong, wherever she is—and to the joy of meeting people the proper way: over cocktails, dim sum, and a generous splash of old-world glamour.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

<p>Barbara is a classic entrepreneur; her career has been defined by a series of iconic start-ups within telecoms, entertainment, and fashion. She leads Investor Relations for a London-based consultancy raising capital for entrepreneurs. Alongside financial matchmaking, her passion is connecting people in person. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair for hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.</p>

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Hello Petal, Flirt, Sip, Repeat

Hello Petal: Spring into The Other House

Tuesday, 20th May, from 6:30-8:30 pm

Charm and Connection at The Other House

Hello Petal at The Other House had all the right ingredients: flattering lighting, very well-dressed guests, and conversation that meandered charmingly from small talk to actual intrigue. Moatwood Gin was the pour of choice—botanical, crisp, unapologetically grown-up—while Something and Nothing spritzes quietly stole hearts. No awkwardness, no forced fun—just an evening that felt like something good might happen.

Enormous thanks to The Other House for giving us a setting as good-looking as the guest list. All lush foliage, soft lighting, and chic, calm, it was spot on. A particular nod to Jessica Barwell, a long-time friend and steady presence across our favourite London haunts. From Home House to Home Grown to here—it’s been a joy.

Bites, Sips & the Dream Team

Guests grazed on arancini, harissa halloumi, Padron peppers with whipped feta, and sausage rolls that vanished at speed—elegant fuel for sharp minds. Behind the bar, Fiza and Christian served with flair, David handled coats and charisma with disarming ease, and the ever-fabulous Jessica, Fran, and Ella made everything tick beautifully in the background.

Beyond Dating: Real Connection

Yes, there were sparks—but this was more than a dating night. Some drifted to dinner, others to the Monkey Bar upstairs, and one gang’s already planning their next outing to Taste of London. It was gloriously social: strangers became friends, numbers swapped, and laughter ensued. Chemistry, yes—but also connection of the most generous kind. And no, before you ask, no one ended up in the pool.

The Word on the Street (well.. in the Inbox)

“What a great party. I met some lovely people and had a fabulous evening.”
“Not my usual dating scene—but amazing people, great conversations. Thank you!”
“A splendid venue, a perfect vibe. My friend X is already planning to join your Club!”

It’s this kind of feedback that reminds us why we do what we do.

Membership Matters

If you’re already a Rendezvous Club Member, you know the deal: the inside track to the best bits. But here’s a bonus—The Other House is offering a special something to all of our guests. Fancy a tour or a day pass? Drop me a line. No pressure—just a nudge towards something lovely.  barbara@rendezvous-london.com

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

<p>Barbara is a classic entrepreneur; her career has been defined by a series of iconic start-ups within telecoms, entertainment, and fashion. She leads Investor Relations for a London-based consultancy raising capital for entrepreneurs. Alongside financial matchmaking, her passion is connecting people in person. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair for hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.</p>

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A wine Romance

Thursday 27th March | 28:50 By Night 

What a fantastic way to celebrate a week that includes the spring forward to British Summertime with our cheeky Uncorked the Unexpected wine-tasting party.

A heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary team at 28-50 by night!

Team 28-50 is an exceptional group of individuals with relentless dedication. Each played a vital role in making our evening an absolute success.

A special mention goes to Raymund, whose exceptional management kept the party (and the bar) running like a well-oiled machine. And to be fair, we are quite a lively bunch of wine lovers!

Let’s also raise a glass to Mike Guthrie, Head Sommelier extraordinaire and the mastermind both in front and behind the scenes.  He quite literally stole the show!   Who doesn’t love a sommelier getting bossy with the right way to taste the delicious wine in your glass?  After all, that was the event we signed up for. 

We loved the blind-tasting taste-off, thoroughly enjoying the Old-World vs New-World theme. We explored two captivating wines – a wonderful fresh and light Vino Verde from Portugal representing the Old World and a smooth South African Shiraz punching above its New World weight!

The tasting competition notes were diligently collected and separated by handsome helper Henry into those that had answered correctly, and Mike pulled the lucky winner out of a champagne bucket.  Jane guessed correctly (actually, she had just been on holiday in South Africa, so she knew a thing or two already) and proudly took home a bottle to treasure.

Let’s not forget the canapes – 28-50’s MD Emiliano Isufi served us delicious parmesan arancini, Parma ham croquettes, and show-stopping mushroom and truffle tartlets that just melted in the mouth.

And by 8.30 pm, the music had begun, we were asked to take our seats as our private room was turning into a jazz space joining jazz-loving members of the public, seated for a calm dining experience.  Quite interesting trying to get our boisterous herd of cats to take their seats – but it was worth it for bubbly and heartfelt Jazz vocalist Nel Begley, who has found herself in the midst of the London Jazz Scene and was smack bang in the middle of our wine romance!

This wasn’t just a wine tasting;  the rest was down to you fabulous guests, creating a social symphony with old friends, new faces, and kindred spirits in an atmosphere of laughter, elegance, and a shared love of the finer things in life.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

<p>Barbara is a classic entrepreneur; her career has been defined by a series of iconic start-ups within telecoms, entertainment, and fashion. She leads Investor Relations for a London-based consultancy raising capital for entrepreneurs. Alongside financial matchmaking, her passion is connecting people in person. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair for hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.</p>

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