Rendezvous London | Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

August 6, 2023 In News

We Loved The Dolce Vita

Tuesday 1^st August 2023
The Italian Greyhound, Marylebone

Our August Dolce Vita party at The Italian Greyhound, set off at pace with exciting three-minute Get-Chatting tables! We know initial conversations can sometimes be a challenge, so special guest Relationship Coach Mick Johal, injected fun, quirky sure-fire questions to ensure light-hearted entertainment to the max!

The key to successful dating is curiosity and a genuine interest in getting to know someone new. Our carefully crafted prompts helped our Chatters unleash their personalities and find common ground. Laughter filled the room as everyone enthusiastically shared their answers and experiences.

Here are some of the conversation starters that got the ball rolling:

“If you could possess any superpower, which would you choose and why?”
“Let’s talk travel! What’s your dream destination, and what would you love to explore there?”
“Foodie alert! What would it be if you had to survive on just one type of cuisine for the rest of your life?”
“Adventure awaits! What’s the most daring thing you’ve done or always wanted to do?”
“If you could step back in time and meet any historical figure, who would it be, and what would you ask them?”
“Time to unleash your inner performer! What’s your go-to karaoke song?”
“Hidden talents are the best! Share something quirky or unique about yourself.”
“Imagine being stranded on a deserted island. What three items would you want by your side?”

As the night progressed, genuine connections were forged, strangers turned into friends, and the chemistry was right for some potential matches. Our singles mingled, laughed, and discovered shared interests, making The Italian Greyhound the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable evening.

We could feel the magic in the air, whether it was a shared passion for adventure, a mutual love for Italian cuisine, or the spark ignited by laughter and wit. Thank you to Tom and Pedro who kept the drinks flowing. We enjoyed a charming 2021 vintage of Côtes de Provence, L’Écorce Buissonnière, perfect for a summer evening.

We can’t wait to host another night of fun and heartwarming conversations where singles can explore the exciting world of potential relationships in the spirit of curiosity and genuine interest.

Until then, let new conversations lead the way!

Some lovely feedback:

Hi Barbara

Thank you so much for your huge effort arranging these parties, so great as a singleton to speak to others in the same boat. A lovely gentleman even popped me in a taxi using his Uber account, how very kind of him!

Thanks lots for everything.

L xx

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for a fun evening last night. It was my second event, and I’m finding myself a little less intimidated and even approached a man to initiate a conversation! Baby steps.

R x

Hi Barbara,

Just to say thank you for such a well-arranged evening. A really interesting group. I made connections with some women and also guys from a networking view and possibly friends.

Regards, R

Hi Barbara,

Thank you for yet another great evening! The venue worked very well, it was light and airy, there was a good mix of people, and everybody was very friendly.

J x

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

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 she represents exclusive offline matchmaking agency Vida in London & Monaco, connecting their UHNW clients. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair of hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.

June 1, 2023 In News

Sip into Summer with Rosé Wines: Italian Sparkler, English Gem, and French Elegance

Tuesday 23rd May
28:50 Oxford Circus | Market Place | 4 Great Portland St | W1W 8QJ

What a fantastic way to embrace the warm spring season with an exquisite Rosé experience at 28°-50°’s stunning restaurant. The bar was filled with excitement as single guests gathered in our private area, eager to embark on a blind-tasting journey between England and France.

Thank you, Jules Bensacq, Group Head Sommelier, for presiding over our Rendezvous Rosé taste-off. The evening unfolded with a delightful exploration of three captivating rosés. And two distinctly different flavours with only their light pink colour in common!

We began with an Italian sparkling wine Colutta Colli Orientali del Friuli, crafted with Merlot grapes. Its vibrant flavours of wild berries and sweet grapefruit provided the perfect companion for pairing with delicious smoked salmon canapes.

Next, we blind-tasted an English gem, Yotes Court 2021 – Pinot Meunier. This pale pink rosé was a delight with its vibrant aromas of baked red berries, watermelon, and peach and a perfect partner for scrumptious mouthfuls of 28:50’s signature arancini.

Next in the blind-tasting was ….ah the familiar taste of Provence in AIX Rosé with its elegant salmon pink shade, enticing us with delicate aromas of fresh red fruits, peach, and subtle floral hints, culminating in a long and precise finish with a touch of minerality and the perfect pairing for moorish hummus canapes.

Now you’re wondering how the blind tasting ended and how the vote went. I would like to say England came out as a new to the Rosé challenge winner, but no, France still got the majority vote, much to the pleasure of our French Sommelier maestro, I might add!

We extend our gratitude to Jen Atkins, Marketing Director extraordinaire, she and her team, including Ruben and Helena, are dedicated to crafting an exceptional experience. Until our next party, let us raise our glasses and celebrate the enchanting world of rosé, where each sip transports us to moments of pure bliss.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

May 31, 2023 In Events, Past Events

Ultimate Singles Mixer – Maclynn + Rendezvous

Jeru Restaurant | 11 Berkeley St | W1J 8DS

Tuesday 4^th July | 18:30 pm – 20:30 pm

Ages 30s and 40s

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

March 23, 2023 In News

ABOUT OUR SOHO SPRING SOIREE

Martinez | 49 Greek Street | London | W1D 4EG

Tuesday 21st March

We sprung into spring in style. A room brimming with our Rendezvous choreographed crowd enjoying a lively soiree in the best kept secret in Soho, the Martinez Club – there were many compliments about its very special charm, mystery and intrigue.

It was lovely to see guests enjoy the Tidal Ginger cocktail. This craft rum was the perfect base for a series for rum-based vintage cocktails as well as much-loved classics, created on the night by Martinez’s clever mixologists. Bright, warming and fresh, so many of you commented on its unique flavour and character. This link takes you to Tidal Rum’s Cocktail list and club.

The Martinez interior is bursting with carefully curated art from resident artist Julia Warr. Her famous clunky figure painting, which takes inspiration from performance, running and walking, gave our guests a lively conversation opener. She says that in her studio she feels like a DJ on a new gig; her creations are in the moment, mixing both colour and consistency to create visual impact.

With effortless charm, our team, including Lou, Mimi and Robin, helped over seventy single professionals mix and mingle and cocktails, conversations and camaraderie continued flowing long after the event finished. The divine little Cumberland sausage rolls and riviera croques were popular with everyone in the room.

Members – remember you have three months complimentary membership to Martinez so you can drop in for a cosy cocktail this spring. Thank you to the team Maurice, Marshall, Martin and Theresa and the wonderful people at Tidal Rum who helped make this an unforgettable night.

Some lovely Feedback –

Hi B

It was a great evening last night at the Martinez don’t know where you find these little clubs! Good to see lots of newbies (did a lot of chatting last night) Pls book me in for the next one xx

Dear Barbara

Thank you so much for the introductions last night. I really clicked with X; and X was a lot of fun and was very attentive with us.

Please keep me in the loop for the next one!

Warmest regards T x

Hello Barbara,

Thanks for a great evening.

It was great to step into Martinez from a grey London day (despite it now being Spring).. The cocktail brought back tropical breezes and a carefree vibe. There were lots of new people to meet, and old friends to catch up with. Altogether a very fun evening! Many thanks to you, Lou and Mimi.

Cheers, A

PS I particularly enjoyed talking to X – super bright research scientist!

Hi Barbara,

Thanks for organising last night, making me feel welcome 😊, it was a great night and everyone was super friendly.

Best P x

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

February 21, 2023 In Events, Past Events

Soho Spring Soiree

Tuesday 21st March 2023 | 6:30 pm – 8.30 pm

Martinez | 49 Greek Street | London | W1D 4EG

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

February 21, 2023 In Events, Past Events

Sip into Summer – Rosé party

Tuesday 23rd May | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

28:50 Oxford Circus | Market Place | 4 Great Portland St, | W1W 8QJ

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

January 31, 2023 In News

Chocolate and Whisky: The mystery deepened.

28-50 By Night | 76 Jason Court | Wigmore Street | W1U 2SJ
Thursday 26th January

We knew, on paper, that this pairing made perfect sense. In their purest forms, both chocolate and spirits are made from a simple set of ingredients that combine to produce a whole variety of diverse flavours. But nothing quite prepared us for the buzz this event would create in the already atmospheric setting of 28:50 By Night. Our senses were taken on a journey of sensory pleasure.

We were privileged to have the foremost trio of experts, Chantal Coady, the only person ever to be awarded an OBE for services to chocolate making, event host Paul Flatts of Whisky Drams, and Lucy Clare Tidal Rum’s Ambassador, who led our guests through the blind tasting. 28:50’s Head Sommelier Jules Bensacq presided over the whole event, taking care of the details right from the planning stage to shaking and serving.

Three shimmering glasses of varying shades of gold were lined up in front of us to smell, swirl and taste. And what a pleasure these were. Voted the world’s best whiskey, Green Spot Leoville Barton was paired with delicious Grenada Special Cuvée 85% Broken Dark Chocolate, bringing out the clove and nutmeg in the whiskey. Lucy took us on the Tidal Rum journey, with a sense of freedom that the sea awakened in us with the subtle coastal flavours, paired adventurously with white chocolate with foraged fennel and cardamom. Jules guided us through the pure pleasure of the Delamain Pale & Dry XO Premier Cru Grande Champagne Cognac, which Chantal paired with chocolate-coated candied orange. Such extravagant flavour pairings.

A special treat was Chantal sharing the unique taste of raw cocoa, a smooth fruity, tropical, tart, and naturally sweet subtle flavour.

The Chocolate Detective team is working with cocoa farmers in Grenada and highlighting sustainable chocolate made at grassroots level (“Tree to Bar”) and keeping value in local economies. The voyage this chocolate follows is 99% emission-free, and it’s made even more special by watching this short video and appreciating its uniqueness. Sailboat Chocolate.

Thank you to the Mixology Team at 28:50, who managed multiple glasses during the tasting. They calmly went on to create a sea of cocktails with the Tidal Rum; Old Fashioned and Espresso Martinis spun out of their shakers.

Some lovely feedback –

Hi Barbara, thanks for a fun night. Great fun and made many new friends also good to reconnect with a few people I hadn’t seen for a while !! Cheers. R

Thank you, Barbara for a wonderful evening. I had too much fun xx

Dear Barbara, thank you so much for a lovely evening, let me know when the next one is please! x

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

January 14, 2023 In Events, Past Events

The Mystery of Chocolate and Whiskey

Thursday 26th January 2023 | 6:00 pm – 8.00 pm

28-50 By Night | 76 Jason Court | Wigmore Street | W1U 2SJ

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

November 12, 2022 In News

About the Italian Job; a Marylebone party

The Italian Job Party l The Italian Greyhound, Marylebone

Wednesday 2^nd November 2022

Our Italian Job party was a roaring success despite the absence of the fleet of red, white, and blue minis. Michael Caine’s character Charlie Croker would have agreed it was a party with the spirit of dolce vita. Beep Beep!

Our stylish party was in the elegant Italian Greyhound restaurant, our private downstairs space was filled to the brim. The atmosphere was warmed by pleasantly low-decibel jazz.

The room was in excellent spirits, with at least 35 new people who were just such fun to have there and who mixed enthusiastically with our regulars, which, as usual, felt like a group of treasured and fun friends.

More marvellous memories were made in this W1 basement, adding to the many we have gathered over the year Including our delight to see some new couples move their conversation upstairs to the dining room of the graceful hound. The menu is perfect to share and to enjoy sharing conversations a plenty.

Thank you to the team at the Italian Greyhound for being such welcoming hosts.

Some lovely feedback –

Thank you for the wonderful event on Wednesday night. It’s such a lovely place you have created, it feels safe and inviting and easy to meet people and make friends, just delightful, thank you.

Another great party, everyone was very friendly. You always manage to assemble a good mix of interesting and fun people. Thank you, Barbara, for being such a great hostess, looking forward to the next one!

Thank you, Barbara, it was a lovely, lively evening – such a great turn out. Thoroughly enjoyable as always! Well worth braving the lashing rain. The evening always seems to go so quickly, catching up with old acquaintances and making new friends, and then all to soon it’s time to head home….