The Arding Affair: Where Edwardian Glamour Met Modern Magic

Tuesday 16^th December | 6.30 – 8.30

The Arding Rooms | 7 St John’s Rd, | London | SW11 1QN

Forget ordinary Tuesdays. At The Arding Rooms, sparkling prosecco flowed as guests arrived beneath chandeliers that have witnessed a century of stories, seasonal cocktails disappeared throughout the evening, roasted beef crostini circulated through rooms where South Londoners once shopped for drapery and delight, and the intimate spaces buzzed with laughter, curiosity, and the particular electricity of genuine connection. By the end of the night, it was clear: Clapham Junction (or as we prefer, seven minutes from Victoria) had just hosted the most elegant toast to 2025 – and the perfect welcome to everything 2026 might bring.

The Atmosphere

It was one of those rare evenings where everything just works. Our usual brilliant humans mixed seamlessly with Single members from The Arding Rooms itself, proof that good people recognise each other regardless of which membership they’re paying for. Guests arrived with that particular December energy (equal parts festive and exhausted) and left with phone numbers, genuine plans for January, and the satisfied glow of people who’ve had proper conversations with interesting strangers. The building did most of the heavy lifting, of course, guests kept disappearing mid-chat to explore its Edwardian splendour, leaving the room wonderfully empty at times as they discovered architectural treasures that absolutely no one expected to find in Clapham Junction. Meanwhile, Chloe orchestrated the entire evening with invisible precision, while Poppy, Amelia, Adam, Aman, Chris, Micah and the team proved that exceptional hospitality isn’t dead- it’s just been hiding south of the river, waiting for the right crowd.

Guest Testimonials

The feedback rolled in before breakfast. One couple reported: “Thank you for an excellent event at the Arding last night, we enjoyed it tremendously. I was particularly taken with [another guest] and would be interested to see her again.” (Reader, we’re making the introduction.) Another guest captured it perfectly: “I was so lucky to have met you last night, and so many wonderful people who I will connect with. You have this positive energy about you which is infectious and you created such an incredible event which I’ll tell my other single friends about.”

Several people admitted they’d never have discovered this gem on their own, which is rather the point. By the end, new friendships had been forged, December diaries had been compared, and more than a few guests looked ready to settle in for a third cocktail.

The Arding Rooms proved what we’ve always suspected: the right setting, the right people, and the right team can turn a random Tuesday into the kind of evening you’ll still be talking about in January.

Here’s to properly toasting what 2025 taught us, and to everything brilliant waiting in 2026.

The Greyhound Set: A Night to Sprint For

Tuesday 28th October  l 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
The Italian Greyhound l 62 Seymour St | London | W1H 5BN

Forget ordinary Tuesdays. At The Italian Greyhound, cocktails flowed, pizzettas vanished almost as fast as they arrived, and the Garden Room buzzed with laughter, old friends, and sparkling new connections. By the end of the night, it was clear: even a midweek evening can feel like a small, glamorous victory.

It was one of those nights where everything just clicked. Faces we hadn’t seen in years reappeared, new friends slipped effortlessly into the mix, and the energy in the room was utterly contagious. Huge thanks to the TIG team, Ionuk, Ram, and Oleh, for keeping the pizzettas coming and the drinks perfectly poured.

Guests couldn’t stop talking about the evening. K, an established artist and educator, “felt instantly at home despite being new to the group”, while L praised the “marvellous party,” the “excellent mix of guests (and plenty of men!), and the venue’s perfect location with its inspired, warm nibbles.” And. Jazz singer J called X “an absolute delight,”

By the end, new connections had been forged, conversations had flowed effortlessly, and laughter lingered long after the last cocktail. With December already creeping into thoughts, it’s safe to say The Greyhound Set continues to set the gold standard for a Tuesday well spent.

Here’s to more nights where cocktails, conversation, and perfectly timed pizzettas make even a weekday feel like a celebration.

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.

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