August 6, 2023 In News

We Loved The Dolce Vita

Tuesday 1st 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

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.

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