Rendezvous London

May 30, 2024 In News

About Our Sold-Out Drink Pink Party

Tuesday 21st May
28:50 Oxford Circus | Market Place | 4 Great Portland St | W1W 8QJ

What better way to shelter from a freak flash flood than in the excitement of our Drink Pink party. Everyone had a story to tell of their determined navigation to 28:50 Wine Workshop, our venue for the night, and were soon calmed by knowing that just sixty guests got the lucky tickets to our very sold-out and exclusive wine-tasting party.

Why Drink Pink? I hear you ask – well, we were going to drink pink of course, but also we loved the lyrics from Audrey Hepburn’s movie Funny Face, and Think Pink sprang to mind. With its glamorous star and its light-hearted tone we felt it fitted perfectly with a spring rosé party.

We chose rosé tasting for May because, for many wine lovers, nothing evokes the feeling of sunny spring days like a crisp rosé. Whether you’re enjoying a glass in the garden or sharing a carafe at an alfresco dinner with friends, a good rosé is summer in a bottle.

So after we settled into the excited chatter of the room, helped along by a chilled glass of delicious Villa Folini Prosecco for starters, and with the backdrop and warmth of our gorgeous room, we handed it over to the experts to let the proceedings begin.

Thank you, Mike Guthrie – 28:50’s Head Sommelier extraordinaire, for presiding over our Rendezvous Rosé blind taste-off. We thoroughly enjoyed the England vs France theme exploring two captivating rosés. And two distinctly different flavours with only their light pink colour in common!

We blind-tasted Folc Rose, a lively dry English gem of a rosé, sourced from family-run vineyards in Sussex and Kent and crafted from a blend of pinot noir, pinot meunier, chardonnay, bacchus, reichensteiner, schönburger, and dornfelder grapes.

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.

Now, we’re sure 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 triumphed with the majority vote from you fine wine connoisseurs.

We extend our gratitude to Nikola Koppova, Marketing Director par excellence. She and her team, including the aforementioned superstar Mike who was fearlessly supported by Alex and Cam, are dedicated to crafting an exceptional experience and certainly did so that night. 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.

Some lovely feedback –

From the newcomers –

“Hi Barbara, I just wanted to let you know how much fun I had last night. Can’t wait for July!! “

“Thank you for a fun evening. When will you be holding one of these again?”

“Just want to thank you for organizing yesterday’s party. X and I both agreed that we had a great time; we really enjoyed the evening, meeting some interesting people and exchanging contact details. Looking forward to seeing you again at future events.”

And people who have been before –

“Thank you so much for another great fun event. Nice wine and nibbles and some great conversations. Looking forward to the Moon & Stars party on 24th July! “

“Lovely party! Was great to be back! “

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.

March 28, 2024 In News

Hello Spring Party – 26th March 2024

Home Grown Club | 44 Great Cumberland Place | London | W1H 7BS

Despite the spring showers, our guests’ spirits remained undampened as they gathered in our private rooms; the Salon and Secret Salon of Home Grown’s Private Members’ Club. Attendees found themselves enveloped in an atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie. The intimate yet welcoming ambience of the club provided the ideal backdrop for our like-minded guests to engage in lively conversations and forge new connections. Some even took advantage of the plush velvet sofas, settling in for a fun effervescent evening.

Every corner of the venue sparked conversation, from the captivating art pieces to the exquisite colour-clashing decor. And let’s not forget the exceptional cocktail list which further fueled the evening’s excitement – it was Espresso Martini o’clock at the bar.

A heartfelt thanks to Pablo, Alex, Joy, Mastro Jessica, and the dedicated team at Home Grown, whose unwavering efforts ensured that each guest felt truly valued and welcomed. When the guests arrived they were greeted with glasses of Spanish wine, setting the tone for an evening filled with laughter and conversation. Pablo showed impeccable timing and great humour whilst serving delectable nibbles, including Mozzarella and Kimchi Arancini with smoked chipotle mayo, as well as Mixed Vegetable Crisps with a fresh cashew dip, and Smoked beef short rib croquettes. These were so well received as connections blossomed, laughter filled the air, and cherished memories were created throughout the night.

Some lovely Feedback –

From a newbie

Hi Barbara

“Thanks to you and your colleagues for a fab evening last night. Great venue and beautifully organized!”

From a Rendezvous regular

Hi Barbara,

“You, Lou, and Elsa outdid yourselves last night! I thought with the dire weather the event would be sparsely attended– ha! I think it was the best Rendezvous gathering I’ve been to! The rooms were gorgeous and maybe that multi-room approach and club ethos made it a bit easier to chat to people. Many thanks for including me, it was great fun!”

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

January 19, 2024 In News

Baby, It Was Warm Inside

Martinez Club | 49 Greek St, London W1D 4EG

Wednesday 17th January | 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

Our first party of 2024 and our last party at the wonderful Martinez club…sob. We were in excellent spirits as we celebrated, and that was even before the Tidal Rum Cocktail..boom boom. As ever, our Rendezvous regulars warmly introduced themselves to new guests who were trying their best not to be terrified as first timers! Lou and Elsa are such friendly faces on the door, it was hard to get people away and into the main room, they’re such fun company. From there we were thrilled to see so many people pairing off to chat on those oh so comfy sofas.

And Dry January, what’s that you say? Although the Martinez Mixology team put a delicious mocktail together, people quickly progressed to the hard stuff. That’s fair enough – it was jolly cold outside and the mood was so uplifting, why not elevate it with a fine tipple?

Our munch for the evening was a delicious mouthful of Skinny cakes from those fine folk at the Skinny Bakery. At 40 calories each, I think the consensus was, why not have two. We went through 150 of them just fyi!

Cocktails, conversation and camaraderie continued flowing long after the event finished. Thank you all for coming out – we were so happy to see you but are so sad to see Martinez Club close. We can’t wait to see what Maurice does next. Wherever he goes, we will surely follow.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

November 11, 2023 In News

We Met, Mingled and Enjoyed Wonderful Jazz

Tuesday 7th November | 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm

28°-50° By Night 76 Jason Court | Wigmore St | London | W1U 2SJ

Tuesday night’s event felt rather mischievous, stepping down into our Mix, Mingle and Music event at 28-50 by night. There is nothing like descending a flight of stairs into a seductively lit jazz club. With private use of the space, it soon became abuzz with an exciting energy, filled with an eclectic mix of new and familiar faces, all coming together for an unforgettable evening.

The wonderful thing about meeting in person is that you never know who that next conversation is going to be with. Elsa and Lou mixed up the room and it was so cute to see little bits of paper with phone numbers written on it exchanging hands – such a treat to find that in your coat pocket or handbag the next day. Thank you to those guests who brought a plus one, it meant there were so many new people in the room, and we hope they enjoyed meeting us as much as we enjoyed hosting them.

28.50’s dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure every guest felt welcomed from the meticulously served prosecco and delectable canapés to the seamless service. Raymond made sure that glasses were filled up throughout the evening and the fantastic Jen ensured that the delicious canapes circulated seamlessly. Spanish omelette with aioli, mushroom & truffle tartlet and mini burgers with caramelised onions were enjoyed by all.

As the clock struck 8 pm we had such a cool vibe in the room that James Hudson kicked off the jazz sounds early with his take on Frank Sinatra. Our singles mingled, laughed, and created lasting connections – here’s to many more of these magical moments in 2024.

Our guests loved 28:50 By Night as much as much as we did. Its mix of first-class live music and an impeccable food and wine menu partnered our event perfectly.

Some lovely feedback –

Nice evening as ever. I remet someone from a Rendezvous party years ago and I had misunderstood her and she always wondered why I had not been in contact!………fate?

I live outside of London but visit regularly. I’ve found that the Rendezvous singles events are so beautifully curated. Each unique party provides me with a wonderful entree into a local social life that I might not ordinarily be able to build on my own. I always end up making a new friend or two (for romance but also friendships or just people to go out for coffee with – men and women alike). I feel comfortable and at ease, due to our shared interest in meeting each other, and the atmosphere of warmth and camaraderie which is the unwritten expectation at all of Barbara’s events. I will never feel lonely visiting London again as long as I can make it to a Rendezvous gathering!

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

September 29, 2023 In News

Maroto’s Marvellous Evening: Cocktails, Connections, and Cheeky Charm

Thursday 28^th September – 18:30 pm – 20:30 pm

Maroto l 4 Vere Street. London

Our Maroto event was an absolute blast. We sipped, we mingled, and we celebrated in style. It was a night of connection, charm, and cocktails that left everyone feeling …well…marvellous!

A Grand Entrance: Guests Shimmied and Shook Things Up

The evening kicked off with a sizzle as our guests made their way into the newest Cocktail Bar in town. The atmosphere was electric, and the sumptuous space quickly filled with our gorgeous guests. Maroto’s sleekly polished countertops and art deco interiors added an air of sophistication, it was the perfect setting for an unforgettable night.

Cocktail Artistry: Maroto’s Mixology Magic

Now, let’s talk about the stars of the night—the Maroto team. They were nothing short of cocktail maestros! As a welcome gesture, they concocted the “Marotinia,” a tantalizing twist on the classic caipirinha featuring Zeca de Mato Cachaca, berries, and lime. For our non-drinking aficionados, there was the refreshing “Sabia Passion” mocktail, made with Seedlip 94, pineapple soda, passionfruit, and lime. Cheers to options for everyone!

Luxury and elegance: mingling in style.

And the canapes just kept coming, we were treated with Tapioca tacos with seasoned mushrooms with cashew nut cream, Pao de queijo – those gorgeous mouthfuls of baked cheese dough ball-deliciousness, and sourdough crackers with beef tartare with shitake confit, mustard mayo and summer truffle. Scrumptious!

As the night went on, guests mingled happily in a low-lit, moody temple of refined decadence. Picture this: a centrepiece X-shaped formation of plump and velvety plush sofas, all bathed in the glow of gorgeous chandeliers. It was an ambiance tailor-made for sparking connections and sharing stories.

Our Fantastic Team: The Heroes Behind the Scenes

Behind every great event is a team of dedicated individuals who make it all happen. A big shoutout to Monty whose brain child this was plus Giorgia, the master behind the bar, Jean-Pierre, our trusty bar back, Edo, the head waiter who kept everything running smoothly, Hanna, the cloakroom guardian, Priscilla, our attentive waitress, and GianLuca, the head bartender extraordinaire. Not to forget General Manager Luca and Chef Nilson these folk ensured that every guest felt like royalty.

Winner of Dinner for two.

And the fun didn’t end there! One lucky gent is coming back to dine at Bossa, the restaurant upstairs. Bossa is run by none other than Brazil’s most celebrated chefs, Alberto Landgraf (with two Michelin stars, no less!). The restaurant is known for its “fun and relaxed” vibe, which means our winner is in for a memorable meal with two courses of contemporary Brazilian food and a bottle of wine. That is a prize worth winning!

Our Maroto event felt like a true triumph. Stay tuned for our next event, because when Maroto is involved, you know it’s going to be a night to remember!

Some lovely feedback –

I so enjoyed the very upscale and stylish Rendezvous 40-+ singles in London event at Maroto! The party was perfectly curated for getting to know everyone in a friendly environment. Normally intimidated by such things, especially if they feel too competitive, I would have stayed away. But I was assured that I would feel among friends (just friends that I haven’t met yet) and within a like-minded tribe of people who enjoy dressing up and meeting new friends. Literally everyone I met at the event were gracious, mannered, and conversational. This was indeed all I’d hoped for. I had a fantastic time! I was thrilled by the ratio of men to women. The hostesses know how to bring out the best in everyone. You won’t be standing alone for long before a kind or friendly (or handsome/attractive) person approaches for a light conversation. Loved it!

Just would like to say a huge thank you, what a wonderfully organised party last night, in such beautiful surroundings too. Congratulations 🎉 really well done! Thank you for including me x

Lovely to see you last night, and thanks again for organising another fabulous evening! A lovely new venue, a good mix of people and some really enjoyable conversations….and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have won the dinner for two prize!!

Thank you for a lovely evening with the lovely Rendezvous people ‘comme toujours’. Great venue too!

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

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.

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

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

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

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….