June 4, 2022
In
News
The Rosé Experience at 28-50 Party
28:50 Oxford Circus | Market Place | 4 Great Portland Street | W1W 8QJ
Tuesday 24th May
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March 26, 2022
In
News
Love Surgery featuring Cosmo Landesman & Rowen Pelling
Wednesday 23th March
28:50 By Night | 76 Jason Court | Wigmore St | London | W1U 2SJ
What an evening it was! This must have been the best cocktail party and fun therapy session we have ever run. In the decadent basement of 28-50 By Night, we were entertained by former legendary editor of The Erotic Review, Rowen Pelling and former Sunday Times dating columnist Cosmo Landesman. They kicked off the night with frank and funny talk about Love, Dating, Romance – and everything you were afraid to ask…but did anyway!
” A Rendezvous event is always something special. But this one exceeded all expectations. Great atmosphere. Great crowd. And Rowan and I had a brilliant time. ” Cosmo Landesman …. available for marriage!
As he says his most memorable moment was when he asked one of the beautiful lady guests if she would like to get married?” and she said, “Yes – but only to you!”
We sipped on glasses of the sparkling Villa Folini, Prosecco. We ate taste-tickling canapes including wild mushroom tarts, artichoke tempura with aioli. Honey roasted fig and serrano ham and rhubarb and custard tarts, prepared by Head Chef Kris Wysocki. 28:50’s team extraordinaire included Riccardo, Helena, Eve, George and Bryan. And least we forgot the marvellous Jen Atkins Head of Marketing, overseeing the night with energetic enthusiasm!
Jazz After Party
And we stayed late! Guests continued to mingle and enjoy the effortless repertoire of the Stella Angelika Quartet. As the night got later, there were plenty of people dancing, and quite some moves, and shapes were made!
The vibe was upbeat and happy. Who would have thought that for so many of the guests, this was their first experience of Rendezvous. We look forward to welcoming you back to our May drinks party and our July Dancing Party.
Some lovely feedback –
Dear Barbara,
I just wanted to say thank you, Louise and everyone else, for a fun evening at love surgery. Looking forward to the next event!
All the best, M x
Dear Barbara
As always it was lovely to see you on Wed. I found Rowan and Cosmo highly entertaining, I could have listened to them for so much a lot longer!
Best C x
Dear Barbara
Thank you so much for organising such a wonderful evening last night. I had a great time and had many interesting and fun chats.
It was so good to meet you and also Lou. You were both so welcoming and friendly which made all the difference.
Warmest regards F x
Dear Barbara,
It was so nice meeting you yesterday. Your hospitality is amazing, I really enjoyed the evening. Keep me updated about any upcoming events please.
Kind regards Z x
March 12, 2022
In
News, Past Events
March Jazz Dinner at 28-50 By Night
There’s something rather mischievous about stepping down a flight of stairs into a jazz club. With a seductive low-lit room, your eyes are drawn to the well-lit stage, warming up for some on stage action as the evening goes on.
28:50 By Night – is a hybrid breed, part of the successful wine restaurant group, it’s a budding newcomer to the jazz scene. Setting itself up nicely to lead the charge for being able to provide first class music along with an impeccable food and wine menu.
Our Rendezvous Member’s Jazz dinners are a bit different to our usual stand-up mix and mingle events. We bring together a wonderful group of like-minded people for an enjoyable sit-down dinner and drinks. With a backdrop of excellent music, our group of men and women (10 of each) enjoyed excellent conversation and a certain amount of sassy fun!
And it sounds like the members enjoyed it too…
“Hi Barbara,
Many thanks for organizing the jazz dinner this week. I liked the format and had some interesting chats.
I thought the food was terrific and they did a great job ensuring everyone was served. The jazz was lovely –I couldn’t believe it when I looked at my watch and it was after midnight!
Have a great weekend
A x”
March 7, 2022
In
Members Events, News
February’s Jazz Dinner – Boisdale
Wednesday 23rd February
Boisdale of Belgravia | 15 Eccleston Street | London | SW1W 9LX
It felt so convivial and decadent, almost like a speak-easy at our wonderful Boisdale Jazz dinner last week in Belgravia. Boisdale is one of those, you never know what’s going to happen, type of restaurants; you’ve just got to roll with how you are feeling on the night. Spontaneity puts the fun and spice in our lives.
So, this is how we do it, a bit different to our usual stand-up drink and mingle events. We bring together a wonderful group of like-minded people for an enjoyable sit-down dinner and drinks and a good old fashioned chat, all from the comfort of those things called chairs.
Boisdale’s MD helps us out by mixing up his Single friends with our guests, keeping it lively and entertaining. I move the group around a few times, without being too pushy, just enough to keep the conversations flowing.
With the charming Boisdale backdrop of excellent live music, our group of men and women, (10 of each), enjoyed excellent conversation with a certain amount of fun cheekiness.
To join the waitlist for our next Jazz dinner – please do email me. They sell out quickly, but we will do more!
January 29, 2022
In
News
First Party of 2022 – Deal Breakers
Wednesday 26th January
Martinez | 49 Greek Street | W1D 4EG
What a way to start 2022, Martinez was full to the brim with singles looking to socialize. We enjoyed mixing up new and regular guests in the wonderful Martinez in Soho; fun was definitely on the agenda.
Our special guest Sara Davison, The Divorce Coach talked openly about the importance of not just focusing on what you want but identifying the five must NOT have these are the deal breakers for you.
From Sara Davison
“Wow what a fun evening with such a wonderful crowd! I was honored to be invited to speak and bring some of my Accredited Breakup and Divorce Coaches to offer support and advice.
January is always a busy month for breakups as the festive season puts so much pressure on relationships. I spoke about how to avoid the pitfalls of dating and shared my tips on learning to trust again after a divorce.
Remember to have your list of up to 5 Dating Deal Breakers! These are things that you know you will not work for you long term in a relationship and are absolute must not haves from a partner. If they come up, you deploy your parachute and leave!
I loved meeting you all and hope you find what you’re looking for very soon.
For more information about Coaching sessions with Sara and her team, or training to become a Coach with Sara visit www.saradavison.com or book a call to speak to our team here.”
https://calendly.com/marinaky/10-minute-consultation-call?month=2020-09
Many of you spent time with her team so we would like to thank Lucy, Angela, Mick and Michelle.
Marvelous Martinez
We loved sharing our favorite secret club with you. So many compliments on this plush, dimly lit space for its charm, mystery and intrigue. The nibbles by Michelin-starred chef Hervé Deville were hoovered up in seconds. 
Their mixologist delighted in creating line-ups of vintage cocktails and much-loved classics. Members remember you have three months complimentary membership so you can drop in for a cozy cocktail this spring.
Thank you to the team Maurice Marshall and Izzy Lyth who hosted this unforgettable night. I believe cocktails, conversations and camaraderie were flowing into the early hours of Thursday.
Single socializing should be fun, so don’t put the pressure on to find Mr or Ms Right. Mr or Ms right now will be fine. Join us to meet a room full of singles that will help you get back into dating and boost your confidence.
Let’s keep meeting people and having fun.
Some lovely feedback
Dear Barbara,
Firstly, Thank you (& Lou plus everyone else) for an amazing evening. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting everyone, and Sara’s great tips! Martinez is a fantastic place, and everyone was lovely.
Good morning, Barbara
It was a pleasure to see you last Wednesday. It was a great event and I met splendid people.
Hiya,
What a fab evening: I really enjoyed seeing you again – and meeting new people!
Once again, thank you for organising these events!
Dear Barbara and Lou,
What a fabulous evening you hosted for everyone last night. Such fun to see you both looking gorgeous and not a day older, catch up with old familiar faces and meet new friends. I had such a lovely time
Take care until we meet again.
Good evening, Barbara
What a delightful evening – we both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Keep us both posted – it was lovely to be out and lovely to meet your sparkle.
January 12, 2022
In
News
Wedding Bells are ringing in 2022
Welcome to 2022, we look forward to enjoying a year full of fun Rendezvous socials – you never know who you are going to meet.
With that in mind, we wanted to share with you a gorgeous story sent to us this week by a former Rendezvous guest, we hope this fills you with joy as much as it did for us.
“I was introduced to Rendezvous at the end of 2016 and came to my first event at the Hippodrome in one of its private rooms. It was enjoyable and I even got a reading from the Psychic you had invited. Her prediction is about to come true and the groom to be was at that event too, although more focused on the gambling than the girls and we didn’t meet then.
The next event I attended was great fun, whisky and chocolate tasting at Boisdale and the third was in a restaurant called Bernardi’s. I got stuck in the middle of a very crowded room at the same time as an attractive and interesting man who just made me laugh. He still does. Our first date followed the same week.
We moved in together in 2019 and we are getting married in March. I thought you’d like to know because we are so happy and well suited. I have never got married before (he’s divorced) and certainly wasn’t expecting to get hitched at this stage of my life. So, thank you so much for organising Rendezvous as we’d never have met without it. “
November 6, 2021
In
News
An Arty Party at L’Escargot
Tuesday 2nd November
L’Escargot | 48 Greek Street | Soho | W1D 4EF
How totally divine was our evening of Art at L’Escargot. Artist Henrietta Sophia Wallace enlightened us with the passion that drives her painting, sharing with us personal stories relating to her current collection. We were spoiled with canapes. Honestly the team at L’Escargot are food Artists. Our favorite was the delightfully delicious snails crafted from smoked salmon and cream cheese whose photo was shown so much love on Instagram. Tres, tres bien. Let’s not forget the tapenade toasts, Crab toasts, and the fast-disappearing cheese straws that went so well with the Sea Breeze welcome cocktail. Thank you to Brian, Reda, Dom and the L ‘Escargot team.
Thank you to Sophia Henrietta Dunlop, it was wonderful for so many guests to hear your story. Sophia has always been involved in the arts as a make-up artist/singer and documentary film maker. She lives in London’s Belgravia. Her exhibition at L’Escargot is also available to view, along with her wider collection by appointment. So please do email her directly on henrietta202@hotmail.com
A Wonderful Crowd … mixology of minds
As a planner of events, you might wonder how we put together consistently interesting mixes of people. As the party starts to get near being sold out, we look at the guest list, as people inspire us to invite others who may not have been before or for a very long time. Sophia’s wonderful art attracted more artists themselves and others who had extensive careers in hotels and hospitality. The room buzzed with investors in start-ups and others putting great energy into sustainable ventures and, to saving our planet. Conversations and introductions are what makes a party go boom!
Special Guest
Our featured charity event’s founder, Andrew Taylor, dropped by with his Black Labrador; when he asked if he could bring his cute four-legged friend, I immediately knew he could. Owner of L’Escargot and old friend, Brian Clivaz, has the most fabulously eccentric bulldog called Doris and is often seen holding court somewhere in the restaurant, yes Doris, not Brian!
Some lovely feedback –
Thank you so much for yesterday evening. Everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming, and it was lovely to be out mingling with other like-minded people. I especially enjoyed talking to one particular person! I think I got very lucky for my first singles event.
We had a really nice night Tuesday at L’Escargot and great to meet so many new faces, along with some regulars.
It was lovely meeting you on Tuesday. I thought the event was a real success, beautiful venue, engaging conversations. Looking forward to your future events.
October 11, 2021
In
News
A Glorious Grosvenor, we did Gallivant!
Weds 6th October
The Biltmore Hotel
The Pine Bar, 44 Grosvenor Square, London, W1K 2HP
Our October party at The Biltmore, Grosvenor Square, was a glorious night of peachy pink ‘Axia Paradise’ cocktails complimenting the five-star interior-designed private room, warm lighting, cool music and outstanding canapes.
The Biltmore was certainly a magical b
ackdrop for glamorous guests to meet and connect.
We enjoyed chef Paul Walsh’s marvellous creations of canapes;
Coronation chicken scotch eggs, Seared Bluefin Tuna with wasabi Mayonnaise, Whipped Tunworth Cheese with figs and Heather honey, Salt Marsh Lamb fritters with minted harissa yoghurt and Old Bay Seasoned King Prawns with mango Thai Som tam dip and Berkswell and quince croquettes.
The whole experience left our taste buds tingling!
We sipped on delicious Axia Mastiha cocktails. Axia is a luxury spirit class blending old world tradition with new world innovation. Axia Brand Ambassador and Mixologist Mike Goncalves was on hand to talk us through how the brand came about and where it’s headed, you saw it here first!
Axia (meaning ‘value’ in Greek) is a refreshing, extra-dry Mastiha spirit. Mastiha is found on the island of Chios. For over two thousand years this ancient superfood has been used to richly flavour foods and treat numerous ailments. A rare, versatile and sustainable ingredient whose authentic character cannot be replicated. It is definitely Greece’s most
exotic spice and Axia is set to be the cocktail mixologists favourite.
Thank you to the whole Biltmore team for your first-class service. Paul Walsh for outstanding food, Sara, Matt, Nerijus and Morgan. We so appreciate your attention to detail and making our party such a wonderful success. We look forward to using our free Axia cocktail card – thank you! And coming back again for more cocktails at The Pine Bar soon.
Winter cocktails in a cosy bar, count me in!
Barbara
x
September 6, 2021
In
News
Thank you Italian Greyhound!
Wednesday 1st of September 2021
The Italian Grey Hound: Garden Room: Marylebone W1.
Our ‘Italian Job’ party was a roaring and cheeky success, despite the absence of either Michael Caine or a fleet of red, white, and blue minis!
We love having our very own room – the naughty corner in the basement bar, complete with an outside courtyard that was clearly the place to be. ‘You will always find me in the courtyard at parties’, as Jonah Louie would have sung had he been there, and boy, he should have been.
A delicious, chilled glass of their Italian Grillo greeted us, and then a procession of gorgeous bite-sized Pizzettas – with colourful aphrodisiac toppings:
Vesuvius tomato, anchovy, oregano & wild rocket
Calabrian chilli sausage, wild chicory, Stracciatella
Yellow peach, Prosciutto di Norcia, ricotta, basil
We were joined by radiant Health Coach Eva Akerholm. She spoke with several guests who had different issues ranging from wanting to lose weight, managing stress, increasing energy levels and specific dietary issues. If you would like to contact her, her email is eakerholm@yahoo.co.uk
The transformed Bernardi’s was the perfect setting for our singles to mingle. It’s spacious garden room and restaurant refreshed with subtle hues, think Farrow & Ball and stripey awnings with plenty of vibrant outdoor space. Loving the new name too – out with The Doghouse private room, in with The Italian Greyhound. Woof woof!
More marvellous memories were made in this W1 basement gem, adding to the many we have gathered over the years.
Thank you, Italian Greyhound, for being such generous hosts. We enjoyed it immensely and look forward to returning to this chic bar and restaurant as a regular rendezvous favourite Date Nightspot.
Some lovely feedback –
Dear Barbara
Thank you for organising yesterday evening’s superb event at The Italian Greyhound and for kindly finding a ticket for me in time. I had the most wonderful evening! Haven’t enjoyed myself so much for ages! Met a wide selection of really lovely people and made new friends and am already very excited for the next event. I very much felt I was finally meeting people with whom I resonate: my tribe, as you said.
Can’t wait for the next one!
P x
Good afternoon, Barbara,
I just wanted to say, what a wonderful evening I had, last night. I met so many wonderful, like- minded people. I will definitely be attending another evening!
Best
T
HI Barbara,
Thanks for a fun evening last night and glad to know about the venue. I had a number of interesting conversations; it’s refreshing that you can circulate easily. I thought the pizza was especially delicious!
M x
August 7, 2021
In
News
Bentley’s Summer Lightning – A Summer Success!
SUMMER LIGHTNING PARTY AT BENTLEY’S OYSTER BAR & GRILL
Tuesday 3rd August 2021
The frankly chilly! August weather did not stop our lively crowd of single professionals from dressing to impress for our stunning party at Bentley’s. The elegant, spacious Swallow Street rooms, one of Piccadilly’s hidden gems, downstairs was the perfect backdrop for us to socialise in our private rooms – yes, not one but two.
The party kicked off with a welcome glass of Piper Heidsieck champagne with Richard Corrigan’s kitchen treating us with spoonsful of delicious Ceviche of Scallops and Gurnard Red Onion, Lime, Chilli along with cheese Gougère bites. Oysters could be ordered by those fancying them or indeed fancying sharing them! The impeccable Bentleys team of Adrian, Corrado and Alexis were on hand to keep our chattering crowd’s orders filled with great efficiency, no long queues at the bar for us. We had better things to do!
Who recognised our friend Bethany Russell, not is she just a raven-haired dream of a girl, she knows how to run an event and genuinely loves mingling and chatting and making sure everyone is happy. I think there is a blog about her fine self somewhere on the Rendezvous website! We have a long history of working together. It’s not just Lou and I she gets along so well with. She loves all you gorgeous, fun, brilliant and maybe slightly eccentric people! Bethany and I met at Franco’s famous Rosé party and have run parties together at The Goat, Aquavit, The Court, Franco’s and now Bentley’s.
Now then, back to you lovely people… what a guest list we had, we booked 75 people for a party in August. Woop! 10 of those were pinged on the days running up to the party, but the United Pingdom of Rendezvous was not deterred, everything aligned perfectly, and on the night, we had a marvellously even split of men and women. We were delighted to welcome so many new guests and mingle into the crowd – thank you, Robin S, for helping us do that.
The room was quickly buzzing with conversation and laughter, with some choosing the quiet area of the library side to get to know each other.
It’s wonderful to hear that so many of you started new friendships and even were spotted eating a late supper upstairs. Bentley’s have three parties of their own in August, so if you fancy dropping in again, please check our newsletter (or their website) for details.
Some Lovely Feedback –
Good morning Barbara,
Thank you for inviting me to yesterday’s Summer Lightning Party. It was a real pleasure to meet you in person and thank you for all your hard work in putting together such a great mix of people in a great venue.
I had a lovely evening and have connected with a few people whom may become real friends, which is what it’s all about.
Warmest regards,
P
Dear Barbara
Thank you for organising the Bentleys event last night, it was very well attended with some charming people.
B
Dear Barbara,
Thank you so much for a delightful party last night, I had a great time. After the difficult lock down months, everyone was in the mood to party, so there was a lively, friendly atmosphere. You are a great hostess, always very welcoming and you always manage to gather such interesting people!
Looking forward to your next event.
M x
Hello Barbara
Many thanks for a very entertaining evening last night. Everyone’s delight at being able to mingle and meet new people was palpable.
It also was striking how friendly everyone was, men and women, I look forward to coming again.
Best
P