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September 8, 2025 In Event Stories

Soho Nights: Domaine Pichard at L’Escargot

Wednesday night found us in Soho’s Grande dame, L’Escargot, where the room brimmed with elegant, weather-defying guests (think sunshine, thunder, umbrellas, and still immaculate hair). Glasses of Domaine Pichard flowed, conversation sparkled, and the bar team was a study in unflappable chic. Between salmon “snails” and perfectly bite-sized croque monsieur, the evening reminded us why September in London, with unpredictable skies and all, can feel like the very best season of all.

Our merry crew barely blinked at the meteorological theatrics (only three last-minute cancellations, bravo, troopers). Inside, the Snail Bar’s skylit ceilings glowed against the stormy sky, while sixty or so guests filled the room with the kind of easy, lively chatter that makes introductions effortless and the evening stretch long after you meant to leave. Behind the bar, Feban was unflappable, Ferdi kept the whole show humming, and Stanley (mixologist, magician, miracle-worker) dropped in to lend his alchemy. Even Mr Brian Clivaz himself swept by to say hello, which added just the right touch of stardust.

The night’s vinous star was Domaine Pichard, presented by our friend Eva Akerholm, known to some of you from our lockdown wellness podcasts. (Wellness, it turns out, is perfectly compatible with very good wine.) We sipped both white and red: organic, elegant, and the kind of wines that make conversation lift a few notches. As for the food, it was French comfort with a playful wink: “snails” of smoked salmon and cream cheese (our only mollusc nod), golden cheese straws, excellent nuts, sausage rolls, and cocktail sausages. To keep us vertical, there were miniature croque monsieurs, the melt-in-your-mouth sort that vanish in two bites and leave you plotting your next one. The combination, lively guests, generous wine, impeccable staff, and a room that feels equal parts glamorous and conspiratorial made for an evening that was, in a word, sparkling. Our huge thanks to Domaine Pichard for the wine, to the L’Escargot team for their seamless care, and to all of you for bringing the sunshine inside, umbrellas and all. Here’s to the season ahead, may it be as full, fizzing, and delicious as last Wednesday night.

 

November 10, 2024 In Event Stories

Celebrating 10 Years of Rendezvous

Wednesday 6th November | 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm
28°-50° By Night 76 Jason Court | Wigmore St | London | W1U 2SJ

When Lou and I created Rendezvous ten years ago, it wasn’t just about finding partners—it was about building a community, a friend group where everyone can enjoy life together. And so to 28-50 By Night Jazz Club last Wednesday night to celebrate those ten fabulous years, the atmosphere sparkling with warmth, laughter, and a sense of close-knit friendships that have blossomed through our events. Friendships matter, and so does finding someone special to share good news with… and especially to tell your friends about, of course!

Our Not-So-Serious Awards Ceremony

This milestone deserved something special, so we held our own version of an awards ceremony to honour the people who’ve shaped our last decade. You might expect attentive guests, big screens, and suspense-filled announcements… but as always, our spirited crowd had other ideas, and it was more like trying to control a group of excited teenagers. For those who missed the stage action, here’s a recap of the night’s “unofficial” awards!

Best Schmoozer: Robin Shuker
Robin’s award was well-deserved! Not only is he our top social butterfly, but he’s also the one who introduced me to Lou—a gesture that needs no topping in my book. Robin’s humour, warmth, and irreverent charm always light up our events. His prize? A bottle of Pink Diesel Rose toast his next date.


Best Plus One: Elizabeth Sharpe and Peter Munier
Rendezvous pairs tickets by design—this is how we create lively and diverse gatherings. Elizabeth and Peter, our ultimate platonic duo, bring fantastic energy as a “plus one” pair. They received a champagne treat at Franco’s, our much-loved haunt.


Favourite Flirt: Cosmo Landesman
Although Cosmo couldn’t join us (duty called with a US election article), he still won an award for his role in our iconic “Love Surgery” events. These sessions were some of our most star-studded, unforgettable nights. Cosmo’s prize? Dinner for two at 28:50 Wine Bar, our generous partner.


Rendezvous Champion: Tina Coram James
Tina has been one of our greatest advocates, always enthusiastically spreading the word about Rendezvous. She speaks with a conviction that’s impossible to ignore—if I were on the Titanic, I’d want her on my escape team! Tina’s prize was a luxurious box of Love Bird eggs from The Chocolate Detective.


The Maestro: Michael Gelardi
Legendary musician Michael Gelardi, music director at Boisdale and our partner for Members’ Jazz Dinners, brings elegance and joy to every event. Even after four years of fabulous dinners together, I can’t wait for the next one. Michael’s prize was a bottle of Tidal Rum from our wonderful friends at Tidal.


Queen of Hearts: Elly Royal
Elly is Rendezvous’ hardest-working matchmaker. She ensures our male-female dynamic runs smoothly and helps guests connect. Her care for others makes a real difference, and we adore her for it. Elly’s prize? An afternoon tea at Lucy Wong and champagne at Franco’s. Presented by the fabulous Suzanne Noble of Advantages of Age.


Here’s to You, Our Rendezvous Family
Thank you all for making this journey so remarkable. The past ten years wouldn’t be the same without every one of you—whether you’re a seasoned Rendezvous veteran or a new friend. Here’s to the unforgettable memories we’ve made and here’s to many more to come! Stay tuned for more exciting events as we continue to bring people together in the spirit of love and friendship!

Some lovely feedback –

“It was such a joyous occasion, and I’m so glad to have been part of it last night and in the previous years. Congratulations to you and Lou on such a terrific achievement!

Last night epitomised what I like best about Rendezvous.  I had some terrific catch-up conversations with people I’ve enjoyed meeting previously. “

“I thought the 10th-anniversary party for Rendezvous last night was a roaring success Seeing a room with up to 100 people and speaking to new faces and old friends. So much fun! “

“Thanks to you and Lou for organising all the ‘various gatherings over the years,

although I couldn’t see my ‘George Clooney’ this week, I looked around the room

and decided it really was great and felt lucky to be part of this lovely friendship group.” 

“Thank you so much for the party. I met some interesting people and really appreciate all the effort you put into making it a fantastic event.”

“Thank you so much for inviting me to yesterday’s party. I had a wonderful time and met many interesting people.”

“Lovely, as always, to see you and all the fun ladies and gentlemen, and congratulations on the 10th Anniversary of Rendezvous – and wonderful achievement.”

“Thank you so much for organising such a fun evening. Glad we came. Lovely to meet you and others .Xx“

September 8, 2024 In Event Stories

Living it up in L’Escargot

Wednesday 4th September  l 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
L’Escargot l 48 Greek Street | London | W1D 4EF

And so to L’Escargot, following in the footsteps of an eclectic group of previous patrons including Princess Diana, Coco Chanel and the Kray twins, and up to the vibrant Snail Bar. The secret location on the top floor of L’Escargot’s glorious Georgian townhouse provides a bright and airy atmosphere with its stunning skylight ceilings.

With 60 guests making themselves perfectly at home last Wednesday night for our first Rendezvous party of the Autumn season, the packed room meant you couldn’t help but turn one way to say hello to one group of fun-loving guests or turn another and be switched into another lively conversation with a completely different group. 

Pink Diesel rosé proved to be the perfect welcome glass, blended with pure love to #FUELGOODTIMES. Pale in colour, with notes of honey, peach, and citrus, it’s delightful blend of 35% Syrah, 35% Grenache, and 30% Cinsault grape varieties and a great accompaniment to the cheese straws, cocktail sausages, truffle nuts, and delicious croque-monsieur’s we nibbled on.

Thank you to team L’Escargot for truly stunning service.  Head barman Stan hats off to you for utterly unflustered and superb bar service. Team Rendezvous (Lou, Isabella, and I) had the best time, and we hope you did too! 

Many thanks to Pink Diesel for fuelling the occasion.

May 30, 2024 In Event Stories

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! “

August 6, 2023 In Event Stories

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