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.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

<p>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, her passion is connecting people in person. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair for hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.</p>

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Living it up in L’Escargot

Wednesday 4^th 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.

Barbara Brudenell-Bruce

<p>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, her passion is connecting people in person. Barbara’s innate sense of what it takes to fit people together, with a flair for hosting exquisite events, makes her a social anchor for all that know her.</p>

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