dating tips Tag

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.

 

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.

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