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Eventia's Man About Town - November

Welcome to the fourth edition of our column featuring Mark Gill from First Protocol as he reviews the supplier events he's attended in recent months. (as featured in the November newsletter).

Out & about with MG@FP

Time seems to have flown by since my last article and even though we’re incredibly busy there’s always time for me to head out and show my face to the industry.

Mid September I headed off to the Sofitel St. James to check out their new look spa and I have to say I was very impressed.  It’s an interesting blend of contemporary and traditional styling.  Well worth a visit.  They also made a good job of my manicure!  Afterwards I took a swing past their new look meeting space.  Being completely honest I always thought the previous décor was hideous but now they’ve really stepped up a gear, much more impressive. I also stopped off for dinner at Brasserie Roux with the wonderful Raccine.  Such charming company and there was even an unscheduled appearance by Jeffrey Archer!

A few days later it was off on the Orient Express to join Sol Melia for a trip down to Whitstable.  I was very sceptical that it would all be a bit too twee for me but, off we went to Victoria and it was actually a wonderful day out.  Networking opportunities were limited but it was a very glamorous end to the week and such a good turnout for our hosts.  My only bug bear was a particularly nauseating woman who turned up inappropriately dressed, consumed way too much alcohol and was far too loud for my liking.  I’m too much of a gentleman to name and shame.

I also called in on the Perception networking event at ‘Beyond food by the Tower’ a couple of weeks ago and caught up with the delightful Cath Couzens.  Sadly I was not fortunate enough to win a prize but, I was introduced to Laura Penman who is the director of Fishmore Hall.  A wonderful property up in Shropshire and ideal for high end weekends away.  Check it out at www.fishmorehall.co.uk

And perhaps you’ll see me up there relaxing with a good bottle of red!

Early October I dropped in at the Ritz for the Leading Hotels reception along with my colleague Connie and it was great to catch up with some premium hotels in such fabulous surroundings. As expected the drinks and canapés were stunning and I also checked out the very impressive William Kent House.  This is an absolute gem and well worth taking a peek if you haven’t ever seen it. 

I also took a trip through the tunnel with Accor to check out a few of their hotels in Paris and what a brilliant trip that was. Good company and a fantastic host and the chance to party at their Pullman property right next to the Eiffel Tower offering spectacular views.

Last week I dropped into the Starwood Annual Showcase at the Sheraton Park Lane and what a fantastic turnout they had on the evening.  Absolutely rammed into the ballroom but it was great to have access to so many properties in one space.  I’m always impressed that Starwood do not compromise on the food.  There was so much right up until the last few hangers on were left cluttering up the room.

We also took another look at the Berkeley in Knightsbridge last week and, on the whole, it is still an impressive property.  Boasting David and Victoria Beckham as regular guests they must be doing something right.  There was a rather unpleasant stain on the carpet in one of the rooms we looked at though.  They’ve spent some money on a soft refurb of some of the bedrooms but not all – if you’re staying make sure you ask for one of the new ones.  The remainder will not be completed until after the Olympics.

And now time to name and shame.  I can’t be at everything so, my helpful associates are my eyes and ears at other events.  One such event was the Oyster Tourist Board event at the Roof Gardens a few weeks ago.  Particular highlights included a fork buffet with nowhere to actually sit and eat the food, a lack of waiting staff to clear old plates, bottle neck at the buffet, waiters that were pouring different types of wine into the same glass and a Kylie Minogue impersonator who lost her Australian accent halfway through her performance.  I’m sorry I missed it.  It sounds like quite a party!

Well that just about wraps it up for this article.  Next time I’ll be reviewing the long awaited Eventia Awards and seeing if the Hilton Park Lane can out on a bash to rival the Grosvenor House.  Fingers crossed that Izania pulls out all the stops this year with another gravity defying hair do!  Hope to see you all there for a twirl round the dance floor!

MG@FP