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Spring Summer Tickets With Liaise.Live

Written by Jenna Jones on . Posted in Events, Latest, Lifestyle.

With bank holidays at every turn and a light jacket over our arm, it’s official, spring is in full swing and summer is in sight. It’s time to dust off the sandals, seek out your favourite sunnies and start planning your summer schedule. But if you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place as our fantastic friends at Liaise Live have done all the hard work so you don’t have to! So, pour yourself a crisp glass of rosé, put on your summer playlist and peruse the season’s ultimate cultural calendar. From Cannes Film Festival, global Grand Prix’s and Andrea Bocelli’s White Party to your favourite festivals, art fairs and tennis tournaments, the tickets you need are just a click away.

May

6-19 Rome Open

17-18 Italian Grand Prix

24-26 Monaco Grand Prix

20-9 The French Open

15-25 Cannes Film Festival

23 amfAR Gala Cannes

25 FA Cup Final

June

1 Champions League Final

13-16 Art Basel

14-14 The European Football Championship

15-23 Queen’s Club Championships

18 – 22 Royal Ascot

25 The Serpentine Summer Party

26-30 Glastonbury

25-29 Armani Hurlingham Classic

28-30 Austrian Grand Prix

29-30 BST Hyde Park

July

1-14 Wimbledon

2-7 Henley Regatta

5-7 British Grand Prix

5-13 BST Hyde Park

TBC Andrea Bocelli’s ‘White Party’

17-19 Andrea Bocelli’s Teatro del Silenzio

18-21 The British Open

29-21 Tour de France

19-21 Tomorrow Land

26-28 Tomorrow Land

26-11 Paris Olympics

August

21-25 Reading and Leeds

28-7 Venice Film Festival

25-2 Burning Man

26-8 The US Open

30-1 Monzo Grand Prix

For more information, tickets or package enquiries, apply for BBB Membership today.

Must-See Art Exhibitions This Autumn

Written by Jenna Jones on . Posted in Events, Latest.

With the crisp air and cooling temperatures of fall soon to be upon us, it’s time to start planning new ways to spend our days. And nothing hits the spot on a dreary Saturday afternoon quite like an exciting art exhibition. To ensure you don’t miss out on any of the highly anticipated shows this autumn, Niki Gifford of Gifford PR has put together an extensive roundup of the must-see exhibitions in London. From Sarah Lucas’ much-awaited Happy Gas to George Baselitz’s sculptures and the Women in Art Fair, your cultural guide to all things art awaits…

Marina Abramović

Maybe the most anticipated show in London this month, The RA host a look back on the illustrious career of the queen of performance Marina Abramović. With performers from the artists own institute bringing back to life famous part performances, this may prove to be an exhibition not for the faint hearted.

Where: The Royal Academy
When: now until 1st January 2024

Rob Munday & Christian Furr – Resplendence

Royal artists Rob Munday & Christian Furr come together with a special exhibition which opened last month to commemorate one year since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. With a selection of works both royal and on the theme of ‘resplendence’, Furr and Munday show off their distinct but complementary practices in this beautiful exhibition.

Where: Dellasposa Gallery
When: now until 17th October 2023

Sarah Lucas: Happy Gas

The much anticipated show for the Y.B.A legend, Happy Gas takes viewers through works from 1990 to the present day with Lucas’s signature filthy look at sex, smoking and death. Receiving rave reviews, this exhibition is a great opportunity to explore four decades of work by one of the most significant artists of her generation.

Where: Tate Britain
When: now until January 2024

Farah Al Qasimi – Abort, Retry, Fail

The first UK solo exhibition by former Delfina Foundation resident Farah Al Qasimi captures glimpses of everyday life and the entangled relationship between material culture and globalised societies. Comprising of photographs, vinyl wallpaper works and a specifically commissioned video.

Where: Delfina Foundation
When: 4th October – 20th November 2023

RE/SISTERS – A Lens on Gender & Ecology

A major new group show is coming to Barbican in October, exploring the relationship between gender equality and the systematic links between gender oppression and environmental destruction. Featuring 50 international women and gender non-conforming artists, this looks to be an interesting look at environmental oppression with a host of multi-disciplinary works.

Where: Barbican
When: 5th October – 14th January 2024

Georg Baselitz: Sculptures 2011-2015

Bringing Georg Baselitz’s sculptural works to the fore, this solo exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the creative process of a ground-breaking artist. This is a rare opportunity to see a selection of works originally intended to be maquettes for larger bronze works, alongside a selection of drawings from the artists studio. This looks set to be a rare opportunity to see a host of works from a pioneer of post-war German art.

Where: The Serpentine
When: 5th October – 7th January 2024

PAD London

The 15th London edition of the premier art and design fair, PAD comes back to West London this October. A mix of new and returning exhibitors, the fair will also feature specially commissioned works like Light Entanglements by Stine Bidstrup, a chandelier featuring elegant hand-blown clusters of glass. The only fair in the UK dedicated to contemporary design, this is definitely not one to miss for design lovers.

Where: Berkley Square
When: 10th – 15th October 2023

Celebrating Picasso Today: Infinite Modernism

As part of the international program Picasso Celebration 1973-2023, which brings together dozens of institutions around the world, Almine Rech is presenting a series of exhibitions featuring works by contemporary artists which highlight the scale of Picasso’s artistic impact. The exhibition aims to showcase how modern and contemporary artists have been directly inspired by Picasso’s work over the decades.

Where: Almine Rech
When: 10th October – 18th November 2023

Women in Art Fair

A brand initiative this year, the Women in Art Fair aims to redress the art worlds gender imbalance by showcasing the work of emerging and established female artists. With a mission to create a space for female curators, artists and gallerists to show their work and to contribute to the developing exchange of ideas around gender, sexuality and culture, WIAF is an exciting new event celebrating women in art.

Where: Mall Galleries
When: 11th – 14th October 2023

Freize London & Masters

The event in the London art calendar, Frieze brings galleries and artists from all over the world to Regents Park to see the latest in contemporary art practice and the best in big names the art market has to offer. This year will feature over 160 galleries from over 40 countries, a new ‘artist to artist’ initiative and ‘Modern Women’ curated by AWARE.

Where: Regents Park
When: 11th – 15th October 2023

London’s Most Exquisite Secret Events Spaces

Written by Amira Hashish on . Posted in Events, Food, Latest, Lifestyle.

By Amira Hashish

Seeking a glamorous spot for a special occasion? There are the more obvious choices but there is something particularly fabulous about discovering an under the radar hideaway. From intimate restaurant takeovers to spaces that are as big on personality as size, here are some of London’s most exquisite settings you may never have heard of…

Peggy Jean

Master boat builder Mark Edwards MBE has lovingly restored the former Jesus College Oxford barge which has happily pitched up on Richmond Riverside with views of the Thames and Richmond Bridge. The historical features have been given a new lease of life with pops of pastel-coloured interior decor. Part of Australian restaurant group Daisy Green, the Peggy Jean seats 120 and makes for a pretty, quirky party space.

Book: daisygreenfood.com

The Pelican 

Perched above Notting Hill’s most popular new pub and dining room is this low-key grand events space with vast ceilings and sash windows peering onto Tavistock Gardens. Ideal for a family feast by the open fire, or canapés and cocktails if you are seeking something more formal, The Pelican Room is brimming with character. A hand-crafted, private bar will keep everyone well-watered and there is integrated AV equipment. Capacity is 30 seated or 45 standing. 

Book: thepelicanw11.com

KOL

Nobu trained Chef Patron Santiago Lastra quickly made his mark on the London restaurant scene by opening the first Mexican restaurant in the UK to scoop a Michelin star. For an even more special way to experience what all the fuss is about, you can book the KOL Chef’s Table and Mezcaleria for private dining and events. The culture and theatre of the restaurant is celebrated in the lower ground space with its own kitchen. Inspired by a traditional Oaxacan home, it makes for a wonderfully intimate dining moment.

Book: kolrestaurant.com 

Brunswick House

The Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Vauxhall is an antique-filled haven that makes for the most exquisite events backdrop. A collaboration between architectural antiques company Lassco alongside brothers Jackson Boxer (Orasay, Notting Hill) and Frank Boxer (Frank’s Café, Peckham), there is a wealth of substance behind the style. Dining rooms of varying sizes are available to book for lunch or dinner. For an altogether bigger gathering you can hire the entire house.

Book: brunswickhouse.london

Curious Kudu

Peckham’s finest private dining room and events space accommodates up to 14 guests seated, and 25 for drinks and snacks. The food is provided by the neighbouring Kudu kitchen and is served feasting style. There is no room hire charge, but there is a minimum overall spend of £400. During the day the space doubles as a gallery so it is splendidly kitted out.

Book: kuducollective.com 

Henry’s Townhouse

Named after Jane Austen’s brother, who once called this elegant Marylebone townhouse home, Henry’s is a boutique hotel that doubles as a private hire venue. Russell Stage Studio are behind the sumptuous interiors which blend Georgian glamour with curated artworks, antiques and contemporary amenities. As well as six intricately designed bedrooms, there is Monsieur Halavant’s Pantry which acts as a multifunctional dining space with discreet AV equipment. Events can be catered for up to 24 guests for standing receptions with formal dining in the pantry for up to 14 guests. The ideal central London party venue if you would like to include a sleepover. 

Book: henrystownhouse.co.uk

104 Restaurant

The smallest fine dining restaurant in London, 104 is a sweetly exquisite affair tucked away next to a cobbled mews in Notting Hill. The whole restaurant can be hired for a bespoke​ private dining experience between Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with a maximum party size of 18 for a sit down meal, canapes and drinks. ​ Prices start from £100 per head for three courses. This feels like stepping into your favourite new chef’s home with a stellar wine list to boot.

Book: 104restaurant.com

Pantechnicon 

With six floors and eight spaces, Belgravia hotspot Pantechnicon has beautifully set tables, hidden nooks and private rooms that can be hired for different occasions. Whether you are seeking a smart setting for an important lunch or keen to host a party in the leafy, glass-covered roof garden and terrace, there are options for up to 160 people.

Book: pantechnicon.com

Luca

Overlooking the open kitchen, The Garden Room is a lovely indoor space which retains the stunning exterior features of the Grade II listed building in the style of a southern Italian garden. It is available for lunch or dinner bookings and can seat up to eight guests. Alternatively, The Pasta Room is where the chefs make pasta each day. Designed to look and feel like a traditional Italian home kitchen, it can seat up to 10. Then there is the bright and airy conservatory with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the Tuscan terrace and walled garden. This room is suitable for a party of up to 48 guests.

Book: luca.restaurant

Lisboeta

The Adega is the private dining room at Lisboeta; on the lower ground floor of acclaimed chef Nuno Mendes’ Fitzrovia restaurant, adjoining the wine cellar. Underpinned by a passion for Portuguese food and drink, the space hosts up to ten guests who are served an ever-evolving, sharing-style menu crafted by Mendes and head chef Rodrigo Alves. It opens up for group dining on Thursday and Friday evenings, with alternative dates available upon request.

Book: lisboeta.co.uk 

Bocca Di Lupo

The Remus Room is a warm setting for any party. It can accommodate up to 32 people seated or 45 standing, and is always served by its own chef in a dedicated, adjacent kitchen. A reclaimed teak table by Martino Gamper is at the heart of each gathering whilst feasting menus are changed monthly. Individual menus can be created on special request.

Book: boccadilupo.com

Spring

This elegant events space is set in the New Wing of the iconic Somerset House. A dedicated event coordinator is at hand to take care of all the details. The Salon, a garden dining room, sits up to 36 guests in an enclosed interior atrium, allowing for dining throughout the year. Alternatively, the entire stylishly relaxed restaurant is available for hire and can accommodate 116 for a sit down dinner or up to 150 for a standing reception.

Book: springrestaurant.co.uk

Summer Picnic Hacks

Written by Anya Cooklin-Lofting on . Posted in Events, Food, Latest, Lifestyle.

By Anya Cooklin-Lofting

From antique rugs on the lawn pulled casually from drawing rooms to fully-realised dining tables in fields of wildflowers, the picnic, humble or otherwise, can take many forms. For the Instagrammers and Pinteresters amongst us, picnics provide the perfect opportunity to really hammer home an aesthetic. You can take your picnic design ideas to the nth degree with place cards and menus, little floral sprays in bud vases dotted down the table, and your most prized tableware (formerly for indoor use only). 

But never fear, you don’t need to be a professional stylist to achieve the perfect afternoon picnic with friends and family or for date night. Beyond tasty food and cold drinks (that stay cold), there are a few hacks for making sure your picnic has a considered edge. Just a bit of housekeeping: Keep single-use plastic to a minimum, take any rubbish home with you, remember your SPF and add frozen fruit to your drinks instead of ice cubes, which will dilute your picnic tipple of choice.

In the age of curation, styling and photographing everything we do and eat, take some time to think about how your picnic will manifest itself, especially if you’re throwing it for a special occasion. A loose theme is a good start, even if it’s as vague as ‘Italianate dinner party’ or ‘English summer luncheon.’ Not only will this influence the colours you choose for the picnic blanket or the style of crockery you opt for, but it will also make menu planning easier. Bruschetta and Aperol, anyone, or perhaps it’ll be pâté and citron pressé?

The idea is not to do away entirely with tablescaping – just try your hand at blanketscaping. It’s about creating texture, layers and dynamic heights around a centrepiece, even if that centrepiece is a beautifully arranged tray of homemade sandwiches. Depending on how much you can carry (or how many hands on deck you can wrangle), incorporate the crockery and serveware you use inside at home to give the picnic a highly considered, even magical feel. A collection of mismatched plates and trays looks charming on your dining table at home, so imagine quite how gorgeous it would look laden with food on the grass in a more casual, relaxed setting. This also goes for cutlery and glassware. Bettina Ceramica has some beautiful options for ceramic serveware (above) – a fantastic spot if that Italian theme speaks to you…

It’s no secret that our summers here in the UK are getting warmer, so it’s time to invest in some proper outdoor cushions and a good-quality picnic blanket. Accessories like throws and cushions are not only essential for the comfort of your fellow picnic-ers, but they also add an almost dreamy, cloud-like quality to the scene, encouraging people to relax and recline. There are some absolutely exquisite outdoor cushions available these days, many of which could very easily pass for indoor cushions. For example, Liberty’s new outdoor fabric collection, The Liberty Garden, reworks the company’s iconic prints and patterns in polyester to make them picnic-safe, while Andrew Martin’s outdoor cushions (above) and rugs are almost indistinguishable from its interiors ranges.

As much as it feels like summer has only just begun, as we approach high summer, the days will start to shorten, so it’s important to consider a light source if you plan on extending your picnic suppers late into the evening. Candles, especially citronella, create a particularly useful and atmospheric feel, with the benefit of keeping away pesky mosquitos. So too do cordless lamps, of which there are many available today. Pooky (above) and Lights&Lamps have collections of long-lasting, rechargeable wireless lamps that you can take outside to keep the party going into the early hours. 

The Art of Producing a Standout Event With Rapport

Written by Amira Hashish on . Posted in Events, Food, Gifting, Latest, Lifestyle.

By Amira Hashish

My creative studio Rapport thrives on working with global design, home, lifestyle and travel brands to shape their narrative through compelling stories and experiences. We work with everyone from Soho Home to SUITCASE Magazine to bring their stories to life. Event production and hosting is at the heart of our process. My background in journalism means I approach the production of an event rather similarly to working on an editorial piece. I encourage clients and collaborators to think of their events as key storytelling opportunities. They provide an opportunity to convey who you are to your audience in an engaging way. From the tablescape to the guestlist, here are some tips for creating a very special occasion that will live on beyond the big night. 

Identify The Story

I always like to start by sitting down with a brand and identifying what story they are hoping to convey through an event. Think about how you would like your guests to feel and what key messages you want them to take away from the experience. Also consider the demographic of your audience and what they enjoy. This applies to those who attend the event as well as everyone who is going to be consuming the content that comes out of it. The brand message should be woven in subtly through the narrative of the occasion. Forcing your agenda or logo is a definite no-go but creating a moment that feels truly exciting and special will naturally result in people spreading the word and create a synergy between you, the experience and those who are part of it.

Choose a Venue That Gels

If your brand or business was a space, what kind of aesthetic and ambience would it have? The moment guests arrive at your event it should feel as if they are stepping into your home base. The style and personality should be reflective of your story. Consider every detail down to the scent. For an event Rapport hosted with Diptyque, guests were taken on a scent profiling journey. The evening was split between three rooms and for different spaces and segments of the event – from the cocktail reception to a talk and a sit down dinner – there was an accompanying room scent. Lighting will also play a big role in conjuring the atmosphere. Consider whether the venue allows for the mood to change throughout and whether there is the opportunity for natural light or candlelight. 

Decide on Format & Flow

Consider whether the event will comprise varying stages. For example a talk, drinks reception and sit down dinner. Or whether you would like to keep things casual with standing-style canapés and chat. At Rapport we are particular fans of intimate suppers with a fun group of guests who enjoy sharing stories and getting to know one another. We like adding layers to the evening too. 

Soho House asked Rapport to arrange an event celebrating incredible women for International Women’s Day. We paired up fashion designer Stine Goya and UK MD of Diptyque Amanda Morgan. I spoke to them about the art of running super successful businesses in front of other inspiring women. We kept it cosy and comfortable with guests seated on vintage armchairs at the private events space in High Road House, Chiswick. Then it moved into a cocktail session in a neighbouring room before we revealed the candlelit supper table. The flow felt relaxed and gave everyone who attended the chance to warm up and connect with each other. Think about breaking tradition. Go beyond a welcome speech to immerse guests with your brand message in a way that feels engaging and relevant. Browse the IWD event here.

Curate The Invites & Guestlist

This comes back to your audience and your story. Gather a group of people who will have common interests and who are likely to have a fun time at your event. If you are hopeful that they will spread the word about your brand to their friends and followers think about who is likely to be interested in their experiences and whether there is a synergy between your audiences. Go for a quality over quantity approach. Inviting someone because they have a huge social media base isn’t necessarily effective. A true tastemaker whose small following is super engaged can be powerful for broadening out your message to the right circles. 

At Rapport we always personally invite guests who are friends of our creative studio. A generic ‘save the date’ invite is not our style. We tailor-make thoughtfully designed invites with an enclosed note about what the guest can expect from the event and why we would love them to attend. The seating plan is also super important and it should never be about status. ‘What do you care about?’ is a way more important question than ‘what do you do?’. We spend a long time figuring out who will enjoy each other’s company most. Ultimately we really want people to have a fabulous time. Seeing those moments of connection come to life is particularly thrilling.

Create a Thoughtful Tablescape

The right tablescape will give your event the wow factor and create a statement opportunity for capturing content. The big piece of advice here would be to factor in all the little details that will give the design as much substance as style. Weave in thoughtful touches that bring your story to life. 

At a Rapport event for Visit California and SUITCASE Magazine we were working with a theme of ‘California Creativity and Diversity,’ celebrating the destination and its commitment to hospitality. We hosted the event at the newly opened Short Stories Hotel in West Hollywood and every inch of the table was created to subtly nod to the theme. We sourced napkins made from vintage clothing fabric in a local flea market and hunted down matchbooks from old California restaurants that were the epitome of chic in their heyday. We collaborated with florist Christina Pack of Wild at Heart to line the table with beautiful blooms that tie in with the scheme. Guests were also greeted with our signature Rapport candles and bespoke notes on their table setting. It sparked discussion amongst people as well as working wonderfully for photos. Browse the California event here.

Capture Quality Content

The event should live on long after it takes place. It can provide a great point of reference for your brand and help tell its story in circles that extend far beyond the one that comes together at the occasion. Hiring a really strong photographer and a videographer is super important. Ask to see examples of events they have shot before. The best photographers and videographers will be as skilled at capturing the table as they are those little moments between guests that convey the atmosphere. At Rapport we have a pool of picture and video collaborators who we know and trust. Commission a strong set of imagery and a social media reel that you can share with your audience.  

Pick The Right Partners

Whether you are keen to enlist a drinks sponsor or considering gifting at your event, make sure that the partners you work with align with your brand. Again, there is an opportunity to reach new audiences via collaboration but this will only prove fruitful if there is a synergy between the people you are keen to reach. When Rapport hosted a dinner in celebration of Chelsea Flower Show for Babylonstoren wine at The Kensington Hotel we brought together a collective of brands from our network who could relate to each other’s stories. Browse the event here.

To enquire more about Rapport’s events services contact info@clubrapport.com. Visit www.clubrapport.com for details.

THE NEW CHRISTMAS PARTY – LONDON’S HOTTEST SPOTS FOR SMALLER CELEBRATIONS

Written by Jenna Jones on . Posted in Latest.

By Jenna Jones

Whilst it’s most certainly a major step up from Christmas 2020, it’s safe to say that we’re all still treading cautiously when it comes to the thought of festive celebrations this year. As most of us slowly return to the office, navigating staggered office hours and new routines, it’s clear that we still have a long way to go until we’re back to what we once called ‘normal’.

But on a lighter note, with smaller celebrations now safely allowed, we’ve rounded up a host of enviable London locations suitable for a more bijou affair. And while it’s sadly a far cry from the extravagant office parties that once were, you’re guaranteed a great night out with your nearest and dearest cohorts at one of these stylish London hotspots. From private dining rooms and member’s clubs to all manner of alternative activities, there’s a space to suit every taste…

Sessions Arts Club

The newly opened Sessions Arts Club is an urban sanctuary that sits in the old judges’ dining room at Sessions House, a Grade II listed building in Clerkenwell. Built on a studio ethos, The Sessions Arts Club has its finger on the pulse of the contemporary culture, effortlessly combining arts, culture and the finest gastronomy.  

Bistrotheque

For the perfect blend of fine dining and East London charm, we recommend Bistrotheque. Opt for the Cockatoo, a contemporary converted warehouse space that seats up to 60 guests for a delicious three-course feast. What’s more, groups are also free to make use of the space’s electric piano for some memorable after-dinner entertainment!

TT Liquor

If cocktails are the order of the evening why not try making your own at TT Liquor. Be taught by their in-house mixologists to make (then drink) a selection of four different cocktails at one of their fully interactive cocktail-making classes. The Shoreditch establishment also offers dining options and a vintage 52-seater private cinema space. 

Hide

If Modern European fare and a Michelin star sound appealing, then head straight to Hide. The Hide & Seek rooms on the first floor offer a combined private dining experience for up to 20 guests to enjoy the finest seasonal ingredients and the largest wine list in Europe.

Quo Vadis

Head beyond the great edifice of historic member’s club Quo Vadis to The Marx Room. Affectionately named after former resident Karl Marx, the elegant and airy space seats up to 24 guests to enjoy the seasonal British delicacies of head chef Jeremy Lee and his team.

Gymkhana

Quietly tucked away on the lower ground floor you’ll find Gymkhana’s exquisite private vault. Seating up to 10 guests in an intimate banquette style, the space is perfect for smaller team gatherings and also offers the option to create a bespoke menu and wine pairings.

Clays Bar

Who’s up for a spot of virtual clay pigeon shooting? Yes, you heard us right! Clays Bar are inviting you to take a shot at a new experience as you compete against colleagues on their high-resolution screens. Shooting sessions last 90 minutes and a booth can accommodate up to 20 people. Clays Bar doesn’t officially open until November 1st, but we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.

AllBright

AllBright by name and all bright by nature, the Mayfair female member’s club private dining space is bright, airy and refreshingly modern. The first-floor space can cater for up to 27 guests across two adjoining rooms. AllBright also offers a completely bespoke experience working alongside their events team to create a tailor-made package just for you.

Gauthier

Soho restaurant Gauthier is redefining French gastronomy as plant-based, creating environmentally conscious, progressive cuisine of the future with some phenomenal private dining spaces to boot! For a fun-filled evening of up to 18 guests, we recommend the Games Room, including an old 1950s arcade machine and a selection of vintage prints and pictures.

The House of St. Barnabas

Celebrate the season whilst donating to a great cause by choosing The House of St. Barnabas. On a mission to break the cycle of homelessness, the member’s club funds the Employment Academy through membership, private hire and hospitality profit. If a sit-down dinner isn’t quite your style, choose The Monro Room. Emulating a traditional smoking lounge, this cosy corner of the club can comfortably accommodate 45 standing guests.

Bvlgari Hotel Private Cinema

Swap dinner for the silver screen at the Bvlgari Hotel Cinema. The luxurious private cinema offers the most advanced cinema-quality HD sound and vision, including 4K resolution in 2D or the latest Dolby 3D. Choose from the hotel’s curated library of 300 new and classic titles, watch live sports events or even play video games!