news

Eventia's Man About Town - September

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

Out & about with MG@FP 

Now it really has been a long time since my last snoop round the industry.  We’ve all been busy but, I’ve still found time to get out and about so sit back and enjoy!

Since my last article I found some time to jet off to Oz for some much needed R&R.  This also gave me the chance to sample the delights of Qantas and British Airways and what a complete contrast!  Qantas were fabulous, moving us around at check in to allocate us extra leg room seats (essential for 22 hrs straight through to Sydney) and then constantly drip feeding us food, booze, amenity kits and anything else they could lay their hands on for the duration of the flight.  Very impressed!  On the return journey it was all a bit laboured from BA.  Everything seemed like it was all too much trouble.  You need to try much harder BA.  You have serious competition on these routes!

Whilst I was in Sydney I spent a couple of nights at the Four Seasons and the Shangri-La.  Both well located in the city but, I was left feeling that the FS is now definitely in need of a refresh.  The Shangri-La was very impressive.  It’s been a few years since I was last there but it’s still up there near the top of my list and a great place to relax with a glass of fizz at their Altitude bar and soak up the views of the city.

On my return to the UK I headed off to Lancaster House for the Fairmont showcase.  A very impressive venue and Fairmont got the evening spot on.  A perfect mix of time to network with their hoteliers and excellent food and drinks.  The highlight was the performance by a military band at the end of the evening.  A unique finish to the evening and something that managed to wow me after 12 years!

Recently we were asked to visit the Intercontinental on Park Lane to try out one of their sample bedrooms that they’re considering to the roll out throughout the hotel.  Personally, the new design is a big step away from the classical English approach and a step towards a more contemporary feel.  It gets the thumbs up from me so let’s see if they follow my advice!    

There was time earlier this month for a visit to One Aldwych for an evening hosted by the delightful Julia Froggat.  I’ve been in on numerous occasions over the years but never had the opportunity to stay there.  The hotel remains a great location for visitors to London and especially incentive groups.  The design of the bedrooms was certainly a major plus point when the hotel opened but are now starting to show their age and could do with a spruce up.  The TV’s in the bathroom in particular look very dated!   The hotel does benefit from a very impressive gym and swimming pool and an excellent screening room.  We enjoyed a fab evening with Julia and then relaxed in the pool the following morning.  It was a great way to end the working week. 

Last week I headed off to Canary Wharf to accept an invite from Gordon Ramsay to take a trip on their new sailing barge, the Cabby.  This is a 1920’s tall-masted sailing ship that can be catered from their venue, the Narrow.  Luckily for us the rain held off and we had a pleasant time sailing up and down the Thames.  The ship can be used for either a drinks reception or dinner and it’s an interesting opportunity if you’re looking for a water based event location.

The end of last week saw me drop into the Dorchester for tea at their Spatisserie along with several of their hoteliers.  This place is fantastic and it’s easy to see why it’s voted the number 1 spa in the UK in the Conde Nast readers awards 2010.  It’s well worth a visit next time you’re near Park Lane.  I’m looking forward to checking out their new addition, Coworth Park, in the coming weeks.

Well that’s all for this month.  I’m off to join Sofitel for dinner and to take a look at their new Spa at their St. James property.  Will let you know how I got on next time.

MG@FP