Au revoir in a jar

We like to be the leaders of the pack, the top dogs, the trend setters and to do this we pride ourselves on producing new and exciting ideas.

As a thank you for coming to look around our venue we always like to send our clients on their way with a little treat. In the past we have offered homemade cookies, DIY risotto kits, branded bags and logo imposed travel card holders. We would now like to introduce the new kid on the block, the DIY savoury popcorn kit!

Just to say ‘thanks for popping by’ whether you rush home to start popping or keep it in the cupboard for a rainy Saturday night in we’re sure you’re going to love this little au revoir in a jar.

All you need to do to get your hands on this little goodie is ‘pop’ in to 41 Portland Place and discuss your next event with us.

For all those other event profs out there who are thinking of trying something similar I have put together my top 10 ideas below:

1. DIY risotto kit 

2. Homemade treats presented in a paper bag secured with a mini peg 

3. Homemade cookies 

4. DIY porridge kit for those early morning site visits 

5. Make your own cookies 

6. Mini watering can and a pack of seeds 

7. fabric keepsakes with homemade jam 

8. Mulled wine spices 

9. Branded travel card holders 

10. S'mores in a jar 

Disclaimer: all photos shown on this blog post are taken from Pinterest - I do not take them and therefore do not own them 

Prince Philip House

Last week I had the privilege of working at Prince Philip House to cover Sales and Marketing Manager Becci Thomson’s annual leave. The Grade I listed building which overlooks The Mall and St James Park is one of 11 Harbour and Jones Events venues within London.

A new kid on the block in the London venue scene- Prince Philip House which is the home to the Royal Academy of Engineering launched last November and has quickly become a major player in the events world.

The historic venue on Carlton House Terrace is the perfect setting for any product launch, press conference or canapé reception.

The 8 spaces which conveniently interconnect are an excellent fitting for training events and meetings where multiple breakouts are required.

This month PPH hosted the first ever Prudential Ride London. The event developed by the Mayor of London Boris Johnson continues the active legacy initiated by the Olympics and intends to allow professionals and amateurs, old and young to take in the sights of London whilst getting fit. The event welcomed over 500 cycling enthusiasts to feast on Harbour & Jones cream teas whilst cheering on participants from the terrace. You can read more about the event here.

After working at 41 Portland Place for over a year and a half it was nice to share my experiences with another venue whilst absorbing the processes they have in place.

The entire team were so welcoming and it was a delight to be an honorary member for the week.

It’s now time to pack up my pen pot and get back to 41 Portland Place ready for a busy September to begin.

Friday favourites #week2

After a hectic week in the burning city of London I am lusting after alfresco dining and cool air conditioned exhibitions.   

I hope this little lot inspires you to get outside this weekend and enjoy the warm weather.

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The Cake Awards 2013

On Wednesday I was kindly invited by Harbour & Jones to the first ever cake awards! (yes! that is right, an awards ceremony to celebrate cake!)

At 1.30pm a selection of clients, colleagues, directors and managers from H&J gathered in the lobby at the Park Lane Hotel dressed in their finest tea dresses and lounge suits ready for an afternoon indulging in cake.

We arrived a little early so set up camp in the hotel bar and swiftly ordered a couple of ice cold bottles of wine. Being one of the hottest days of the year, we all sunk into the cool squidgy leather sofas whilst frantically fanning ourselves with our invites.

Park Lane Hotel, London

At 2pm we made our way down to the ball room where we were greeted with chilled peach and strawberry Bellini’s. After catching up with my fellow H&J colleagues Caroline from RSA and Nicole from the Cutty Sark we were soon accosted by the event photographer and before we knew it taking part in a full blown photo shoot. After around 5 minutes of “natural giggles girls” and ensuring our champagne glasses were all held at the same height we made a getaway to take our seats in the main room. 

The Harbour & Jones table couldn't have been more perfectly positioned. Centre row second from the front, directly behind Dragons Den entrepreneur Deborah Meaden. After a brief introduction by a rather eccentric host we were treated to a delightful afternoon tea. Keeping it traditional the sandwiches were served without crusts and the scones were still warm. As you would expect at the cake awards the patisseries were exceptionally hand crafted and tasted rather delicious as well.  After polishing of the jam and cream we soon asked for a refresher. The kind waiter was quick to oblige and nipped back to the kitchen along with our 3 tier cake stand. He soon returned with the stand full to the brim with strawberry and cream trifles. A little misunderstanding which resulted in a trifle overload! Thanks Mr. waiter!

After more than our fair share of goodies the ceremony began. Our entry was the scrummy trifle cake designed and created by the lovely Sara lee. Feeling lucky we waited on tenterhooks for the winner to be announced. Our category was the best bakery shop, unfortunately we narrowly missed out on the trophy. Personally I feel this was the strongest category and we lost to a worthy winner from the Bakery Dunbar with their Dome Chocolat et au Praline Feuillete which ended up taking the overall cake of the year award.

The talented Sara Lee

Harbour & Jones entry: The Trifle Cake

The overall winners 

The ceremony was followed by drinks and networking.

A wonderful afternoon spent with great colleges and perfect patisseries... I’m already looking forward to next years event.

Friday favourites #week1

By now you will all know about my *not so secret* obsession with Pinterest. I could sit on there for days browsing the pages hunting for inspirational event concepts and foodie findings. 

This obsession has lead to pages of pins waiting to be shared, so I've decided every Friday I will choose 10 of my favourite event and foodie related ideas to inspire you before the weekend celebrations begin. 

Enjoy!

(please note all images from this section of my blog are taken from Pinterest)

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Jaeger London- Autumn/Winter 2013 collection preview

Having studied fashion at university and worming my way in to the events industry via various fashion shows and product launches, I was bouncing around my desk with excitement when we finally received the go ahead from Jaeger to host there Autumn/Winter collection preview. 

They exclusively hired the entire venue for 3 days in April to showcase their new collection to buyers and press from across the UK. 

They transformed each space within the venue to house a different collection including Jaeger London, menswear, accessories and their new line Boutique by Jaeger. 

Ali and I LOVE working with fashion brands (and not just for the goody bags) so if you’re looking for a space to host your next product launch please feel free to contact us. 

Comment from a spokesperson at Jaeger

“ 41 Portland Place offered complete flexibility, a wonderful sense of space and grandeur without being overpowering, and a number of separate spaces that allowed for a different look and feel for each of our brands.”