Summer has only just begun but there is already so much going on…
Summer in London is always a fun time of year. In fact, it’s the best time of the year (after Christmas). A time of cocktails on outdoor terraces, picnics in the park, sporting tournaments and sometimes, just sometimes, the surprise of sunshine.
We at Seen in the City have been truly treated to a wave of invitations. It’s been practically the London Season of the roaring twenties. As a result, I’ve been quite the girl about town, kept on my toes (read: in my heels). But I have absolutely no complaints. Here are a few highlights from the last few weeks:
What: Welcoming Home the Racers from Le Mans
Where: Jack Barclay, the oldest Bentley Dealership in London
We drank: So much champagne.
This was by far one of the most surprising events I attended this summer. I’m far from being a car fanatic, so the concept of Le Mans was virtually alien to me. (For others in the same predicament, Le Mans is a world famous racing event that takes place in France. Think fancy vintage cars à la Herbie)
My delightful friend Yasmin and I headed down to Jack Barclay in the heart of Mayfair, where a host of London’s dandiest folk had gathered to cheer home the racers on their return from France. The room oozed with champagne, served by staff in twenties style tailoring, against a backdrop of smooth live jazz.
However, the biggest surprise of the evening was when we were invited to join Eddie, a very lucky vintage Bentley owner, as he took a spin around Berkeley Square. Yasmin wasted no time in accepting the invitation. I admit, my girlhood sentiment of “never get into a car with a stranger” made me hesitate for a fraction of a second. But boy am I glad I went. We joined in with a hooting, tooting parade of celebration around the square and, best of all, I was put in charge of the horn It was all very “Toad of Toad Hall” and utterly exhilarating. Definitely an experience for the bucket list!
What: Eden Hotel Reception
Where: Truefitt and Hill, Piccadilly
We drank: Veuve Cliquot and Mojitos
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Eden Hotels, you first of all need to read this and this. Eden Hotels boast an excellent collection of boutique hotels for the wizened traveller. Each destination has something a little special. The one we are most impressed by is Bovey Castle, which plays host to a lovely little Spa that offers treatments from Truefitt and Hill.
Truefitt and Hill holds a royal warrant, meaning they are the barbers to the aristocracy. Naturally, their service is second to none. Our guest writer Ed was invited to sample a luxurious hot shave and you didn’t have to ask him twice!
He swears his face felt as soft as a baby’s bottom following his close shave from Olga, Truefitt and Hill’s resident female barber.
We’re assured that it’s also the perfect pampering experience for a groom’s pre-wedding prep or a treat for any dapper gent who knows how to take care of himself.
What: Wine Tasting & Canapé Pairing
Where: Eurocave, Marylebone
We drank: All the wine.
As someone with a very poor sense of smell, I do not consider myself a wine aficionado. Fortunately my plus one was Andrew Stevens, of W9wines.co.uk.
We were thrilled to be invited to this private event, hosted at Eurocave’s intimate showroom on Chiltern Street. The specialist sells everything a wine-lover could ever want, bar the wine, but is best known for its iconic wine cabinets, which offer the optimum conditions for wine storage. 
It also sells a whole host of accessories, including an amazing range of glassware. Who knew that wine glasses could be such an art form?
We were treated to a pairing of six different wines, all of New Zealand provenance. The pairings were expertly curated by Master of Wines Liam Steevenson with delicious canapes contributed by Galvin Bistro de Luxe.
The evening was kicked off by a delightful 2014 Rockferry Sauvingon Blanc from Marlborough alongside “Ash Goat’s Cheese with candied Walnut”, but our favourite titbit was the “Herdwick Lamb Pastille with Cinnamon”. 
I found the 2013 Amisfield Pinot Noir from Central Otago extremely drinkable, and I don’t even like red wine! But what really made the evening was the informative and entertaining commentary from our host, Liam.
What: CLIA Summer Party & Awards Night
Where: Swan restaurant at The Globe
We drank: Prosecco, but it was really all about the bowl food
On a hot, muggy evening with little sign of sun, this little party trooper wasn’t really feeling for a party. However, we’d been invited to the CLIA (that’s Cruise Lines International Association) summer party and awards evening. Held on the top floor of the Swan at the Globe, it was just the right space for an intimate gathering. And the food was just divine.
I’m a big fan of bowl food, and the menu was a perfect pic n mix of mini burgers, fancy fish & chips and sumptuous strawberry panna cotta. Truly the taste of Summer. Clearly the chef knows what he’s doing. The crowd was a melting pot of PRs, Luxury cruise specialists (Royal Caribbean won more awards than we could count) and press people (that’s us!). Our host Andy expressed his delight at being able to build relationships with bloggers. Apparently we are a rare breed that is hard to come by in the world of cruises, but we were more than happy to be there.
In case you’re wondering what exactly we were doing there, our managing editor Natasha, a.k.a. The Queen of Content, will be hopping on board a cruise with P&O ferries later this year. P&O was also on the receiving end of multiple awards, so her trip is set to be spectacular. It’s sure to be an exciting read so watch this space!
