The guests were first treated to a presentation in the lecture theatre before making their way up to a selection of both hot and cold canapés by Rocket Food. The delicious menu included salmon and dill macarons with black sea salt, crostini beef fillet with a béarnaise sauce and courgette parcels with ricotta, sun blushed tomato and basil.

Wednesday 13th July –

Wednesday split the Mango Pie squad in two, half the team prepared for the annual LGBT Herbert Smith Freehills reception at the National Portrait Gallery whilst the other half of the team worked on another Clyde & Co reception at the Royal Exchange.

 The Herbert Smith Freehills annual LGBT event focused on the ‘T’ this year as the event aimed to raise awareness for charity Mermaids who support children and young people struggling with gender identity issues.

In keeping with the chosen charity, the Aqua theme was applied across the board from the colour scheme to the cocktails to the coral! Shades of blue illuminated the National Portrait Gallery whilst real, yes real, mermaids greeted guests. A photo booth with fishy fun props was provided for the guests’ entertainment.

Table Talk also provided a delicious menu with canapés including salmon feuillete with tomato concasse, seared black truffle Gnocchi with parmesan dip and mango and cream scallop shells. Drinks included spiced cherry rum punch and a refreshing honey and lavender lemonade. The party playlist was set in full swing by the beautiful transgender DJ Munroe Bergdorf who played a variety of uplifting tunes which created a fun and energetic atmosphere. 

…meanwhile…

At the Royal Exchange the Clyde & Co reception was also getting underway. The event hosted food stations that presented foods from around the world. These included the UK & Europe, the Americas, the Middle East & North Africa and Asia Pacific. The London Royal Exchange was founded in the 16th century and currently hosts premium stores and office space. The historic venue was decorated with large Foamex boards placed above the food stations showcasing iconic images of each of the destinations, including London’s Big Ben and the great wall of China.

A Sunday roast, vegetable and lamb samosas and braised e-fu noodles were just some of the variety of main dishes that were served at the event. Desserts included Baklava, New York Cheesecake, Bakewell Tart and chocolate brownies.

Thursday 14th July –

Nicky Doodson constructed small flower arrangements that were used to accentuate the tablescaping at this Clyde & Co dinner event. Each table was set up with candlesticks paired with quaint lampshades. The use of blue within the paintings at the venue were heightened through the lampshades and the coordinating staff uniforms.

Overall the historic venue was the ideal location for the drinks reception and dinner hosting 330 guests. The walls and ceiling were painted by Sir James Thornhill in the 18th century, his work covers topics including the monarchy, power and trade.

Friday 15th July –

The big finale to a crazy event management week came in the form of a drinks and canapé reception on The Terrace at the O2’s Building Six. On arrival the venue was in need of transformation from location to dream venue. The Mango Pie team was unleashed on the patio moving furniture, hanging lanterns and setting up the Prosecco Ape. Our cute little Ape is now available to hire so please get in contact for more details. We also had large tassel balloons provided by Bubblegum Balloons which really transformed the venue entrance. 

There were a variety of food and drink options available by the fabulous Bubble Food who catered for the 250 guests. Fish House Punch and the Sky Fall Martini wet the guests whistles whilst The Steam Punk Station served lamb lollipops with mint pearls and suckling pig by chefs wearing bowler hats. The specially designed Smokehouse Station offered cured mussels, prawns and sea trout. However, the very popular Terrarium Dessert Station had guests devouring delicious treats such as green tea and pistachio parfaits and rose petal eclairs.

Overall our busy event management week was a huge success, so a big thank you to all our fabulous suppliers and the Mango Pie squad for all your hard work. Now on to the next…

Venues – National Portrait Gallery/The Royal Exchange/Painted Hall/Building Six

Catering – Rocket Food/Table Talk/Bubble Food

Production – Beyond Certainty/Metro Broadcast/Fisher Productions

Florist – Nicky Doodson Flowers