Steak in the City

Now this will be a shocking share for my friends and colleagues because they will all know I tend to avoid red meat. Mainly because I never really fancy it and I think it has to be cooked to perfection to taste delicious.

However I do have a favourite steak stop in London & every time I say in conversation it is one of the best steaks I have eaten I often get the response “Really”.

Flat Iron Soho! I choose you. The menu is small & there is likely to be a wait on a Friday or Saturday evening as you cannot book a table but it is worth it.

This week I visited the restaurant mid week with a friend; we was seated within seconds which was automatically a win & we ordered shortly after.

This was my friends first visit to Flat Iron which made the experience for me even better. I love introducing people to new places and seeing their reactions (I think this is why I entered the world of events).

We both ordered Flat Iron Steak & Sophie’s Salad (usually I cannot resists their chips however I was having a some what carb free day).

To my delight my friend loved it and agreed it was one of the best steaks she has tried.

So not to drag this on but for Steak lovers it’s a must, for those that’s like the occasional steak it’s a must!

It is not an overwhelming meat fulled place wether you know your cuts or not it really does not matter. All that you really have to know is how you like your steak cooked!

Flat Iron has other branches but I always return to Soho, have a look at their website for more info https://flatironsteak.co.uk or check out their Instagram @flatironsteak.

If you get a chance to visit let us know your thoughts.

S x

The Curtain Hotel and Members' Club

The Curtain Hotel and Members' Club, one of Shoreditch's coolest spots offering a roof top pool, a private screening room, co-working & event spaces, suites, a gym & spa and soul food… What more could you ask for? A part of the Gansevoort Hotel Group the Curtain offers its members and guests a piece of New York in the heart of Shoreditch.

We have had the pleasure of working with The Curtain over the last 3 years and it has truly become one of our favourite members clubs to host our clients events within. The spaces available are the Burbage grand room, Screening room, Courtyard, Private Dinning room in Red Rooster and the Curtain Suite. All spaces offer something completely different to the next. We have found the teams brilliant to work with as they have been very accommodating to our clients. They allow us to let our creative juices flow and bring our clients events to life.

From a hotel guest perspective the rooms are spacious and beautifully designed, the food has always been delicious and the hotel is in a great location to get explore the rest of London.

As a current member of the club we have enjoyed the areas only for members such as Billy’s Bar and LP Club (many great members events are held here). Billy’s is one of our favourite spots at the Curtain, with its old school gentleman’s club decor and chilled vibe; in the day time it is a perfect place to entertain clients and in the evening a great spot to have a drink with friends and fellow members.

During our fabulous summer we was able to enjoy the LIDO to its full potential and discovered our love for London all over again. Great food, a view and sunshine is the perfect cocktail for a good day… along with gin based cocktail & anything elder-flower which was my usual order did not hurt either.
They nailed it every time.
We love the members reception staff as they have always given our clients and their guests a super warm welcome (non-members & members) which sets a lovely tone for any event.

As an event planner if you are interested in hosting an event, dinner or activation here we would love to show you the spaces and discuss what we could do. The best form of contact is via events@serenitylondon.co.uk, simply let us know what you are planning & when and we will arrange a site visit.

As a lover of all things travel and hospitality I recommend a stay here if you are looking for a hotel that offers day & nightlife with an artistic edgy vibe. Email us at events@serenitylondon.co.uk if you would like us to make you reservation at the hotel.

As a member, for those of you who live in London or visit our city monthly it is truly worth its cost. The cost of a co working space & a good gym in London alone is equivalent to the membership monthlies, therefore it is a no brainier with all the other added perks like the weekly events & workshops. The Curtain are offering our Serenity Clients & Travel Collective readers a special rate (I told you they welcome our clients with open arms) .
Have a read below & complete the form if you are interested in a membership. All questions are welcomed.

Until next time.

Sx
Travel Collective
Serenity London

Membership Benefits with Serenity Referral

Special Rate for Serenity Applicants
Fast track application
24-hour fitness centre
Access to LIDO, rooftop restaurant
Access to members only restaurant, Imperial
Access to members only bar, Billy’s [our favourite spot]
Access to members only club, LP
Guest allowance: 6
Co-working spaces
Exclusive access to members events, workshop, classes, club nights (more than 40 per month)
Discounts in every outlet, event space and bedrooms

If you would like to be consider for a membership on a Serenity rate please complete the form below.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Telephone Number

Place of Work or Job Title

Subject

Curtain Membership - Serenity London Referral Rates

The Event Trend of 2019!

Hello and welcome to the Serenity Blog if this is your first time visiting us. We have been super quiet this year but it ends here. We are back like we never left and better than ever! The Serenity Blog is a space covering all things events, hospitality and lifestyle with honest opinions and findings and hopefully an easy read for you all.

Jumping straight into today’s blog, I am sure you are all expecting me to discuss a new design or decor trend that has developed over the last couple of months or even a type of event that everyone is hosting. For all of those who like to jump in on the trends this may disappoint you.
2019 has been the year of the 4 week turn around; yes your read correctly, we have had at least 70% of our clients this year enquiring for events within 3-5 weeks of their preferred event date.

Now we are not saying this is a terrible thing for us event planners although I can only speak on behalf of Serenity London however we thrive with working under pressure when we have clients who are ready to make decisions and get things done. The challenge we have found with short turn around clients is managing their expectations of availability.
We cannot express enough how busy our fantastic suppliers or London, Essex and Hertfordshire venue are throughout the year. The event season as it once was is no longer, venues are booked all year round for all types of events which means short turn around clients may not get their first venue of choice or the entertainment they hoped for due to the last minute enquiry.

Luckily this year we have always found a way to make our clients happy even if they did not get the venue they thought they wanted, we will always find a like for like or a better alternative.
Depending on the event we always suggest 7-12 months a great period of time to plan an event to ensure you get the Venue or Photographer of your choice.

We also strongly advise to those who are planning an event in a short turn around to follow these key points:

Avoid too many cooks in the kitchen.
This applies to planning events in general, even more so when you are working in a short time frame. Having to many people involved without clear roles can cause more mayhem that results. We suggest hiring an event planner who will coordinate the mayhem and have direct contact with you.
Be open to suggestions
This is key to get the ball rolling and the papers sign sealed and delivered.
Decisions Decisions
Be prepared to make decisions promptly, time is everything. Taking 5 days to decide on the font of your invite is TIME WASTING when we have 3 weeks to plan an engagement party for 150 guests.
Is it too late?
Although you may be planning an event in a short time, it is a waste of time messaging your event planner at 1am. We too tend to sleep and you may become anxious, concerned or frustrated waiting for a response.
Have a clear budget in mind
This is important as it will help your event planner piece together your perfect event and minimise back and forth negotiations because elements are out of budget.

We hope this has been a little insightful read and prepares any readers planning an event to get their ducks in a row and check lists ready. Should you make the right decision and want to hire a reliable and trusted event planning we can be reached at events@serenitylondon.co.uk or weddings@serenitylondon.co.uk.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you back her soon!

S xo