It is very much holiday time as I write, but as we all know, the weather has been unpredictable and not brilliant, so let’s hope for an Indian summer, before the nights draw in. We have recently enjoyed a successful Fête Champêtre, Giorgio Armani Tennis Week, Summer Fiesta and Family Picnic – all particularly busy days for our F&B staff, who have pulled together magnificently, given the extra work involved, so special thanks to them for their vital contribution. 

During the East Wing refurbishment, member events will take place in the Dining and Terrace Rooms, with non-member events only starting again once the East Wing re-opens next year.

F&B never sleeps and, apart from keeping the operational show on the road, we have been helping to dismantle the East Wing ready for the development, and are providing the input needed for the future North and West Wing developments that are being planned together. As well as these projects, we have to factor in the F&B element of the Cricket Pavilion, which needs to be looked at now and not just when it’s time for tea! So, a great deal of forward thinking is required to maintain momentum and meet construction deadlines.

Staff training is on-going, but will intensify during the months to come, when the holidays are over, and the planning work is largely done. In the meantime, we continue to learn from member feedback – so important, because it provides the independent points of view needed to maintain quality and consistency. Congratulations to Sara Jayne Stanes award winners Revekka Banti and Jesse Ampiaw (see below).

Financially, we are close to budget and have a growing events order book from July onwards next year.

You will be familiar with the set menus that have proved very popular – a Spanish theme which began in August – and these will continue as ‘specials’ to enhance the dining experience. Currently we have the alfresco season, with the Dip, Barbecue, Pool Bar and Rose Court Terrace all being open on wonderful summer days – well, at least it has been warm and sometimes even too hot! This is when Rosé and Champagne sales tick up and the conversation becomes louder and more enthusiastic.

As we look ahead, there will inevitably be considerable F&B disruption during the East Wing development work, but the Rose Court Terrace stretch tent will increase our Harness Room capacity and, while the Napier is closed, we have adjusted the offering to include hot buffet breakfast and children’s early lunches.

We will make the best use of all the resources and spaces at our disposal, so that we can maintain the quality of Club wining and dining, during the winter months. Now we ask for your support and understanding and, of course, spending power, to keep the wheels turning and maintain your enjoyment of our Club. 

NICK TAYLOR, CHAIR, F&B

Sara Jayne Stanes Award for Excellence

Revekka Banti
Sous Chef

Revekka shines in the kitchen with her fantastic cooking, and performs exceptionally well under pressure, consistently going above and beyond in every task. Her unwavering, helpful, can-do attitude makes her a deserving recipient of this award.

Jesse Ampiaw
Senior F&B Assistant

A great team player and fun to work with, Jesse strives to embody our Club Values in everything he does. His professionalism and friendly positive attitude make him a deserving and natural recipient of this award.