Check out our roundup of news and ideas to make sure your client entertaining is the best it can be
Horse racing
The Hennessy Gold Cup has become the Ladbrokes Trophy. It’s up for grabs on 2 December at Newbury. A Royal Box dining package will get you a prime spot, three courses, champagne on arrival, butler service throughout and a resident tipster all day.
Cricket
Our boys are off to Australia for the Ashes this winter. For anyone not throwing a Christmas shrimp on the barbie, the Aussies are here next summer. England will face them in five one-day internationals (and one Twenty20). Anticipation will be high for the first of these at the Kia Oval on 13 June. Competition for hospitality will be hot: new for this year, a bevy of ex-England captains are hosting England Club suites (£779pp).
Rugby Union
Red Rose fans have two causes for celebration ahead of the 2018 Autumn Internationals. First, the All Blacks will be making a rare trip to take on England at Twickenham. Hospitality for all four 2018 fixtures is on sale on 6 November, and you can ask exclusive agent Keith Prowse about the new options within the redeveloped East Stand. We’re excited about the East Wing, with its large lounge spaces and concierge service, and the rooftop Rose Garden, which promises cooking and music – both live.
Golf
The 147th Open (01334 460010) will take place at Carnoustie, less than half an hour’s drive from Dundee airport. Smaller parties can enjoy four-course lunches in the Claret Jug Pavilion, looking onto the 17th green and 18th tee, or head to the popular Champions Club. Groups of 30-plus should gather in the Claret Jug Suites, by the 18th hole. All-inclusive packages start at £350pp for championship days (19-22 July), if you book before 31 January.
Cinema
Winter 2018 is all about one film. The trailer’s already left mouths agape, but you’ll have to hang on until 15 December for Star Wars: The Last Jedi in full. The upscale Curzon group’s newest venue in London’s Aldgate can host private screenings for up to 76, before everyone repairs to the bar to discuss whether porgs are an adequate ewok substitute. For more cinemas and screening rooms for hire in London, check out this list.
Theatre
Matthew Bourne’s taking Cinderella back to Sadler’s Wells (020 7863 8065). And this isn’t the old pumpkin-phobe as you know her; this is Cinderella in wartime London. From 9 Dec-27 Jan, VIPs can enjoy pre-show drinks in the Pina Bausch Room before taking the best seats in the house from a private entrance. We suggest you book early – because you know what happens at midnight.
Football
Chelsea FC has relaunched Stamford Bridge’s West Stand. It’s big news for bookers, and exciting times for anyone with an interest in matchday hospitality. Marco Grill has been replaced by the 1905 Club. For each Blues home match, it now becomes an exclusive hospitality suite for up to 100 guests. Game on.
To read more about the changes in place at Chelsea FC, head this way.