Christmas Festivities

This week has seen Christmas parties galore - although I must admit, for others it seems! Where I work, there was nothing organised for our department and then when someone finally did offer, there was no date that suited everyone so nothing happened.

However, other organisations have been more active and, according to last night's Evening Standard, "a record £120 million is being spent on London's Christmas office parties in just two nights. Hotels, restaurants, clubs and bars were full to capacity last night and will be again tonight. Venues such as aircraft hangars and stately homes were booked months in advance, with magnums of champagne, top DJs and even circus entertainers laid on."

Maggie Eyre and I ventured out on Thursday night and got right in amongst the various organisations who really treated their staff at Christmas time. We ventured down to the famous Beach Blanket Babylon, a restaurant and cocktail bar. It is very opulant, and is described by View London as "a seriously chic venue dripping with style and distinctive decor." Just the place for Maggie and I to have a couple of Christmas drinks. Check it out on the website for some idea of what I am talking about. I don't think Auckland has anything like it (well I didn't find it) http://www.beachblanket.co.uk/

The place was packed. Armed with our first champagne cocktail (£24 for two), we soon mingled in, esablishing there was two work groups there (as well as a large number of independent people like us). Sainsbury's group (supermarkets) were on the sedate side, and the tax team from Accenture (ex Arther Anderson, a firm of international accountants) were on the plush, baroque side. We soon established that there was a kiwi amongst them who turned out to be our friend Avon's niece....

It was a lovely place to call in for a few drinks and christmas cheer, and interesting to see all the glamorous people having a good time and spending up large. Some very beautiful people, very well dressed and refined. Or so you would have thought. However, a trip to the toilets spoiled that image completely. I timed my trip very badly and walked in to something that was absolutely disgusting. One person (long gone) had lost whatever they had in their stomach, leaving their wine glass in amongst the mess as well. The other person in another area of the toilet, well let's just say, it was the wrong time of the month for them. The poor staff arrived just after me, armed with heavy rubber gloves and cleaning equipment. I have never seen anything like it - revolting! I certainly felt very sorry for the poor staff in establishments such as this who have to clean up the mess left by the supposedly "beautiful people"

So, my christmas toast this year goes to all those who have to clean up after Christmas parties. I hope you get an opportunity to enjoy christmas some time soon!