The Society of Old Friends’ Summer Lunch is fast becoming a seasonal staple on the industry calendar and this year’s gathering at Butler’s Wharf Chop House proved exactly why. Now in its third year, the July event welcomed 50 members and guests to one of London’s most iconic riverside venues, and the outing once again delivered an afternoon serving up sun, sociability and sensational views of Tower Bridge.
The weather delivered in spades – gloriously warm and sunny – and so did the menu. Everyone tucked into a spread of modern British fare – think mac & cheese, fish & chips and burrata with tomatoes. The real talking point? President Steve Hilleard’s decision to ease the dress code. “The highlight for most of the attendees,” he quipped, “was that I relaxed the dress code and allowed them to wear shorts.”
Bridging the generations
The crowd, as ever, was a brilliantly eclectic mix. From stalwart member Stanley Vaughan, now in his early 90s, to its youngest member, 24-year-old Emily Vardon of battery wholesaler H-Squared, the age range spanned the generations – reinforcing the Society’s unique blend of heritage and fresh energy.
Adding to the fun was a spirited raffle coordinated by committee members Liz Whyte and Alex Bonarius. Lucky winners were Red Inc’s Adam Huttly, EO Group’s Nick Wilson and DMG Office’s Dane Goodson, the latter walking away with the top prize of £100 gift card.
With so many new faces, shared laughter and the unmistakable warmth that defines Old Friends gatherings, it’s little wonder the afternoon showed no sign of ending on time. “Just a really cool atmosphere,” said Hilleard. “London was absolutely heaving and it felt like we had the best seat in the house.”
