Happy New Year trendsetters,
This year I decided to venture into unknown territory and witness "The Valley " in al its glory on the festive night of nights NYE.
Being of sane nature I tend to avoid this night of common debauchery, cab waits of eternal timelines, PYT 's vomiting into their jimmy Choos and all things which resemble a cattle yard dressed in Lycra and spandex.
Alas I venture with the beautiful Linda and a recently separated friend of whom we will call " Hans" as in Hans Solo to stay overnight and experience "The Gold party " at the Limes Hotel.
Now I assumed this rather high end price point would have sufficed to bring together a mixed genre of 20 something's to 40 odd with style and a need to enjoy a semi relaxed, stylish and cool surrounds to bring in the New Year.
The evening started of sedate surrounds on dusk, a group mingling of which unfortunately we're of a much younger " Gen " than I anticipated, all poised waiting to break the invisible shackle of restraint and storm the bar for the free drinks package as one can only assume the storming of the fields and trenches of WW1 or a charge to the cosmetic and shoe counters of the Boxing Day sales.
We ordered and enjoyed an aperitif noticing no one else of Liberty to pay for a drink alas waiting for the green wristband to become "live"and "Have a crack "
Upon the hour of the drinks package to start we witnessed what can only be described as something Fathers would be mortified, mothers reaching for the Gin bottle in the Wardrobe, as these beautifully coiffured boys and girls proceeded to attack the seemingly helpless bar staff gathering 3,4,5 drinks to ensure the value of the "Gold package".
The design of the venue showed no understanding of RSA ( responsible service of alcohol) no level of crowd control and a level of clientele whom one suggests have not experienced Moet & Chandon before and the wonderful gift French champagne is to your senses.
We witnessed an array of binge drinking not seen since the tacky "British shows showcasing sculling and the eperdemic surging through Britain of young Girls drinking like a seasoned NRL players at the Coogee Bay Hotel on black Monday.
Food is vital as it rehydration in any form for catered events, being able to responsibly keep your guests safe and happy, alas apart from some amazing staff who tried in vain to apply a great level of customer service this was ill apparent as this overstocked cauldron of terestone and Lycra surged to set the world record for alcohol consumed in three hours.
Witnessing young people being pushed, whilst trying to consume a wooden skewer of over spiced chicken sent shudders to my spine one small mishap and the skewer would become a weapon causing any form of painful respite.
One must assume the events committee has not had much experience to allow this form of canapé to be passed upon discussion and assume it's place on the rather boring platters being passed around the overstocked ring of lust and sweat.
Hans Solo was enjoying the stage show, as these PYT evolved into a fray of insanely incapacitated and inebriated humans almost unrecognisable to the young group upon our arrival, this caused me to pause and look at my watch to astonishment realise it was "9.30 pm and to think what state these people would be in at even midnight, let alone 3 am !!!!
One feel a company of this experience and market share in hospitality venues needs to address it's policies and procedures on crowd control, responsible service of alcohol and event management before a serious mishap occurs.
Me, next year back to a sophisticated surrounds of good food, great friends and a level of operator who understands the needs of a discerning diner.
A big shout out to the staff of the Limes hotel who were amazing in a fog of debauchery and a visible lack of management presence. read more