The William & Victoria restaurant played host to the HarrogateBLaH Christmas Party on Tuesday 13th December.
The co-founders of BLaH are Rachel Auty and Ella Davidson. The group aims to be a fresh, inspirational and informal support network, and social forum for business ladies around Harrogate.
Johanna Straker, BLaH member and co-owner of William & Victoria, created a fantastic wine tasting event with delicious canapés and taster dishes for the ladies to enjoy, and the charismatic Alex Bussey from local company Bon Coeur Fine Wines led the group with helpful tips on how to get the best from the wines and gave an insight into choosing wines to accompany food.
The self-employed members and guests from around Harrogate were given a warm welcome in the restaurant’s bar and had an opportunity to network with like minded professionals. Starting with an extremely festive sparkling Reserve de Sours Rose Brut NV from Bordeaux the ladies went on to enjoy very generous tastings of two whites and two reds in a relaxed and informal environment. Alex Bussey kept the business ladies entertained with the history and stories connected to each wine, and his natural enthusiasm encouraged a real party atmosphere. The wines were accompanied with taster dishes of smoked salmon, patés, chorizo, beef bourguignon, cheeses and mince pies and everyone left feeling thoroughly indulged.
At the event was Zoe Whitby, ZWCoaching (Life & Business coaching & training), Ella Davidson (Startup PR) Sarah Shaw(Shaw Business Consulting Ltd, Marketing & Business Development), Hayley Hoyle (The Harrogate Wedding Lounge) Amanda Farrar (Abintra Healing From Within), Sharon Crompton (Blush Bespoke Flowers) Jo Straker (William & Victoria Restaurant and Wine Bar) , Katja Gottschalk (PC Harmony), Elizabeth Pennington (Eliza Wyke Couture) and Rachel Auty (@thefourfront)
Photograph:Barney Allen Photography
Johanna Straker commented:
I was delighted when Rachel said she wanted to have the BLaH Christmas party at William & Victoria Restaurant and knowing that private parties, networking lunches and wine tastings was something I wanted to promote at the restaurant, it seemed the perfect opportunity to use the BLaH ladies as ‘guinea pigs’ and showcase a tutored tasting. BLaH is a great way of sharing ideas and I always come away feeling inspired to do new things to enhance our business.
My husband David Straker is at the restaurant and wine bar everyday and is much more visible than me in the business and although my background is in graphic design I am now enjoying coming up with ideas to take our business forward.
The BlaH wine tasting was a truly great way of learning more about wine and having fun whilst networking in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Rachel Auty of The Fourfront and co-founder of BlaH said:
A huge thank you to David, Jo and their team for hosting a most enjoyable wine tasting and canapes afternoon for the Business Ladies around Harrogate Christmas party yesterday!
A good time was had by all and the wine and food were fantastic! Many, many thanks.
