By Paola Bassanese
What can I say? The London 2012 Lifestyle Awards at the Hurlingham Club were a true celebration of what makes London one of the best places to live and work in the world. Already in its third year, this glamorous event recognises London talent from a wide range of industries: entertainment, sport, leisure, food and drink, hospitality, wellbeing.
Personally I am absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted as a finalist and Chuan Spa got the well deserved award in the Health and Beauty category I had also been included in. Always the bridesmaid and never the bride! This is the second time that Energya Ltd made it to the finals at the London Lifestyle Awards – maybe third time lucky?
Talking of luck, my table had two award winners: Quintessentially for Best Concierge and Royal Parks for Green Contribution.
My lucky table also had the fabulous JJ Miller from Love London who looked stunning in her black gown and sparkly jewellery.
Highlights of the evening were Mayor Boris Johnson winning London Personality of the Year (unfortunately he wasn’t present to receive the award) and Dame Kelly Holmes presenting LOCOG (the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Committee) with their award for Outstanding Contribution to London.
Duncan Bannatyne also made an appearance looking healthy and relaxed after his recent hospitalisation for a heart scare.
Dance legends Arlene Phillips (London Lifestyle Legend) and Debbie Moore from Pineapple Dance Studios (Best Fitness Facility) both won an award in recognition of their work in dance and entertainment.
Other winners were:
Salvatore for Best Bar
Kids’ Week for Best Cultural Attraction
Matilda for Best Theatre Show
Royal Albert Hall for Best Live Music Venue
Eight Club for Best Members’ Club
Sanctum Hotel for Best Hotel
Caprice for Best Restaurant
Taylor Taylor for Best Hairdressing Salon
E4 Udderbelly for Best Festival
Firmdale Hotels for Hospitality Business of the Year
Haberdashery for Best Coffee Shop
Katherine Elizabeth Millinery for Best Fashion Retailer
Michelle Heaton, formerly of Liberty X, was also attending. Her heart-breaking story made the headlines as she will have a double mastectomy because she is at high risk of developing breast cancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and women like Michelle are very brave to share their experience.
Finally, I am absolutely delighted that one of my tweets about my social media campaign was featured on the big screen during the ceremony alongside quotes from Mo Farah and Oscar Wilde!
The team at JJG Media Group, the organisers of the awards, did a truly fantastic job putting this glitzy event together.
What’s that in the goody bag I hear you say? That’s my Energya® sleep mask! My corporate gift for the London Lifestyle Awards delegates says “Sweet dreams from Energya www.energya.co.uk” and I am extremely grateful to Osmosis Promotional Products for turning the production around very quickly and efficiently.