On Wednesday 23 October, The Royal Exchange gave Brummell readers a privileged peek inside a selection of its boutiques, inviting them to meet with brand experts and sample a preview of new products ahead of the festive season.

Guests were greeted in the stunning Mezzanine with a champagne reception catered for by Fortnum & Mason, with Sparkling Tea for those preferring to opt for a non-alcoholic refreshment, and delicious Fortnum & Mason canapés.

With an impressive view of The Royal Exchange’s grand central courtyard, the Mezzanine was the perfect setting for guests to rub shoulders with familiar faces from the Brummell network, as well as make new connections and acquaintances.

Brummell‘s executive editor Peter Howarth kicked off the evening by introducing The Royal Exchange and outlining its rich history, before hosting a fascinating panel discussion on the evolution of retail.

Panelists Amanda Motta, head of brand and creative for heritage jewellery house Boodles; Andrea Nunziata, managing director and Omega brand director at The Swatch Group (UK); and Zia Zareem-Slade, customer experience director at Fortnum & Mason, discussed how their brands are evolving in the digital age, before answering a series of questions from guests at the end of the talk.

Following the discussion, guests were invited to browse in some of the boutiques within The Royal Exchange. They enjoyed festive tastings with experts in Fortnum & Mason; sipped martinis while admiring the jewellery and a selection of Patek Philippe watches in Boodles; and savoured champagne while talking to horology experts in the Omega boutique.

At the end of the night, goodie bags were handed out to guests containing treats including Bamford Grooming Department’s Edition 1 Cologne; a £250 Watch Finder & Co voucher; a Nomad sampler set from Gallivant Fragrances, and Christmas Spiced Biscuits from Fortnum & Mason.

The event was an uplifting celebration of The Royal Exchange and its boutiques, as well as being an insightful and enjoyable evening for all who attended.

theroyalexchange.co.uk