Styling a Post-City Life
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Is it possible to maintain a fabulous lifestyle while working in the City? Emyr Thomas didn't think so, and left the Square Mile to start Bon Vivant, a lifestyle management and concierge service. He tells us how his new life came about - and where we should really be going for after-work drinks.
How and when did you decide that Bon Vivant was what you should be doing instead of finance?
I have always had a passion for travel, dining, and trying new places and venues, plus I have been researching and recommending places for friends and their extended network for years. Based on their positive feedback, I decided to turn my knowledge of hotels, restaurants and bars all over the world into a business venture. I also saw a gap in the market for proving a highly personalised, all-encompassing lifestyle service that was more accessible than those that already exist.
My experience as an accountant and a banker has provided me with valuable business skills that I am now applying to something I am wholly passionate about, both of which are crucial for starting your own company.
What qualifies you to run a lifestyle and concierge business?
Luxury has been redefined to include the cool, hip and avant-garde, and we want to redefine the concierge service to reflect this change in focus. I have visited and researched many hotels, restaurant and bars throughout the world to select those that would appeal to our members rather than to depend on pre-existing resources which promote a staid vision of luxury. I have come across some poor examples of 'luxury' hotels on my travels!
I have a broad knowledge that not only encompasses the luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, but also the boutique hotels and quaint restaurants, pubs and bars. Our philosophy is that each person’s take on how they most enjoy free time and in which surroundings is unique and individual tastes must be catered to. The one-size-fits all mentality, in my view, does not suit the concierge and lifestyle management industry, and I hope to bring this bespoke focus to our members.
What sources of information do you use to keep up with what's going on in London?
There are a number of sources of information on London life, including newspapers, magazines, website and online forums and blogs, but we receive most of our information direct from our network and by word of mouth, plus we are constantly visiting venues to enable us to give personal recommendations.
The heady days of finance are over, and people are having to learn to live with less (alas). How can using Bon Vivant save members money?
The big picture is that everyone has limited resources that they want to spend wisely. Our goal is to ensure that each dinner, each trip, each event and each service our members require is the very best, leaving them with the feeling that the experience was exactly what they wanted and more.
On a more specific level, it is all about the perks and freebies. We have a network of over 2,000 of the world's finest hotels (both luxury and boutique), many of which offer our members preferential rates, complimentary upgrades and additional exclusive benefits including complimentary champagne, complimentary breakfast and late check-out. In addition, we have relationships with more than 100 of London’s top restaurants, bars, clubs, gyms, spas, salons and other services that can offer our members preferential reservation, complimentary champagne, complimentary entry and large discounts on products and services.
In these economic times, it is more important than ever to find the very best products and services to maximise spending power and to make efficient use of our free time.
And since you must know London inside and out, what are your favourite spots for after-work drinks in the City, Canary Wharf and Mayfair?
London is a dynamic city with a diverse range of venues. In the City, I would go for a drink at Anise at The Cinnamon Kitchen or to Mint Leaf Lounge, and occasionally, it’s great to go to Vertigo 42 to view London in all its splendour. I would also suggest taking a stroll to Shoreditch for cocktails in Callooh Callay or to the rooftop bar at The Boundary, which will be great for the summer.
For Mayfair, it has to be both bars at the Connaught hotel, which are spectacular. The Coburg bar is a wonderful place to relax after a day at the office, and the design and the cocktails at the Connaught bar are perfect for a glamorous evening with friends. The Only Running Footman is a great pub for a more casual evening.
In Canary Wharf, I would suggest going to the bar at Plateau, or to the recently renovated Dockmaster’s House. For a more casual drink, I love going to The Gun or The Narrow, both of which have outdoor space for the summer.
For more information on Bon Vivant, click here, or drop them an email.
I have always had a passion for travel, dining, and trying new places and venues, plus I have been researching and recommending places for friends and their extended network for years. Based on their positive feedback, I decided to turn my knowledge of hotels, restaurants and bars all over the world into a business venture. I also saw a gap in the market for proving a highly personalised, all-encompassing lifestyle service that was more accessible than those that already exist.
My experience as an accountant and a banker has provided me with valuable business skills that I am now applying to something I am wholly passionate about, both of which are crucial for starting your own company.
What qualifies you to run a lifestyle and concierge business?
Luxury has been redefined to include the cool, hip and avant-garde, and we want to redefine the concierge service to reflect this change in focus. I have visited and researched many hotels, restaurant and bars throughout the world to select those that would appeal to our members rather than to depend on pre-existing resources which promote a staid vision of luxury. I have come across some poor examples of 'luxury' hotels on my travels!
I have a broad knowledge that not only encompasses the luxury hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, but also the boutique hotels and quaint restaurants, pubs and bars. Our philosophy is that each person’s take on how they most enjoy free time and in which surroundings is unique and individual tastes must be catered to. The one-size-fits all mentality, in my view, does not suit the concierge and lifestyle management industry, and I hope to bring this bespoke focus to our members.
What sources of information do you use to keep up with what's going on in London?
There are a number of sources of information on London life, including newspapers, magazines, website and online forums and blogs, but we receive most of our information direct from our network and by word of mouth, plus we are constantly visiting venues to enable us to give personal recommendations.
The heady days of finance are over, and people are having to learn to live with less (alas). How can using Bon Vivant save members money?
The big picture is that everyone has limited resources that they want to spend wisely. Our goal is to ensure that each dinner, each trip, each event and each service our members require is the very best, leaving them with the feeling that the experience was exactly what they wanted and more.
On a more specific level, it is all about the perks and freebies. We have a network of over 2,000 of the world's finest hotels (both luxury and boutique), many of which offer our members preferential rates, complimentary upgrades and additional exclusive benefits including complimentary champagne, complimentary breakfast and late check-out. In addition, we have relationships with more than 100 of London’s top restaurants, bars, clubs, gyms, spas, salons and other services that can offer our members preferential reservation, complimentary champagne, complimentary entry and large discounts on products and services.
In these economic times, it is more important than ever to find the very best products and services to maximise spending power and to make efficient use of our free time.
And since you must know London inside and out, what are your favourite spots for after-work drinks in the City, Canary Wharf and Mayfair?
London is a dynamic city with a diverse range of venues. In the City, I would go for a drink at Anise at The Cinnamon Kitchen or to Mint Leaf Lounge, and occasionally, it’s great to go to Vertigo 42 to view London in all its splendour. I would also suggest taking a stroll to Shoreditch for cocktails in Callooh Callay or to the rooftop bar at The Boundary, which will be great for the summer.
For Mayfair, it has to be both bars at the Connaught hotel, which are spectacular. The Coburg bar is a wonderful place to relax after a day at the office, and the design and the cocktails at the Connaught bar are perfect for a glamorous evening with friends. The Only Running Footman is a great pub for a more casual evening.
In Canary Wharf, I would suggest going to the bar at Plateau, or to the recently renovated Dockmaster’s House. For a more casual drink, I love going to The Gun or The Narrow, both of which have outdoor space for the summer.
For more information on Bon Vivant, click here, or drop them an email.
Article Comments & Ratings
D-to-the-M-Dog 17th Jun, 4:28pm
You forgot The Grapes in Canary Wharf, yo
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