The hearts & heads behind 116 Pall Mall - Hazel Behagg
She works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that guests enjoy the best possible experience when they come here for events that can range from charity auctions to business luncheons to an opening night party for a smash hit West End musical.
And with 13 years of experience working at 116 Pall Mall, there are few people who know our clients better than Hazel...
Talk us through a typical working day (if there is such a thing)
I start the day by checking my emails for any changes from the day before to make sure we’re on top of everything. I then check what events are happening during that particular day and I organise the team around that schedule.
I will also meet the clients and discuss their events and if they have any specific requests. I will also have meetings with the other departments to discuss the rest of the week, month, year, decade, century...
For me, the best things about working here are the amazing team that I personally deal with on a day to day basis but also the hospitality team as a whole.
What do you love most about the 116 building?
The effect the grandeur of the main staircase and chandelier has when guests walk in. And, of course, the history behind this place.
What have been the most memorable events that you've worked on?
There are plenty to choose from but I’m going to pick out four.
The Aviation Club UK lunches which we host seven times a year.
Podge and their legendary lunches which have a different theme each time.
The Bat Out of Hell aftershow party.
MMCo Ball - a UK equivalent of Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball
What do you think are the key skills/attributes you need to excel at your job?
Good time management. Fantastic people skills. Being able to both work and think under pressure.
What is the strangest catering/dining requests that you’ve ever received and how did you deal with it?
We had one guest who was having a Christmas party. They asked us to sing songs from our own countries and in our own languages. We agreed to do it as it was a bit of fun and really got everyone in the Christmas spirit.
What have been the biggest changes in your industry over the past decade?
Staffing. Food. Modernisation of services.
What would be your idea of the perfect three-course lunch?
Charcuterie, followed by steak (cooked rare) no sauce. Plus, a side order of steak! No dessert. But I will indulge in a cheeky glass of full-bodied red wine...
Describe your job in three words...
Exciting. Challenging. Eventful.
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BOOK YOUR EVENT AT 116 PALL MALL
One of the most prestigious addresses in London, 116 Pall Mall is situated in the heart of the West End and offers a range of flexible spaces across five floors, perfect for any kind of event for up to 1,500 people.
You can even hire our whole building exclusively on weekends.
Make an enquiry for more information.