The world is opening up for the growing number of founders, investors, and entrepreneurs operating from abroad – there are now over 50 countries with digital nomad visas (DNVs) that allow globally-minded individuals to explore new territories without needing to set up a new office. With these modern arrangements, professionals can scale their start-up or build an international business portfolio anywhere, from the heart of the Balkans to a beachfront penthouse in Rio.

With so many countries emerging as digital nomad locations, it can be hard to know where to set sail for. You may already have a particular city in mind, but if your curiosity knows no bounds, we have some suggestions below.

Firstly, there are some considerations you should weigh up to ensure you make the right decision:

• Digital nomad infrastructure – is there widespread, fast Wi-Fi, dedicated spaces for remote working?
• Career opportunities – is there a potential new customer base, and a network of industry peers to help keep your skills and knowledge up to date?
• Climate – do you thrive in the heat, or are you more at home in fresh, Nordic air?
• Application process – each country has its own eligibility rules for securing a DNV, with some, such as Romania, catering to a wide audience, while others like Norway, require a higher income and closer local business ties.
• Transport links – how easily can you travel for meetings? Is there an international airport, a marina for yachts, or a reliable chauffeur service?
• Culture – are you a foodie, art lover, or sports fanatic? Do you prefer a hike on the weekend or exploring the nightlife?

With these factors in mind, let’s look at some of the best countries and best cities for digital nomads.

Portugal

With Lisbon and Porto frequently placing in the top ten of the world’s best digital nomad cities, Portugal should be a consideration for everyone. It has a high quality of life, fantastic climate, and a wealth of culture and history. Lisbon has become a global hub for entrepreneurs, particularly in tech, so the possibilities for networking and scaling up are vast.

Portugal’s digital nomad visas allow you to stay temporarily for up to three years, with the option to apply for longer-term and permanent residency, further boosting Portugal’s reputation as one of the best countries for digital nomads. Applicants must have a minimum monthly income of €3,480, sufficient savings and proof of self-employment or other contract outside Portugal.

Top cities

Lisbon – networking, thriving culture, nightlife, Michelin-star dining

Porto – laid-back lifestyle, art, local heritage

Malaysia

With its fast-growing economy, Malaysia is an exciting place to be right now, and a great strategic base for expansion into ASEAN markets. Cities like the capital, Kuala Lumpur, have a modern infrastructure and English-speaking business sector that makes comfortable living and remote working viable. Of course, the incredible scenery, tropical climate, and delicious food are also a big plus.

Malaysia has one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for, with an entirely online process and the option to live in the country for up to two years. There are no restricted nationalities, and the minimum required monthly income is $2,000 USD.

Top cities

Kuala Lumpur – modern infrastructure, international connections, nightlife

Penang – coastal living, history, culture, cuisine capital

Brazil

A recent adopter of digital nomad visas, Brazil is a great option for those with an adventurous spirit. Famously one of the most naturally diverse and beautiful countries in the world, Brazil also has excellent infrastructure for remote working in buzzy melting pots like São Paulo, one of the world’s best cities for digital nomads.  You may choose to visit for a taste of the country-wide Carnival each February/March, or the São Paulo F1 Grand Prix in November, but no matter the dates, there’s no shortage of world-class dining, entertainment and fellow entrepreneurs to connect with.

Brazil’s digital nomad visas are for one year, with an option to renew for one more year. They require a minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD, and that your work is based outside of Brazil.

Top cities

São Paulo– business capital, networking, international connectivity

Brasilia – capital city, modernist architecture, mild climate

Florianopolis – beaches, laid-back, large digital nomad community

Croatia

A fantastic option for connectivity across EU countries, Croatia also has the benefit of a Mediterranean climate and coastline and a rich history. Popular destinations like Split and Dubrovnik lie on the coast, where luxury seaside properties and hotels are in abundance, while the capital Zagreb is inland, with many of the best museums and galleries in the country, as well as a thriving start-up scene.

DNVs in Croatia are available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals with a monthly income of at least €3,295, and are granted for up to 18 months. With the community quickly growing, this is no doubt one of the best digital nomad visas available.

Top cities

Split – large digital nomad community, strong digital infrastructure, coastal Mediterranean lifestyle

Zagreb – capital city, culture, history, less busy tourist season, growing entrepreneur community for networking opportunities

Spain

Spain is as popular for digital nomads as it is for tourists, and for good reason: the country’s DNV has a very generous limit of up to five years and allows for family members to accompany the applicant. There’s a huge variety between the many historic cities and regions of the country, from the Basque Country to the Balearic Islands, so it’s an appealing choice for those who like to stay on the move. The country’s historic ties to Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas make it a melting pot of international trade and business, providing ample networking opportunities.

Spain’s DNV requirements include a non-EU/EEA nationality, employment outside of the country, a university degree or three years’ professional experience and minimum monthly earnings of €3,000.

Top cities

Barcelona – thriving culture, international hub, great networking, digital infrastructure

Madrid – business capital, historic culture, international connections

Valencia – laid-back, beach culture, growing community

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are many more countries with digital nomad visas on offer for the adventurous entrepreneur. But with these pins in your map, many more digital nomad locations will come into your range, as well as endless opportunities for business, career and network growth.

If your business is growing and in need of additional full or part-time employees, our recruiters are ready to help. Get in touch with your requirements today. We also offer an Employer of Record service if you are looking to hire employees abroad.

The post Best Countries and Cities for Digital Nomads: Top Locations and Easiest Visas appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Is there anything more Scottish than Burns night? Bagpipers, haggis, and readings of Robert Burn’s famous poems usually make up a traditional supper. Luckily, for London-based Scots, there are many options for where to spend January 25^th.

Skylight Rooftop Bar, Docklands

tobaccodocklondon.com/skylight/

London’s rooftop ice skating rink and bar is organising an alternate Burns night celebration, complete with cocktail on arrival, whisky tasting sessions throughout the night and a twist on a traditional poem reading. With live bagpipers, a highland dance performance and a live DJ, you’re in for an exciting and active Burns night here. Their famous ice skating rink will also be open on the night!

12:51, Islington

1251.co.uk/events

Top chef James Cochran has devised a five-course menu drawing on his Scottish roots and, while haggis does make an appearance, treacle cured salmon with smoked cod’s roe and Highland venison tartar are some of the imaginative dishes on offer. Teaming up with bestselling author Candice Carty-Williams to read her revised version of the address to the haggis, the ambiance of the night will see the live bagpiper replaced with a playlist featuring hip-hop legends. This is the event to attend if you’re looking for a modern take on the traditional Burns night supper.

Image credit: Jessica Jill Photography

Brigadiers, Cannon Street

brigadierslondon.com/events/burns-night-celebrations/

Indian restaurant meets army mess bar Brigadiers is putting a twist on the traditional Scottish supper, with dishes like haggis nargisi kofta and Scottish venison biryani. Alongside these unique dishes, you can opt-in to the whisky pairing menu and expect an appearance from a live bagpiper. If your principal is looking for a more intimate evening, private dining rooms with set menus are also available.

PA Collective® members get better benefits at Brigadiers. Apply to become a member today!

Duke’s London, Mayfair

gbrrestaurantslondon.com/burns-night/

This Burns night soirée is perfect for the whiskey-and-cigar-loving principal. This elegant, historical hotel is opening its drawing room for a three-hour long celebration of whisky tasting and canapés. Though they’ll have to miss out on haggis and bagpipes, this sophisticated, paired back version of a Burns night is one to impress.

The post Where to spend Burns night in London appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

To say that being a personal assistant to a private individual is demanding would be an absolute understatement! As an exclusive household staffing agency, we understand that supporting a principal in their private life can mean that you’re on call at all hours of the day and must sometimes do the impossible. If you want to become a private or talent PA, you must stay on top of your game and work as efficiently as possible. We’ve put together a list of habits that the best private PAs have developed.

Write everything down

Whether you work off diaries or electronic calendars and memos, a great private or family office PA will make sure every little detail is recorded somewhere. You will deal with an immense amount of information and incoming requests, and it’s likely that something will slip under the radar and be forgotten if it’s not documented. This is also best practice as you never know when you might need these records in the future!

Have a bag packed to go at all times

This side of being a private PA to HNWI can be both exciting and daunting, as you may be asked to accompany your principal on a trip at a moment’s notice. By having a bag at the ready, you can be out of the house and into the private jet as quickly as possible. Alternatively, this could result in a disastrous situation where you’ve hurriedly packed your bag and forgotten something important, like your passport or the itinerary. Word to the wise – remember to repack the bag once you return home!

Keep your ‘little black book’ of contacts up to date

The longer you’re in the private sector, the more contacts you will accrue through working with suppliers, businesses and the network of your principal. At Tiger Private, our consultants have experience working within the private sector before they joined our private staffing agency, so we know that these contacts are invaluable! For example, if you know you have a great relationship with the best florist in town, make sure you’re the first to know when they move locations or go through internal staff changes and update this information. In addition, make a note if your go-to suppliers go on holiday and ensure you have a secondary point of contact in their absence.

Take time out to recharge

This may seem difficult considering the taxing nature of the role, but try to take a few minutes every day to relax and unwind. Whether it’s a meditation session before bed, or an opportunity to take five minutes in the day to yourself, it’s essential to take regular breaks to relax. Even though you spend all your waking hours looking after someone else’s needs, it doesn’t mean your wellbeing as a private PA isn’t important!

If you’re looking for a private PA or secretarial jobs in London and around the world, we can help! Submit your details online, or look at our live job listings to kick-start your career.

The post Habits of highly effective private PAs to HNWI appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The Basics

Address: HIDE restaurant, 85 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NB

020 3146 8666

https://hide.co.uk/

A Snapshot

We were lucky enough to try Hide Restaurant overlooking Green Park in June, on a beautiful almost-summer’s evening. Upon entrance to the restaurant which had the biggest door I have ever seen(!), we were met by warm and welcoming hosts and were shown to our table straight away. We had a window seat and we enjoyed watching the world go by.

The Food

Initially we were given the menu, which was beautifully presented, and the wine list which was on an iPad (save the trees!). We decided to order two glasses of champagne – these were poured at the table straight into our wine glasses – sadly the champagne didn’t last long… must have been a hole in both of our glasses!

The menu was fantastic and had a wide variety of dishes, including fish, meat and vegan and veggie options. We ordered the must-have breadbasket to start with whilst we poured over the menu trying to decide what to order – a difficult decision as everything looked incredible. Bread included Dorset buttermilk sourdough, fennel focaccia, fried bread, and baguette. These were all freshly made and cooked onsite, served warm alongside the best butter we have ever had, hands down! We were in bread heaven.

We then opted for a chicken liver parfait and soft-shell crab tempura to share for our starters. This was followed with a couple of the best oysters we have EVER experienced – meaty and served with a sharp vinaigrette and fresh lemon. We have not stopped thinking about these since we left the restaurant! The parfait was a smooth mousse served alongside brioche and a fig and hibiscus jam. It was incredibly rich but light at the same time and served on a large leaf. The crab was presented beautifully on hot stones as if walking across the seabed. It was crispy and the Thai basil puree provided a welcomed freshness against the tempura. We scored the starters 4 stars with special mention to the oysters.

On to the main course, we decided to share again, ordering the barbequed octopus, which was purple in colour, served with a beautiful crispy quinoa mixed with pomegranate seeds and roasted pistachio’s. When the dish arrived, the waiter poured a bright green feta and basil dressing through the middle of the plate which added a little excitement. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into crafting a menu that is not only delicious but also works hard to bring the very best of nature and the outdoors to your plate and the earthy feel of the interior design. Our second main was a Chilean seabass which had a plum wine sauce. This again was poured at the table by our waiter and the fish was cooked to perfection. It was meaty and well flavoured, served with wilted spinach and peas – delightful! Both mains were beautifully presented with edible flowers and looked almost too good to eat – we couldn’t wait to tuck in!

Being self-proclaimed obsessive coffee aficionados, we skipped dessert and ordered macchiatos from their curated coffee menu instead. This was diverse, with some exciting and rare options to choose from. The coffees arrived beautifully presented, delicious and served at the ideal temperature. It was the perfect end to a perfect meal really.

The Venue

The décor is modern, and they’ve done a wonderful job of bringing the outdoors in – taking inspiration from nearby Green Park. This theme is continued throughout the menu. We must give a massive shout out to the wait staff: they were warm, welcoming and attentive but unobtrusive from start to finish.

In Summary

A meal that won’t be forgotten…

The post In Review: HIDE appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

Level 33, The Shard, 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

+44 020 3011 1257

hutong.co.uk

A snapshot

Located well above London’s skyline on Level 33 of the Shard, Hutong delivers refined Northern Chinese flavours in a sophisticated and luxurious space. With jaw-dropping views as the backdrop, it’s a dramatic way to enjoy dim sum, Peking duck, Shandong seafood and other modern Asian dishes. It’s perfectly placed for London Bridge and Southwark-based workers, but with such a unique setting, it’s worth the trip from anywhere in central London.

A bit of background

Hutong is the London flagship of the Aqua Restaurant Group, a Hong Kong-based hospitality venture. Its brother resides in their home city, where it has developed a reputation for delivering fiery flavours in what can only be described as a sumptuous setting. The London outpost isn’t much different, albeit a little more Anglicised. With two private dining rooms perfect for business lunches or client dinners, a menu full of words like dumplings, enoki mushrooms, Sichuan chilli and pak choi, and cocktails inspired by similar ingredients, it has everything you or your principal need for a luxurious Asian adventure.

The food

We’re there for lunch so opt for the Experience Lunch menu. However, should you or your principal have more time, or are there later in the day, there are signature menu and à la carte options.

We open with a colourful display of dumplings, resplendent in pink, green, yellow and translucent. These are not your classic Chinatown combinations; each colour represents what’s inside. The pink is rose champagne and shrimp, the green seasonal mushroom and cabbage, and so on. Each one is a perfect parcel of flavours, beautifully balanced but as always, benefitting from a dunk of soy sauce.

From there, we move onto classic poached monkfish in lamb broth, enhanced by the interesting inclusion of Szechuan pepper and goji berries. Soon after, our table is heaving with dishes – sautéed cuttlefish with gong vegetable, enoki mushroom and Sichuan chilli sits by crispy beef tenderloin with bell peppers, dried garlic and black bean. Accompaniments include wok-fried pak choi in a garlic sauce and pickled vegetable fried rice. Each dish is a masterclass in texture – the cuttlefish is drowning in a gorgeously red broth and thanks to those Sichuan chillies, has us reaching for our water glasses more than once. The beef is lightly fried, crunchy on the outside but tender inside. The pak choi and rice cut through the richness of the other dishes, while soaking up all their juices. We finish with a refreshing mango pudding, perfect for cleansing the palate.

Cocktails are just as flavoursome, with combinations such as Peking-duck-infused Hennessy cognac, roasted sesame syrup, chocolate bitters, angostura bitters and chocolate and sesame seed pancake. For those wishing to abstain from the hard stuff, there is also a small range of mocktails, as well as a selection of Chinese teas.

The venue

Because of its location, getting to the restaurant is a bit of an adventure itself. After passing through security, the lift offers a direct route to the 33^rd floor, where you’ll be ushered up the stairs to the reception desk. The restaurant is spread across the edges of the building in order to take full advantage of the view. With dark wooden furniture, touches of red and textured walls, as well as ‘tree’ with wishing well ‘leaves’, it’s a decadent take on traditional Chinese interiors.

There are also two private dining rooms – appropriately named Shanghai and Beijing. The former looks over Tower Bridge and the City and has capacity for 16, while the latter boasts views of St Paul’s and the London Eye and can seat 24 guests. These options are worth considering should your principal be entertaining, creating the illusion of intimacy and privacy.

Whatever you do, make sure you make a visit to a bathroom. They’ve extended the floor-to-ceiling views here, making for one of the most dramatic bathroom visits you may ever have.

In summary

Hutong takes Chinese fare to a new level of luxury – both figuratively and literally. The prices are far beyond that of Chinatown, but in a location like this, it doesn’t matter. Make a booking for you or your principal’s next lunch or dinner – they’ll be floored by what’s on offer.

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Tiger specialises in the matching of outstanding support staff with employers of choice and UNHWIs in London, regional UK and internationally. If you are looking for a new challenge, get in touch today!

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Photos by Paul Winch-Furness

The post In Review: Hutong appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics:

65A Brushfield St, London, E1 6AA

020 7101 0093

Blixen.co.uk

A snapshot:

Backing onto Spitalfields Market, Blixen is a Victorian bank turned into a European grand café with a twist. The perfect spot for a lunch meeting with Wi-Fi and power points available in amongst the comfy booths.

A bit of background:

Opened in 2015, Blixen has become a mainstay in Spitalfields (and on Londoners’ Instagram feeds) with its dreamy dining space and conservatory paired with colourful and vibrant food. This was the first restaurant from owners Clive and Penny Watson, and after a history of refurbishing pubs around London, their extensive experience comes through in this East End haven.

The food:

The menu is full of inventive dishes with influences from all corners of the globe. Here, you’ll find a beef burger listed against a bao bun bhaji – in other words, there’s something for everyone. The menu also features the option to choose a small or large portion, so you can order a few big dishes to share, or enjoy them all to yourself.

When we visited, we decided on the chimichirri spiced ricotta, where the soft ricotta and crispy nduja filo pastry contrasted nicely on the plate. We weren’t disappointed on taste either, with pops of fresh tomato and crunchy pine nuts tying the dish together beautifully.

For our main dishes, we opted for two very different offerings – the crispy gnocchi and the aforementioned bao bun bhaji burger. The gnocchi boasted decadence all the way, thanks to the truffle running through the delightfully cheesy sauce.

The bao bun burger was a creative addition to our menu, with the bun surprisingly crispy and the spicy bhaji balanced beautifully by the tomato and onion chutney. Both of the plates offered great portion sizes, enough to be satisfied but safe in the knowledge you won’t be put into a food coma when you’re back in the office.

To pair with the food, we resisted the cocktail menu and picked the fresh house sodas, choosing from flavours like pineapple, mint, pink grapefruit and thyme. The cocktail list reflected the international influence with the Sake Puppy with orange bitters, or the Levante with tequila, turmeric and a cayenne pepper kick sounding delicious.

We unfortunately didn’t have time for dessert, however the warm banana pudding with chocolate sauce and ginger ice-cream sounded like heaven on a plate! If your team has the time, definitely make sure you save room for pudding.

The venue:

The venue is a drawcard here, as there is a space to suit every occasion. The grandeur of the dining room, where high ceilings, gold accents, marble and warm lighting make for an impressive spot to wine and dine. If you’ve booked a table for a weekday lunch with your team, however, the conservatory is the way to go. It’s light and airy, with plants hanging from the ceiling, the walls and by the tables: a veritable oasis of tropical greenery. Paired with the mismatched chairs and tables of various sizes, the vibe in this area is laid-back.

We chose a table along the windows facing the hustle and bustle of the markets. During our visit, only a handful of tables were occupied around us, so you could definitely host a long meeting without needing to rush.

In summary

Blixen is a great location for a relaxed and informal team meeting, with friendly and attentive staff and a menu that spans continents.

If you’re a PA, EA or a lifestyle manager, you may also be interested in our PA Collective®. We have a list of directory partners with whom you can secure preferential rates, an exciting calendar of events and a forum for you to share tips and tricks.

Feature Image provided by Blixen

The post In review: Blixen appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The Basics

52 Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4RP
Number: 020 8017 1788
Website – www.fallowrestaurant.com

A snapshot

Although Fallow is relatively new to the London restaurant scene, you will want to book your table well in advance. Having gained the attention of social media with their famous breakfast bun, Fallow has become a popular eatery since it’s opening in 2019. With something for everyone on the menu, their contemporary dishes using carefully sourced ingredients do not disappoint.

What you can expect

A menu that caters for everyone, and the most delectable sharing plates! We were greeted first by a friendly waiter, whose name, we have forgotten, after a few glasses of (very well recommended) wine. Having quickly glanced at the menu, we wanted everything! After some back and forth with our hugely knowledgeable waiter – we decided to let him take the reigns. We started off with the festive stuffing flatbread, which was Christmas in a bite! Shortly after, we enjoyed Chloe’s favourite – the famous corn ribs – which are slices of corn on the cob, fried and covered in a seasoning, which we could only describe as addictive. Next, Annie’s favourite, the flamed mussels coated in a bacon butter sauce, which were unforgettable! Lastly we halved the Fallow burger – covered in braised short rib, bacon, shallot, and cheese – just as sensational as the dishes that came before. We both agreed that Fallow would make the perfect lunch treat, and as soon as we left, we went to book again…

The venue

We were quickly greeted by the lovely ambience and warmth of the  restaurant. The lighting was intimate, and we did have to, embarrassingly, get our torches out to read the menu. The staff were nothing but exceptional and were clearly very well educated on the wine and food menu, which made us feel like we were in safe hands!

In summary

Considering we have already planned our next trip; we would highly recommend! Perfect spot for a business lunch, celebration and a dinner for your Principal’s family. Just make sure to order the corn ribs and mussels!

The post In Review: Fallow appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics:

19 Old Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1LB

020 7447 1080

gridironlondon.com

A snapshot:

Gridiron brings a contemporary, pared-back version of Mayfair sophistication to Old Park Lane, with no white table cloths in sight. This is the place for your principal to wine and dine clients, with high quality food and drinks from some of London’s biggest players.

A bit of background:

Situated in the Como Metropolitan Hotel on Old Park Lane, Gridiron is the brainchild of Mr Meatopia Richard H. Turner, and opened at the end of 2018. With Turner on executive chef duties, it’s clear that the open fire and charcoal pit are his influence.

Paired with an exciting cocktail selection by the Venning brothers (responsible for Dalston’s understated Three Sheets bar and several other equally cool spots around London), and acclaimed wine list from wine expert Fiona Beckett, there remains little doubt that guests are in for a treat from both the kitchen and the bar.

The food:

As you’d expect from a modern live-fire grill, the menu has a great selection of meat and seafood, including different steaks, cuts and types of fish. The great thing about Gridiron, however, is that the menu offers a few fantastic vegetarian options as well, so both carnivores and veggies will be satisfied. This is in part due to Turner’s interest in how different food reacts to the open flame, from the Lake District’s famous Herdwick lamb to delicate locally-sourced vegetables.

When we visited, we ordered a variety of dishes including a great tomato salad with produce from the Isle of Wight. These came out as an explosion of colour on the plate, with a variety of sizes paired with basil and delicious sourdough. We were also recommended the Cornish lobster and angel hair pasta, which would have been a perfect option for a decadent, light starter.

We opted to try the burger with Ogleshield cheese and were surprised when the waiter didn’t ask how we wanted the meat. It turns out there’s good reason for this – it was cooked to a perfect medium-rare as the patty contains bone marrow, and needs to be at a specific temperature so it melts, leaving behind a delicious, juicy burger.

We also sampled the grilled summer polenta – a crispy, hearty vegetarian option plated with sweet caramelised onion and sundried tomato.

On the cocktail menu at Gridiron, it’s not unexpected to find unconventional ingredients like miso, pickled onion and clear milk. This can mean that there’s an element of trust required when ordering, but Max and Noel Venning definitely know what they’re doing. We were treated to a lemon, truffle, caviar and vermouth masterpiece; it was so well-balanced and refreshing it was hard to stop at one!

For dessert, we chose the mille-feuille and a pavlova. The mille-feuille was a perfect stack of light flaky pastry and cream, complimented with acidity from red berries and cherry sorbet. The pavlova arrived with theatrical mastery as we discovered pockets of peach and lime flavours hidden beneath meringue shards. If we could have our time again, we would’ve definitely taken up the suggested wine pairings, which included a 20-year-old Tawny port.

It’s clear that through their expertise, the names behind the menu at Gridiron have confidence in what they’re offering up, and this comes across throughout the dining experience.

When booking a table, look out for guest chef takeovers of the restaurant which will offer unique and exclusive menus. Tom Brown of Cornerstone and Selin Kiazim of Oklava and Kyseri, have both had a turn in the kitchen here.

The venue:

With booths lining the dimly-lit dining room, there’s space for diners to relax and enjoy a long lunch or dinner. The ambiance is sophisticated and charming enough to impress an important client, but would equally provide a fantastic venue for a date night. The charcoal fire pit is a striking thing to walk past while being seated, a visual cue of what to expect on the menu.

On our visit, the wait staff were extremely attentive, open and knowledgeable about what made the offering special. We visited at lunch time, when only a few other tables were occupied which made for a enjoyable, intimate setting. Book your principal and their guest in for a dinner slot if they want for a livelier atmosphere.

In summary:

Gridiron fits right in to its Mayfair location, offering a great spot for your principal to wine and dine visitors.

Tiger regularly reviews restaurants around London to bring you the best venue for your next lunch meeting or client dinner. If you’re a PA, EA or a lifestyle manager, you may also be interested in our PA Collective®, with its list of directory partners, events and a forum where you can share tips and tricks with your fellow PAs. Click here to find out how to apply.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY GRIDIRON

The post In Review: Gridiron appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics:

44 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 2HP

020 7596 3200

Thebettermentmayfair.com/restaurant/

A snapshot:

Situated in grand hotel The Biltmore, Jason Atherton’s latest venture is a wonderful edition to Grosvenor Square. From the modern sophistication of the dining room to the menu that celebrates local ingredients, this is the place for your principal’s next lunchtime meeting in the West End.

A bit of background:

The Betterment is the newest restaurant from ex-Maze chef Jason Atherton. Atherton’s first restaurant post-Ramsay was Michelin-starred Pollen Street Social, and his latest venture captures the same essence of celebrating British produce in new and exciting ways. Atherton has moved fellow Michelin-starred, ex-Ramsey chef Paul Walsh from City Social to head up the kitchen, where they’ve collaborated on a carefully designed menu to appeal to a wide range of palates.

The food:

There’s no doubt that Atherton has his sights on a Michelin star for the Betterment, and with good reason.

On our lunchtime visit, the attentive staff offered leather-bound menus that showcased a set menu and a la carte options, alongside an extensive cocktail and wine selection.

Atherton and Walsh’s focus on locally-sourced ingredients is illustrated by the comprehensive list of main ingredients within the menu, alongside the exact location they’re sourced from (all in the UK of course). This celebration of British cuisine showcases everything from Scottish langoustines and venison, to kale from Ormskirk.

The first pleasant surprise was the delicious warm, malted bread loaf with salted butter. The second was the attention to detail by the wait staff, exhibited in little touches such as sweeping away crumbs after we’d devoured it, or recollecting the orders of each party and suggesting a wine pairing: all these served to make us feel at home.

We had opted for a couple of meaty main dishes alongside plant-based sides. First up: the ox cheek tortellini. This tender, green pasta was filled to almost-bursting with an incredibly rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling. The dish was completed to perfection with a foam that served to have the dish glisten on the plate.

The highland venison arrived as two tender pieces, accompanied by crispy red cabbage and sweet quince, and a venison jus poured table-side. The combination of the crisp textures, juicy, medium-rare meat with the sauce reminiscent of Christmas dinner. Not overly-gamey and cooked to perfection.

Our side dishes – the confit Basque peppers and the onion flower – were the perfect accompaniment. While the peppers were sweet, soft and juicy, the stand out was the onion. It’s a stunning centrepiece, unfolding from the centre of the plate like a crisp flower. Served alongside a silky mayonnaise, the natural sweetness of the onion perfectly enhanced the crispiness of the fanned layers.

The venue:

The dining room can accommodate a range of dining preferences, from a two-person lunch to a larger party in one of two private spaces, called the Aquarium and the Chairman’s room. The main dining room, with its green and gold colour scheme, succulents and coloured glasses, offers a playful twist on traditional elegance. It’s also cleverly sectioned to enhance a more intimate dining experience, perfect for a relaxed lunch meeting.

The semi-open kitchen showcases an exciting atmosphere without the noise, while little touches such as stools for bags and an impressive wine cart offered up to all tables, are impressive.

In summary:

Whether they’re visiting London and looking for the best of British dining experience, or they’re a local entrepreneur seeking something different to delight the senses, The Betterment will enchant.

Tiger Recruitment’s PA Collective® has specific insights, directory partners, events and an online forum. If you’re interested in applying, click here.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY THE BETTERMENT

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The basics:

20 New Change, London EC4M 9AD

020 3971 2600

theivyasia.com

A snapshot:

The Ivy Asia is one of London’s hottest new restaurants, offering Asian-themed cuisine and extravagant décor that’s designed to impress. Situated in the heart of the City overlooking St. Paul’s Cathedral, this restaurant is a must visit for a principal looking to impress clients with its lavish dining room and location.

A bit of background:

Following the success of Ivy Asia in Manchester, restaurateur Richard Caring has launched his second Ivy Asia site, adding to The Ivy group of now 32 restaurants. Since its opening in November 2019 (on the site which previously housed Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa restaurant), tables have been in high demand. We were lucky enough to find a table for two on a Friday lunchtime, but we did have to book in advance.

The food:

The stylish menu offers diners the option to order both small and large dishes ideal for sharing. From sushi and sashimi to miso black cod and wagyu beef tataki, the selection of dishes recommended to us was just the right amount to leave you feeling satisfied. The waiter gave us some great suggestions to make sure we didn’t miss out on the popular dishes. We enjoyed these for the most part, however the miso black cod was a little underwhelming, which left us wondering that they may need a little more time to perfect this dish.

At first glance, we did query how dishes such as buttermilk chicken made it onto the Asian menu, however, when served with an Asian-inspired twist (avocado and jalapeno sauce in this case), it complemented the other dishes’ flavours perfectly and was absolutely delicious. The small dishes were the highlight of our meal and we could’ve stayed there all afternoon picking at the sharing plates. The prawn skewers were cooked to perfection, while the dumplings were so tasty we ordered two more plates.

The venue:

Ivy Asia is well worth a visit, if only to gawp at the incredible interiors. If you’re looking for wow factor and a destination to impress, this venue has it all. From the illuminated green glass floor to the life-sized samurai statues, the beautiful panoramic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral are barely remarked upon by guests. This extravagant and luxurious setting is the perfect place to entertain clients or celebrate a special occasion.

Based in the middle of London’s corporate hub, the atmosphere at The Ivy Asia is lively and buzzing with excitement no matter the time of day. We visited for weekday lunch, and the restaurant was at capacity, proving this is definitely one of the most popular restaurants in town right now! The restaurant is also in possession of a late license with a DJ until 2am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. If you’re looking to book for a small group, their private dining space (the Edo Room) for 20 showcases spectacular Asian-themed artwork, black and gold accents and an uninterrupted view of St. Paul’s.

In summary:

The Ivy Asia is a glamorous and lavish restaurant serving Asian-inspired dishes, providing a perfect setting for client entertainment.

Image credit: The Ivy Asia

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The Basics

10 Grosvenor Square,

London W1K 6JP

A Snapshot

Lucky Cat is inspired by Tokyo’s 1930s kissas and Shanghai’s drinking dens. These nocturnal music clubs became the playground of the urban youth seeking all things extravagant, new and cutting edge. Asian inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi are crafted in the open kitchen and signature raw carve bar. Each dish is designed to be shared.

A bit of background

Gordon Ramsay is a world-famous Michelin chef from the UK, and one of the largest household names in the industry. He launched his restaurant ‘Lucky Cat’ on June 24^th 2019 and it is now a ‘must be’ spot in Mayfair for A-listers in London.

The food

The food at Lucky Cat takes a twist on the traditional Asian cuisine, while being refined in its presentation and taste. If you are a lover of Asian food, there is certainly something for you. From Sushi, to fish, the finest cut meat, their menu is impressive and expensive. An example of this would be the egg fried rice, which wears a price tag of £20 per portion! We aimed to try different dishes on the menu, to give you an all-round feel of what is being offered at Lucky Cat. To start, we opted for smoked brisket bao, served with yuzu mustard and pickled cucumbers as well as the salmon avocado roll. The brisket was succulent and tender however we felt that the mustard was slightly overpowering for the meat. The salmon roll was just as you would expect with a great portion size and fresh taste.

For our main dishes we opted for the tempura prawn and shiso; whole grilled sea bream and the rare breed beef sirloin. All three dishes were incredibly different but equally as mouth-watering. The fish fell off the bone, the beef melted in our mouths and the tempura was just the right amount of crisp without being greasy.

We agree, that our stand-out dish was the whole sea bream for us both. It seemed to have been grilled over a BBQ and seasoned to perfection. Paired with the (expensive) egg-fried rice, it was the perfect combination.

The venue

We walked up the stairs and were greeted by the doorman. The loud music, darkness, and floodlights made it looked phenomenal. Inside, there was a big neon sign with the Lucky Cat logo, which was great for some pictures. The staff were friendly and seated us straight away. The layout of the restaurant was perfect for families, couples, and groups. We were very comfortable in our large velvet chairs; the Asian inspired décor really lit the room well, accompanied with authentic luxurious ornaments.

In summary

Overall, we had a fantastic time at Lucky Cat. We would recommend this as a great place for business lunches and a dinner for your Principal’s family.

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The basics

4 Redchurch St, London E1 6JL
bratrestaurant.com

A snapshot

Ex-Kitty Fisher’s chef Tomos Parry has ventured out on his own with Brat, a relaxed yet refined outpost in Shoreditch’s culinary corner, Redchurch St. Posh without pretence, this is contemporary British cooking at its best, with an open grill, elegant Spanish flavours and a menu that reads like a map of the Isles. Sophisticated enough for a corporate lunch, Brat is the type of place your principals can disappear into, concentrating on more important matters – what’s on their plate.

A bit of background

Welsh chef Tomos Parry made his name at Kitty Fisher’s, the Mayfair restaurant that has welcomed the likes of David Cameron and Kate Moss through its doors. With Brat, he offers creatives and City workers a chance to indulge in his simple fire-focused cooking, where seasonal ingredients are allowed to shine through a Basque lens. With the food looked after, Tomos teamed up with Dan Keeling of Noble Rot for the wine list, where plenty of left-of-centre options are offered by the glass.

The food

There’s something for everyone on Tomos’ menu, with sharing plates to start and individual mains for when you decide relinquishing even one morsel is way too much. We start with shishito peppers; samphire, melon and Carmarthen ham, and wild rabbit with blood sausage and beans. The ham was the standout and epitomised Tomos’ culinary philosophy – understated yet complex on the palate. The wild rabbit did feel a little heavy-handed on the oil, but with the house bread on hand to soak everything up, we didn’t mind too much.

We opt for individual mains, choosing the Herdwick lamb and lemon sole, with garlic potatoes and red peppers as sides. Both proteins were treated with the utmost respect – the lamb was cooked to perfection and served with sautéed greens, while the lemon sole was finely filleted and balanced beautifully. Were we here with a bigger group, the 1kg turbot would have been our first choice – the signature dish is grilled over charcoal as a whole fish and then rested in the wood oven before being served.

Had we any room left for pudding, we’d be ordering the burnt cheesecake with peaches and lemon tart. We also didn’t opt to indulge in a tipple but were intrigued by the options on offer and would partake upon return. If your principal is a sherry fan, they’ll find a treat within the pages of the drinks menu, with options by the glass and the bottle.

The venue

Brat is situated above another restaurant in a building that used to house a strip club. However, not one ounce of its previous occupants is obvious; when we visit at lunch, the room is bathed in light thanks to large windows that dominate one wall. Wood-panelled walls and timber tables ensure the space is warm and welcoming and despite being packed in close to our dining neighbours, we don’t feel claustrophobic. The service is relaxed yet attentive, with abundant smiles and water glasses constantly refilled. Coupled with the room’s design, Brat’s ambience is one of its shining stars, allowing guests to truly enjoy the experience.

In summary

Brat brings refined British cooking to Shoreditch, offering visitors a polished dining experience sans white napkins and tablecloths. With a seasoned chef at the helm, a wine list that keeps you on your toes and an atmosphere that’s hard to beat, it’s a fantastic option for your principal’s long business lunches or drinks after work.

All photos: Benjamin McMahon

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The basics

Address: High Street, Bray, Berkshire SL6 2AQ

Telephone: +44 1628 580 333

thefatduck.co.uk

A snapshot

The Fat Duck is a brand synonymous with experimentation, liquid nitrogen, multi-sensory adventures and Heston Blumenthal. But while the cynics might presume his flagship restaurant to be little more than extravagant gimmicks and a pricey wine list, we found his three-starred tour de force to be a unique and exhilarating gastronomic experience.

Tiger rating: 4.5/5

Great for: business lunches, social lunches, group dining, special occasions

A bit of background

The experience at three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck begins a month before D-Day, when we receive a questionnaire asking, ‘What makes you feel like a kid in a sweet shop?’ and ‘What nostalgic memory transports you to the moment?’ This proves to be a sign of things to come, as the experience at Fat Duck is ALL about nostalgia, fond childhood memories and the transportation to a different time. Blumenthal’s concept is simple, but the execution is anything but, and while some have criticised him for taking his attention away from the food and towards gimmicks, I’d argue that all these elements – the toys, science and storytelling – are critical elements in waking our inner children.

The food

Upon arrival, the menu (which lists some 17, 18, or 19 courses) is presented as a map. We are informed by the ‘storyteller’ (yes, that’s the official job title) that we are all travelling together on a summer holiday to the seaside. Each course represents a particular experience on the trip. We opted for the wine pairing, which ventured beyond the classic champagne, white and red to options such as orange wine and sake. For me, the wide range of alcohol was a little excessive. If I had my time again, I’d choose one nice bottle and stick to it.

The menu (or map) is made up of the following:

1. The day before we go: Are we nearly there?

2. Morning: Rise and Shine, it’s breakfast time

3. Mid-morning: First one to see the sea

4. Afternoon: If you go down to the woods today

5. Evening: Are you ready for dinner

6. Bedtime: Of to the land of nod

7. And then to dream

At each of these stages, we enjoy between one and five courses – all of which are introduced by our storyteller. Intermittently, we are surprised by a nostalgic memento they’ve prepared (a result of the questionnaire we had filled out ahead of time). For example, I had mentioned that apple trees and pine cones reminded me of childhood memories; at one point a mini apple tree took centrestage, as pine-scented dry ice enveloped the table.

At breakfast time, we enjoy an eighties-style breakfast menu in the form of a ‘variety pack’ of cereal, ‘tea’ and ‘coffee’. As to be expected, nothing is what it seems. The cereal represents crunchy morsels of full English flavoured breakfast bites. The hot drinks are, in fact, half hot, half cold creations.

Our trip to the seaside is a thrill. We enjoy ice creams, chase crabs in rock pools and listen to the waves crashing on the shore. In literal terms, this translates to salmon, avocado and horseradish ‘twisters’, crab and passionfruit 99’s, crab velouté, and the famed ‘Sound of the Sea’. The latter actually involves plugging in earphones and listening to waves crashing. A favourite moment involved watching the waiter pour velouté over the crab ‘shell’ and seeing it dissolve as the storyteller explained that the naughty little crabs ran away.

The trip to the woods received mixed reviews among our party. Our first mushroom-based course wasn’t well received, however the hotly awaited mock turtle soup was every bit as delicious as we’d hoped, as was the toast sandwich.

So far, it’s been a fantastic day out, but our storyteller informs us we need to dress for our three-course dinner. We go on to enjoy the more ‘traditional’ dishes of the evening – and they are exemplary. It occurred to me that Heston might use this moment to smirk at those who accuse him of hiding behind gimmicks: there’s no doubt that he can do classic fine dining with the rest of them. The results are a perfect balance of texture, flavour and decadence.

At bedtime, the lights above our table dim and lullabies start to play. A sleepy-looking white dish arrives on a floating pillow (literally). While outstanding in its presentation, the dish was a bit milky for all our tastes.

To conclude, a dolls house-style sweet shop is trundled over to our table as the storyteller cranks the leaver, prompting various drawers to pop open and bestow us with the final quirky treats of the day.

The venue

The venue was refurbished in 2015 following a £2.7m renovation but, on first impression, the fruits of their investment are not obvious. The physical venue is, simply put, underwhelming. Perhaps the money went towards research and kitchen equipment instead?

The restaurant is easily accessed from London and is handily located near Heathrow Airport. One member of our lunch party even took a 15-minute cab to the airport directly from the restaurant. There is also an excellent selection of lodges and B&Bs nearby to which you can retreat afterwards.

In summary

Everything about the food, the menu and the experience was thrilling. Personally, I loved the attention to detail and the personalisation of the menu to our individual preferences. If I were to return, I’d make a couple of changes. Firstly, I’d go for a walk afterwards. Secondly, I’d steer away from the wine pairing. The combination of champagne, sake, white wine, red wine, orange wine and dessert wine was just a little excessive for the senses, when sitting alongside the sheer variety of the food.

PAs, if you’re planning a trip yourselves – or for your principal – it’s an unforgettable and unique experience. A tip: ask the restaurant to surprise them with a tour of the wine cellar before the food is served. It’s a treat.

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The basics

21 Heddon Street, Mayfair, London, W1B 4BG
+44 207 287 4029

A snapshot

Nestled in the pedestrianised Heddon Street, just seconds from the hustle and bustle of Regent Street, Piccolino is a homage to everything Italians hold dear – good food, good wine and good company. With three distinct dining spaces – including an expansive streetside terrace – it has everything you could need from an Italian feast.

A bit of background

Piccolino Heddon Street is one of 21 Piccolino restaurants peppered throughout the UK, all of which sit under the Individual Restaurants banner. While different in design and offering, each venue is united by an appreciation for the simplicity of Italian ingredients, offering seasonal menus that span from salumi boards and antipasti to pasta, pizza and secondi. With all the usual suspects appearing throughout – bruschetta, burrata or bistecca, anyone? – a visit will transport you to the cobblestones of the boot-shaped country with just one bite.

The food

Indecisive eaters be warned: you’re going to need to do some research. Piccolino’s menu spans seven pages – and that doesn’t include dessert. We’re there for a lazy lunch, so opt for both starters and mains. While the antipasti plate, stacked high with the likes of fennel salami, parma ham, bresaola, buffalo mozzarella, Sardinian pecorino and truffle honey, is incredibly tempting, we choose two of the antipasti options – grilled asparagus with soft-poached egg and herb breadcrumbs and beef carpaccio with Venetian dressing, rocket and Grana Padano shavings.

The asparagus was fresh, perfectly al dente and enhanced by the runny egg and texture of the breadcrumbs. The carpaccio was texturally opposite but just as balanced, with exactly the right amount of rocket to cut through the richness of the beef and Grana Padano.
From there, it was onto the mains. The ravioli granchio showcased the distinction of ingredients beautifully, with hand-made parcels coated in a simple yet sophisticated chilli, lemon and shellfish butter. The classic Sicilian flavours of the tuna were executed beautifully and when paired with a couple of sides, made for a healthy yet hedonistic option.

The venue

The simplicity of the menu isn’t mirrored by the restaurant’s design – instead, it’s an opulent dedication to the palazzos of the Italian elite. The large terrace features both booths and tables but is generally shaded, meaning you can graze on your antipasti without worrying about the cheese melting in front of your eyes. Upon entering, it’s impossible to miss the gilded bar running along the back of the space, where bartenders in bow ties mix up negronis and Aperol spritzes. Diners that sit to the right of the space are given a front-row look at the culinary magic happening in the open kitchen, where the well-oiled team of chefs turn out dishes with precision and care.

Downstairs sits the multi-use cicchetti bar, which can also be hired out for events or dinners, sitting up to 100 guests. Every Friday and Saturday night, sharing plates and Venetian tapas are consumed while listening to the tunes of a resident DJ, offering the perfect way to welcome the weekend.

In summary

With a central location, expansive menu, diverse dining areas and dedicated event managers, Piccolino has everything your principal needs for an large Italian culinary adventure. Whether it’s a team lunch, after-work drinks or 100-strong celebration, it has something for every occasion.

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The basics

16 Bury Street, London, SW1Y 6AJ
+44 207 930 6767
www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk

A snapshot

Quaglino’s is a long-standing feature on St. James’s social scene which is famed for its nightlife among its more sedate neighbours. PAs, Quaglino’s is a great choice if you’re looking for an evening of entertainment as a backdrop to your dining experience.

Tiger rating: 3.5/5

Great for: Entertaining evening guests

A bit of background

Quaglino’s began life back in 1929 when Italian restaurateur Giovanni Quaglino first founded the venue, and throughout its colourful history it has regularly attracted a long list of royalty and A-lister guests.

Since then, it has undergone various makeovers and today, its décor harks back to a by-gone era of opulence, grandeur and affluence. It’s the perfect backdrop for evening of dining and entertainment, but lunch guests may feel like they’re at the dress rehearsal.

The food

Our party arrived at Quaglino’s for a lunch meeting; upon arrival we were enthusiastically greeted by attentive hosts before being guided down a gold, red carpeted sweeping staircase into the opulent main dining room.

We ordered off the a la carte lunch menu, which has a succinct array of elaborate contemporary European dishes that cater for meat eaters, pescatarians and vegetarians alike, yet with no particular theme or apparent speciality.

When we booked our table, we were asked whether our party had any dietary requirements or special requests – one vegetarian and no truffle, we said – and our waiter astutely confirmed our requests while we browsed the menu.

But when we ordered the deliciously creamy cauliflower velouté to start, it arrived without the parmesan tuile and girolle mushrooms that were listed on the menu, which was a bizarre confusion with our dietary requests. A small apology followed with no offer to replace the dish or remove it from the bill.

Aside from this faux pas by the waiter, who was otherwise reliable, the several other dishes ordered were good; the rump of lamb was just the right amount of pink and was accompanied with a divine jus that was full of deep flavours, making this dish the highlight.

We were also impressed by the chicken terrine, which was rich, meaty and everything that a terrine should be; but again, the menu described a ‘pickled vegetable’ accompaniment that didn’t appear on the plate.

And then there was the pan-fried cod with mussels: although the fish was plump and beautifully cooked, it rested in an exceedingly salty mustard-coloured broth which felt unnecessary for the delicate fish flavour.

Perhaps we wouldn’t have noticed these slipups had we been distracted by an evening show, but for our afternoon lunch, they were too notable to ignore.

The venue

Nothing about Quaglino’s is understated; from its dramatic lighting, underground labyrinth of dining areas and Hollywood icons adorning the walls, to its huge central bar with oversized vases and gilded stage complete with velvet curtains – it is certainly out to impress.

And it is impressive – it’s hard to imagine what lies beneath its sober exterior – yet this extravagance creates a feeling of expectation which, without the buzz of the evening clientele beautifying the sumptuous bars, makes the atmosphere feel quite sedate.

It’s all so carefully choreographed: the décor, the waiters, the lights, the bar… It feels as it could easily be a film set. And on the day we dined, there were various photoshoots in private dining areas taking place, which only contributed to this.

So, in all, would we recommend Quaglino’s? Yes, certainly. It’s a beautiful venue which comes alive at night. But PAs, your principals might not be as impressed at lunchtime without the accompanying entertainment.

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The Basics:

15 Berkeley St, Mayfair, London W1J 8DY
020 7290 9222
noburestaurants.com/london-berkeley-st/home/

A snapshot:

Situated amongst Mayfair’s premium sushi restaurants, Nobu is a jewel in the crown of high-end Japanese food, just off Berkeley Square. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch-time bite, or a lavish five course meal, Nobu caters to all requirements and will satisfy any sushi lover.

A bit of background:

Nobu is the world’s most recognised Japanese restaurant, known for its innovative new style and cult celebrity following. Founded by world-renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and A-lister Robert De Niro, Nobu is sleek, sophisticated and chic. With restaurants located all over the globe, it’s a name at the forefront of most cities’ culinary landscapes, and for good reason. Whether you’re looking for a modern take on Japan’s finest, or a luxurious place to stay at a Nobu hotel, this popular chain has it all.

The food:

At first glance, the menu may seem overwhelming with a large variety of Japanese delicacies on offer. However, the staff are on hand to guide you through and offer recommendations to suit, in a charming, friendly and efficient way. As this was our first visit, our waiter was extremely helpful and recommended we opt for variations of the bento box: one Classic and one Deluxe. This turned out to be the perfect choice, as we had many popular dishes to savour.

Both bento boxes arrived as a pair, with one cold platter and one hot. The cold platters offered an array of assorted sushi, beautifully served and mouth-wateringly fresh. As well as the sushi, the cold Classic platter was accompanied by a sashimi salad topped with a marvellous Matsuhisa dressing. The Deluxe served a best-selling toro sashimi salad yuzu miso – a personal highlight of our visit.

The hot courses followed, made up of three different dishes per box. Nobu’s signature black cod with miso is a real treat and one not to be missed in the classic bento box. Alongside the richly-flavoured cod were spiced vegetables with rice and delicious creamy tiger shrimp. We would recommend the Deluxe for meat lovers: the superb and succulent grilled beef tenderloin teriyaki was an absolute winner! Served medium-rare, perfectly pink and expertly executed, but we wouldn’t expect anything else from the master of sushi himself. Accompanied by spicy garlic scallops and langoustine tempura, this finished off our meal in an equally flavourful way.

This lunch for two was the perfect showcase of Nobu’s finest. We were able to try out numerous dishes which we found to be faultless combinations. Thanks to generous portions and great service, we left incredibly satisfied.

The venue:

We found Nobu to be welcoming with a friendly buzz, making it ideal for an intimate business meeting or social occasion. Unassuming from the outside, the restaurant is a large space spread across two floors. On the first level, a stylish bar caters for both relaxed business meetings and casual drinks. The open-plan second floor is spacious and bright, with a wall of windows overlooking the buzz of Berkeley Street.

In summary:

Perfectly understated from the outside while delivering on perfect flavours and execution, Nobu is an ideal venue for your principal when seeking a quiet but atmospheric lunch spot.

All images supplied by Nobu

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The basics

Park Chinois

17 Berkeley St, London W1J 8EA

parkchinois.com

A snapshot

Reminiscent of a Gatsby era speakeasy with a far east twist, Park Chinois is culinary endeavour into an indulgent past. Equal parts fine dining and jazz club, this establishment transports you to another time and place entirely.

Great for: business lunches, social lunches, group dining, special occasions

What you can expect

Dim Sum but make it gourmet. Peeking into the menu, you are assaulted with options. Exciting, and at times overwhelming, there is something for everyone. Whet your palette with the Chef Selection Dim Sum – truffle, caviar, and sea scallop – four perfectly portioned bites of fusion flavours. The Wagyu beef gyoza are not to be missed – the crunchy dumpling parcel perfectly complements the delicate flavour of the beef. The salt and pepper squid is an upmarket take on a familiar favourite. The hand-pulled Ho Fun noodles with slow braised angus beef and braised crispy 5 spice pork belly are a delight. With an infinite combination of plates, this menu inspires the diner to imagine the possibilities – both in the future and in the past…

The venue

Now let’s get to the point – most of us are here for a show. Low tables, red velvet seating, and mirror-panelled walls pull you into the dining room – you are here for the long haul, so get comfortable. The Salon de Chine offers weeknight dining with live jazz. The music is pleasant, unobtrusive and provides the backdrop for an evening of good company. Downstairs, the Club Chinois is the main event – a dimly lit cabaret performance where dancers and acrobats contort themselves on tables.

This is Shanghai’s answer to Moulin Rouge.

This is not your familiar neighbourhood dim sum spot.

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The basics

8-10 Pollen Street, Mayfair
London W1S 1NQ
020 7290 7600
www.pollenstreetsocial.com/

A snapshot

Housed in a Georgian house just moments off bustling Regent Street, Pollen Street Social does a roaring business lunch trade, offering a spot for clients to indulge in Michelin-star dining without the stiff tablecloths and uptight service. The diverse set of menus celebrates the best of British produce, paired with a comprehensive wine list that’s sure to tickle even the pickiest of taste buds.

A bit of background

Pollen Street was the launchpad for Jason Atherton’s restaurant empire, his first solo venture after leaving Gordon Ramsay’s kitchen way back in 2011. Since then, he’s opened restaurants in far-flung culinary hotspots, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Dubai and St Moritz, as well as expanded his hold over London with Social Eating House, City Social and Hai Cenato, amongst others. Pollen Street set the standard for what was to come – it received its first Michelin star within six months of opening, a feat followed by Social Eating House and City Social.

The food

Menus span from the three-course lunch menu to the nine-course tasting extravaganza, with the option for a la carte sitting squarely in the middle. There are also vegetarian and vegan-specific menus for those looking to stick to plants.

Regardless of your dietary requirements, each menu reads like a random collection of Michelin-level pantry ingredients. However, the skill of Jason and Head Chef Dale Bainbridge lies in bringing them together to create dishes that are, to quote one of our group, ‘bloody tasty’. As with most starred menus, servings are delicately sized, but rich in flavour and texture, leaving no-one wanting.

There’s an emphasis on British seasonality, with the menu detailing just how far the ingredients have travelled to get to your plate – suckling pig travels just 289 miles from Cumbria, while cultured butter originates just 56 miles away in Oxfordshire.

We open with a selection of amuse bouches, a riff on the traditional English high tea, setting the tone for what’s to come. While all the starters we enjoyed were impressive, the pressed Norfolk quail and duck liver, served with truffle-dressed vegetables and a liver toastie; and raw Orkney sea scallop with pickled kohlrabi and nashi pear, are the standouts. While sitting at opposite ends of the decadence spectrum, both are executed beautifully, with refined touches that elevate each bite.

The mains are equally as inspiring – while initially dubious of the chocolate vinegar served with a saddle of fallow deer, it proved a masterstroke, adding a tartness to the tender protein. The seabass is also cooked perfectly, served with shellfish fondue and crushed potatoes. We interrupt our journey towards dessert with a detour to cheese – presented in all its glory on a drinks trolley. The waiter is excellent at explaining the provenance and peculiarities of each block, before slicing off magnificent morsels for us to nibble on.

Disappointingly, dessert is where Pollen Street falls short – the pistachio soufflé is overly sweet, despite the 70% chocolate accompaniment. Luckily, the wine more than makes up for this oversight – the sommelier takes on the preferences of our party and exceeds all expectations, leading one of us to take note of her suggestions for next time.

The venue

Pollen Street Social is split into two minimalist dining rooms – the first dominated by a dark-wood bar and the second surrounded by contemporary art and linen hangings. Despite the number of people in each room, it’s never overly noisy, nor too quiet – the perfect atmosphere for a business lunch. Should your principal be looking for something a little more intimate, there’s also a private dining room downstairs, which also doubles up as a sommelier’s room, should they be wine-inclined. It looks through to the development kitchen, where Jason and Dale’s team experiment with new combinations.

In summary

Pollen Street is the ultimate business meeting destination. It’s private enough to discuss confidential matters, yet buzzy enough to impress, with a beautiful British menu to boot. With the option for a quick lunch, or a lazy afternoon working through the nine courses of the tasting menu in the private dining room, there’s something for every principal.

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The Basics

Münsterhof 8,

8001 Zürich

Snapshot

The Zunfthaus zur Waag, based in the heart of Zurich’s old town, is one of the hottest addresses in the city when it comes to Swiss cuisine. From classic “Züri Geschnätzlets” with Rösti to “Kalbsleberli”, this guildhall combines all Swiss culinary classics. The restaurant offers an authentic piece of Zurich history served on a plate and embraces the hospitality in this historic 17^th century house.

A Bit of Background

The Zunfthaus zur Waag was the meeting place of the linen and wool weavers from 1440 and a place where people used to come and go, meet, eat and drink while discussing political, economic and social subjects. Since 1636 it has been a restaurant and, until today, people continue to do the same as they did in the old days –dine, drink, chat and debate together. It is an inspiring house; you can feel the history as soon as entering the imposing building.

The Food

The food at the Zunfthaus is a variation on traditional Swiss cuisine while at the same time sophisticated in presentation and taste.

As a starter, we enjoyed oven-baked pumpkin topped with goat cheese and walnuts on an apple-celery salad, alongside a truffled celery soup.

For the main course, we adored the traditional sliced veal “Zurich style” with Rösti  and the Swiss whitefish fillet with lemon dill butter, young leaf spinach and boiled potatoes.

To complete the meal, a Swiss chocolate souffle served on raspberry and vanilla sauce.

Needless to say, the dishes were absolutely delicious!

The Venue

Even from the outside, the Zunfthaus zur Waag stands out in contrast to the other buildings. The old weaver’s house is painted in discreet light blue and every window seems to be illuminated. Upon entering, a high and heavy iron door must first be opened before climbing the stone stairs up to the second floor, where the restaurant is located. Once there, we were greeted by the maître d’, our coats were collected and we were quickly escorted to our table. The hall is furnished in dark blue tones with wooden elements, giving it a charming elegance.

In Summary

Overall, we had a wonderful evening. The atmosphere was very friendly and welcoming. We would highly recommend the Zunfthaus zur Waag as a superb place for both business lunches and special occasions with families or friends.

The post In Review: Zunfthaus zur Waag appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

We sat down with one of our PA Collective® partners, Chapman Freeborn, to chat about how COVID-19 has changed private air travel. Chapman Freeborn is one of the leading private jet charter firms, with incredible 24-hour global flight support and offices worldwide. Read on for an insight into the world of private jet travel during a global pandemic.

Private air travel during a pandemic Q+A

How has the experience of private air travel changed due to the pandemic?

With continually changing entry requirements for different countries — including European countries — our passengers have to be prepared for additional health and safety precautions at the airports and onboard the aircraft. Passengers may be required to wear masks and gloves at some private jet terminals. They may need to fill in additional health forms and even go through random COVID-19 tests on arrival to some countries. We are working hard to minimise the impact of this by staying in regular contact with our passengers and guiding them through the rules and procedures. However, clients remain responsible for following government regulations.

Where are the top destinations clients want to travel to right now?

At the moment, we see a lot of demand for Croatia, Montenegro, the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Palma are the top) as well as Cote D’Azur. Greece is popular, however, due to strict rules on arrival and the late opening for UK traffic, Greece missed out as the initial wave of holidaymakers went elsewhere. We see some demand for Portugal as well, but it would have been more significant if Portugal was on the UK’s safe-countries list.

Are there any countries that are easier or more difficult to fly to right now?

Greece is currently amongst the most challenging countries in Europe as they perform random COVID-19 tests on arrival. Most other countries in Europe are much easier to get into and have more or less the same entry requirements.

What are the top reasons people are travelling now? For example, is it for business, leisure or health reasons?

Most of our passengers are currently travelling for leisure. We see growing demand from people who have never been on a private jet but are able to afford it — they want to stay away from crowded airports and travel privately for health and safety reasons.

Are there any interesting/surprising trends you’ve seen throughout the pandemic?

The most interesting trend is the growing demand from first-time flyers — people who have never considered flying private before. With new technologies in place and effective trip management systems, we can offer trips at heavily discounted rates — some of our clients have been pleasantly surprised at what they can afford. Private jets are designed to carry smaller groups of people who would be comfortable to fly close to one another.

How do you see for the future of private air travel?

We are confident that the private jet charter market will see substantial growth in the next two years. We will see more clients who will be using this service once or twice a year for their holiday travels instead of frequent, low-cost flights. We’ve seen clients who would not want to go back to scheduled flights after flying private, and we think this will become the new trend.

If you’re interested in accessing preferential rates and a personal introduction to Chapman Freeborn, apply to the PA Collective® today!

The post How the pandemic has changed private air travel appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Where do you send a principal who seems to have holidayed everywhere? We asked Osborne & Denée, one of UK’s most exclusive travel agencies and our PA Collective® partner, to share their top trending hotel destinations for 2020. From traditional glam through to minimalist contemporary destinations, there’s something on the list for your principal’s next jaunt.

Six Senses – Kaplankaya, Turkey

The Turkish Aegean coast is known for its clear blue waters, beaches and ancient olive groves. Just north of Bodrum (a city fast becoming known for its celebrity visitors), there is quieter Kaplankaya, an oasis for those who want to leave the hustle and bustle behind. Breathtaking mountains and sea views surround the Six Senses hotel resort and spa, a five-star complex with sustainability at its heart. Initiatives like its onsite water filtration and bottling facilities, fruit and vegetable garden and funds for local projects come part in parcel with the Six Senses name. The property itself is a modernist dream with floor-to-ceiling windows in suites and residential villas with all the mod-cons.

Aman Resort – Sveti Stefan, Montenegro

If your principal has a penchant for the beautiful, historical and isolated, this is the place to book. Sveti Stefan is an area along the central coast of Montenegro that has the best of wild mountains and the beautiful Adriatic Sea, all less than an hour from Tivat airport. The area of the resort is spread across Villa Milocer, a refurbished former royal residence on the mainland, and Sveti Stefan island, a historical fishing village filled with refurbished luxury cottages and suites.

On the island, each residence has been uniquely repurposed for ultimate luxury, in keeping with the charm and serene atmosphere of the area. If you choose a suite within Villa Milocer on the mainland, there is a communal living room, meeting room and a library. There are also three restaurants, two pools, a full-equipped spa, Turkish bath and, for ultimate relaxation, a yoga pavilion, to provide a holiday fit for former owner Queen Marija Karadjordjevic herself.

IMAGE CREDIT: AMAN SVETI STEFAN

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc – Antibes, France

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is a legendary resort along the glittering Cote d’Azur, but is included on this list because old-world glamour is never out of style! With luxury rooms, suites and villas, as well as 33 private, secluded cabanas on offer, there is a room perfect for every family’s needs. Opulence is the word, with the grand hotel flanked by beautiful gardens, six bars and lounges, and two restaurants with incredible views. The spa caters for both adults and children, so even the littlies can be pampered. Concierges are on hand to share specific knowledge of the area, so your principal can make the most of their time in the French Riviera.

Cheval Blanc – St-Tropez

You can’t go wrong with a weekend in St Tropez, but the Cheval Blanc will guarantee an uber-luxe experience for your principal. The hotel has recently renovated their rooms to the highest standards with blue and gold accents, floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping balconies and incredible views. The hotel also promises extreme privacy with their Exclusive Privacy rooms. Their stunning private beach will complete the relaxing experience.

Mandarin Oriental – Canouan

Accessible only from Barbados or St Vincent, the sprawling Mandarin Oriental resort is located along Godahl Beach on the tiny island of Canouan – and offers a true Caribbean oasis to those seeking complete seclusion. In comparison to popular Barbados, St Lucia or Grenada, the island has all the benefits of crystal-clear water, white-sand beaches and mountain views, without the tourists. The hotel showcases a limited number of suites and villas, thereby providing an exclusive hideaway for your principal. That said, the resort doesn’t lack in amenities: it boasts five restaurants and bars within the hotel complex, with a further four restaurants on the 1200-acre estate.

IMAGE CREDIT: YOTAM SANDAK FOR EDEN ROCK

Eden-Rock – St Barths

Re-opening in November 2019 after Hurricane Irma devastated the French Caribbean in 2017, everything at Eden-Rock is brand new. Its 37 rooms and villas have been rebuilt with modern styling and contemporary décor, all the while maintaining its luxurious ambience and rich history. Eden-Rock is your best bet if you want to send your principal somewhere chic and unexpected, as the hotel is full of surprises (the hotel being built on an actual rock is just the beginning).

Joali – Maldives

With over 1000 islands to choose from, deciding on a destination in the Maldives can be a daunting task. If your principal is looking for something that is unique in personality within a luxury setting, take a look at Joali on the tiny island of Muravandhoo. This five-star resort boasts uniquely-decorated villas, guaranteeing you the perfect room for your principal’s individual taste. The resort also offers a host of special excursions and wellness activities around the island alongside a children-friendly spa.

Jumby Bay – Antigua

Imagine a candlelit dinner on a secluded beach at dusk, paired with a delicious five-course bespoke tasting menu. If your principal is looking for a romantic holiday like no other, Jumby Bay in the tropical West Indies should be on your list. Isolated but beautiful, the island is a car-free zone and only accessible by boat. Four restaurants service 40 rooms, 21 private residences and a handful of luxury villas, in addition to the Jumby Bay farm which offers an organic kitchen farm and garden. It’s the perfect hide-away escape!

Join the PA Collective® today in order to secure preferential rates from Osborne & Denée! Send your CV and LinkedIn profile to pacollective@tiger-recruitment.co.uk to apply.

HEADER IMAGE CREDIT: SIX SENSES KAPLANKAYA

The post Osborne & Denée’s top hotels to book in 2020 appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

It is no secret that London offers a fine selection of restaurants serving food from all around the world. Whether you are looking to impress a client, entertain your colleagues after a day in the office, or socialise with friends at the weekend, London has a plethora of options to choose from.

But with so many restaurant options in the capital, it’s hard to know which to choose. So to make the decision process easier for you, we’ve collated a list of the 20 best restaurants in London right now.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury London eatery, a restaurant with an affordable and versatile menu or a particular type of cuisine, we’ve got you covered.

Below is our list of the best restaurants in London in 2022, let’s explore all of them in more detail.

• Aqua Shard
• Coppa Club
• Darwin Brasserie
• Duck & Waffle
• Aviary London
• Bob Bob Ricard
• Sexy fish
• Hakkasan
• Quaglino’s
• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
• Kol
• Amazonico
• Chiltern Firehouse
• Arepa & Co
• Comptoir Libanais
• Sartori
• Bayleaf restaurant
• Kenza
• Padella
• Din Tai Fung

 London restaurants with a view

• Aqua Shard

Located on level 31 of the Shard, this restaurant offers a stunning view of London, serving contemporary British cuisine. The elegant atmosphere and unrivalled views will surely make for a memorable dining experience.

• Coppa Club

Situated near Tower Bridge, Coppa Club offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, serving European-inspired menu. Perhaps its most distinctive feature is the option of booking an Igloo facing the stunning views, and enjoying a private and special experience.

• Darwin Brasserie

Darwin Brasserie is London’s highest rooftop brasserie, located on floor 36 of the renowned Sky Garden. Offering an all-day dining option, you can enjoy the very best of British food whilst admiring the incredible views.

• Duck & Waffle

Located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, in the heart of The City, Duck & Waffle offers British cuisine with European influences. You will surely enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by the breath-taking views and 24/7 service!

• Aviary London

Rated 4 of 5 stars on Trip Advisor, this iconic rooftop is located in Finsbury Square, and offers a unique cocktail and dining experience whilst enjoying London’s skyline.

Best luxury London restaurants

• Bob Bob Ricard

This luxury British and Russian inspired restaurant based in the heart of Soho, will be an experience you’ll remember. From the exquisite décor to the very unique feature of a ‘press for champagne’ button present in every table of the restaurant; you will be impressed!

• Sexy fish

This Asian restaurant located in Mayfair is known for holding the world’s biggest collection of Japanese whisky. Serving Japanese-inspired sushi, sashimi, seafood, fish and meat cooked on a Robata grill, you’ll have plenty of choice for a luxury dining experience.

• Hakkasan

Hakkasan is a Chinese restaurant which first opened in Fitzrovia, London, and is now present in several countries worldwide. The menu is a balance of signature dishes and an Only At collection that is exclusive for each location. The elegant design and a curated playlist will ensure that you have a truly immersive experience.

• Quaglino’s

This iconic brasserie-style restaurant in the heart of St. James has hosted royalty and nobility and will surely offer you an incredible fine dining experience. Quaglino’s is spread out over two bars and a restaurant, and you can enjoy live music and entertainment until late.

• Restaurant Gordon Ramsay

Ramsay’s three Michelin stars dining experience will be one for the books! The restaurant offers modern French cuisine using the best seasonal ingredients, the décor is also modern and elegant, and the dress code is strictly smart.

• Kol

This fine-dining restaurant situated in Marylebone offers a unique experience, combining the flavour of Mexican cuisine with British ingredients. Each part of the décor has been carefully selected to allow guests to escape the buzz of London. One of the core values of Kol, is to have an authentic approach, using simple flavours in bold combinations.

• Amazonico

If you’re looking for a full immersion in the Amazon without leaving London, Amazonico is a must! This breath-taking restaurant combines tropical and Latin American cuisines whilst also being inspired by the Asian and Mediterranean communities which inhabit the Amazon. You’ll be able to enjoy some live band performances or be entertained by the DJs in the Bar & Lounge.

• Chiltern Firehouse

This glamourous Michelin restaurant offers contemporary cuisine with an underlying American accent. The ambience of Chiltern Firehouse feels relaxed and familiar whilst still being luxurious and high end. Enjoy an exquisite breakfast, lunch, or dinner, accompanied by fancy cocktails.

Best affordable restaurants in London

• Arepa & Co

With two locations in Haggerston and Bethnal Green, Arepa & Co’s mission is to make Londoners fall in love with arepas and Venezuelan food. With a great variety in the menu and an affordable price, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the Venezuelan culture and flavours.

• Comptoir Libanais

This Lebanese restaurant offers several locations across London. You will be able to enjoy authentic Lebanese food, from breakfast to dinner, served in a fun and welcoming environment.

• Sartori

If you want a taste of authentic Italian food, Sartori is the place to visit. Based in the heart of Covent Garden, you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff, and will be able to enjoy a variety of fresh Italian food and Neapolitan pizza for a very affordable price. You’ll almost feel as if you are in Italy!

• Bayleaf restaurant

This contemporary Indian restaurant in the centre of East Barnet ranks no.5 on Trip Advisor, and their vision is to offer a stunning dining experience, with an exclusive menu and the finest ingredients. They also refresh their menu every 3 months to really offer a unique experience in each season.

• Kenza

In the heart of the City, Kenza offers a unique dining experience with its authentic Lebanese and Middle-Eastern cuisine. The décor is absolutely stunning, and you’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment on weekends and belly dancing. It’s the perfect spot for a small dinner or a corporate event.

• Padella

This lovely Italian restaurant located in Southwark offers fresh pasta dishes, and it’s considered to be the catalyst for London’s fresh pasta revolution. They provide a daily menu to appeal to different preferences, and you’ll be able to enjoy some authentic Italian pasta for an incredibly affordable price.

• Din Tai Fung

With over 160 restaurants worldwide, Din Tai Fung is notorious for making ‘the world’s best dumplings’. From the menu to the atmosphere, to the food preparation, every detail is carefully crafted to provide a unique experience of the Chinese culture.

As this list reveals, London offers some unique and memorable dining experiences catering for an array of different tastes, and offers you the chance to immerse yourself in a variety of different cultures, enjoy!

Are you looking for an exciting new role in London? Get in touch with us today.

The post The best 20 restaurants in London right now appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and, since the month of love is fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about gift ideas!

We have collated a list of gift ideas to suit HNWI and their families, from the one with sweet tooth cravings to the one who loves staycation getaways.

If your Principal is big on gift giving, why not reach out to our PA Collective partner, The Gift Consultancy London, who use their extensive knowledge and expertise to source the perfect gift, tailored to the unique preferences of the recipient.

Neill Strain

Sourced from their Dutch grower with the special addition of hypericum berries, eucalyptus and wax flower included, this exquisite bouquet from Neill Strain is the perfect gift for those who appreciate beautiful flowers. What better way to say ‘I love you’ than with two dozen red roses?

Boodles

Heritage jewellery brand, Boodles, is the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Explore their Valentine’s range here for inspiration.

Bulgari Hotel

The Bulgari brand has hotels based in several locations, including London’s Knightsbridge.

Guests are spoilt with a spa, swimming pool and gym, a beauty salon, cigar shop, and a cinema alongside restaurants and bars. A spa day at the hotel would be the ideal wellness gift.

Fortnum & Mason

Complete with champagne and a variety of sweet and savoury treats ranging from biscuits, chocolate selection boxes, chocolate-covered raspberries and caviar, there’s something for everyone in a Fortnum & Mason’s Valentine’s hamper.

Untold Story Travel

Perfect for someone who loves to travel, why not let luxury travel agency Untold Story Travel curate a bespoke trip? With established knowledge and expertise with authentic travel experiences for their clients, the recipient will experience fully immersive adventures in their dream destination.

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Are you a private PA looking for a new role? Or looking for some extra support? Tiger can help – get in touch today.

The post A Valentine’s Gift Guide for your Principal appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

With seasonal festivities just around the corner, it’s time for PAs, EAs or Lifestyle managers to start thinking about how to bring people back together again.

Peppermint Diva, one of Tiger’s PA Collective® partners, is a full-service events agency that specialises in designing bespoke events and celebrations for both private and corporate clients. If you’re looking to organise anything from an intimate gathering to a fully-fledged party for your Principal this festive season, Peppermint Diva’s creative and thoughtful approach will turn it into a truly memorable event.

With decades of experience working exclusively in the private and corporate arena, Peppermint Diva delivers highly personalised events; from baby showers, weddings and children’s parties to large-scale investor events and corporate parties. As well as incorporating every thoughtful personal touch or detail your Principal requires, the Peppermint Diva team is dedicated to providing sustainably sourced goods, as well as using local suppliers whenever possible.

“It was a true pleasure working with Antonia from Peppermint Diva! She made the process of planning the event seamless and stress-free and the day so magical that it will be remembered by all forever.” – Tiger’s PA client

Peppermint Diva’s top tips for entertaining in the 2021 festive season

• Make ‘reconnection’ your theme – focus on bringing the right people together in the right way, even if this means a reduced guest list or a more intimate event
• Indulge your guests – treat your guests to something extra special to commemorate the return to celebrating and entertaining
• Think sustainable – post-pandemic there’s been a real drive for more conscious consumption so always go for the more sustainable option whenever possible
• Don’t forget about COVID-19 – keep Coronavirus related health & safety concerns at the forefront of your planning
• Have fun! – good times have been few and far between over the last 18 months so try to inject as much fun as possible so everyone leaves with a smile.

About the PA Collective

The PA Collective® is an exclusive members-only group for Tiger’s eligible personal assistants, private personal assistants, executive assistants, lifestyle managers and talent personal assistants. Members benefit from exclusive events, access to a preferred partner directory and a community forum. To apply online, click here.

Does your Christmas to-do list also involve hiring temporary staff for the holiday season? Tiger Private’s temporary division can help! Get in touch today.

The post Bring everyone together this festive season appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

In London, we’re blessed with thousands of fantastic restaurants with diet-specific menus, but how do you choose the right one for your principal? We’ve found five of the best vegetarian restaurants in London, perfect for a business lunch, dinner or after-work drinks.

Malibu Kitchen at the Ned, Bank

https://www.thened.com/restaurants

This is an easy choice if your principal is entertaining guests from out of town, as this restaurant is located in The Ned and boasts impressive high ceilings and décor. One of eight restaurants in the building, Malibu Kitchen’s Californian-inspired menu is half vegetarian or vegan, giving your principal a lot of choice when it comes to their main meal. Beetroot tartare, courgette ribbons, watermelon and heritage tomato salad feature on the menu, with avocado and kale used in a variety of ways. Make sure you request one of the booths by the window if booking for a small group, as this spot will give the lunch an intimate feel.

Wild Food Café, Covent Garden

www.wildfoodcafe.com

A summery edition to Neal’s Yard, this restaurant is labelled a ‘wellbeing oasis’, and is a fantastic choice for the health-conscious principal. Reservations are taken after 4pm, with the menu showcasing the best of raw food. The offering includes BBQ jackfruit, courgette spaghetti, squash bruschetta, to be followed with a juice shot or smoothie.

The Gate, Marylebone

www.thegaterestaurants.com

The masterminds behind The Gate have been serving up vegetarian and vegan dishes since 1989, so they’re a safe bet when it comes to choosing a venue for your principal in the West End. They’ve had the time to perfect not only lunch and dinner, but a delicious brunch menu. The Gate is perfect for intimate lunch meetings with small tables available around the perimeter of the restaurant.

IMAGE CREDIT: THE GATE MARYLEBONE

Canary Wharf, Humble Grape

https://www.humblegrape.co.uk/wine-bar/canary-wharf

If you’re looking to book an after-work spot for your principal with veggie nibbles, the Humble Grape is a faultless place. Perfect for wine connoisseurs, the restaurant boasts 30 wines by the glass as well as a further 400 different bottles available. In terms of the veggie and vegan offerings, more than half the restaurant’s bar snacks are plant-based, including smoked almonds and olives with rosemary and lemon. If your principal wishes to sit down for dinner, the cauliflower, lentil and cashew stuffed cabbage main course is one to try. They also have a private meeting room available for up to 20 guests, so the Humble Grape may double as a great spot for a team dinner.

Mildred’s, Kings Cross
http://www.mildreds.co.uk/kings-cross

The northern outpost of the Soho institution, Mildred’s menu is entirely vegetarian with some vegan options. This is the spot to pick if you’re organising lunch for a large party, as they only take reservations for parties of 10 to 12 and you don’t want your principal to be waiting in line. With a variety of main courses available, including Sri Lankan curry with sweet potato coconut green beans, Caribbean jerk tofu and coconut rum truffles to finish, there’s something for the most discerning of taste buds.

Want to know more about what London has to offer? Tiger has put together a list of rooftop bars perfect for after-work summer drinks.

FEATURE IMAGE: THE HUMBLE GRAPE CANARY WHARF

The post Five vegetarian restaurants in London for your veggie principal appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

In the age of digital revolution, where we are always contactable, there’s something satisfying about leaving technology behind to stretch, reflect and chill out. For many, this is where yoga comes in. The ancient practice, which celebrates the union of body and consciousness, has risen in popularity over the last decade, offering a sanctuary in which busy individuals can switch off, disconnect and do something for their body and mind.

In celebration of International Yoga Day on June 21, we’ve downward dog-ed our way through five of the best yoga studios in the City of London and West End.

Third Space

With six types of yoga on offer across four (soon-to-be five) clubs, there’s no excuse not to warrior your way through a Third Space class. These luxurious health clubs make working out a breeze, with a member’s concierge, Cowshed skin and hair products in the changing rooms and a diverse timetable that caters for morning, lunchtime and evening classes. Sweat your way through an Ashtanga, Rocket or Hot yoga class, or chill out with a session of yin. Should you be feeling really tight, complementary classes like roll and release and Pilates will ensure you float out of the studio, straight to the on-site café for a made-to-order smoothie.

Tower Bridge, Soho, Marylebone, Canary Wharf (The Yard opening September 2018) and City (opening summer 2018).
www.thirdspace.london

TriYoga

From acro and kundalini to iyengar and relax and restore, there’s over 40 different styles of yoga practice to try at one of TriYoga’s six locations. Start your day with Hot Yoga in Camden or end it with Ashtanga in Chelsea – wherever you are and whatever type of workout you’re after, it has something for everyone. Both the Shoreditch and Soho studios offer over 125 yoga, Pilates and barre classes, include an infrared heat studio and have an on-site café and juice bar. Workshops and courses are also available should you want to deepen your practice or extend your knowledge.

Camden, Chelsea, Shoreditch, Soho, Ealing, Covent Garden
triyoga.co.uk

Blue Cow Yoga

Whether you’re an MD or PA, Blue Cow has a spot for you. This City-based studio offers three types of yoga – dynamic, flow and flow & restore – as well as Pilates and Barre classes, meaning there’s an escape for every type of exerciser. Advanced yogis looking to sweat should be opting for the dynamic option, which features Vinyasa sequences held and worked at a fast pace. For something a little more relaxing, try the Flow & Restore class – otherwise known as anti-desk yoga. Its sequences will target tight shoulders, hips, necks and backs and leave you feeling tension-free. Located just five minutes from both Bank and Moorgate, it’s perfectly positioned for some pre-work pranayama or post-work warriors.

7 Moorgate, London EC2R 6AF
bluecowyoga.com

SOMA House

Located in Old Spitalfields Market, this unique clubhouse emphasises the community element of working out, offering a fusion approach across hot yoga, cycling, barre and strength calisthenics. Their hot yoga offering, the Elementals Hot Yoga system, was developed by SOMA’s founder, Jennifer Hersch. It incorporates Bikram as a base and then is distinguished based on the elements – Earth is a slow, deep flow, while Fire combines power hot flow with Pilates, and Soul (their signature class) combines dance-inspired hot flow movement with core work. Fusion classes also appear on the menu, with TRX Yoga Core, straight Bikram and a combination of the Elemental classes.

Old Spitalfields Market Terrace, 8 Horner Square, E1 6EW
soma.house

Good Vibes

From its studios in Covent Garden and Fitzrovia, the team at Good Vibes spread a love of yoga through a range of styles. Their signature class, Glow Yoga, takes a modern approach to the ancient practice, offering a Vinyasa-style class in a heated room with SAD lighting. If that’s not your style, stress not – there’s also foundation classes for complete beginners, as well as flow & restore, bliss and Qigong yoga flow sessions. Showers, lockers and towel hire mean there’s no worrying about working up a sweat – you’ll walk out mentally and physically refreshed and ready to embrace the day.

Covent Garden and Fitzrovia
goodvibesfitness.co.uk

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No amount of yoga fixing your stress levels? Maybe it’s time to look elsewhere. Tiger can help you find a new role, which could include subsidised or free yoga classes! Get in touch today.

Feature images: Third Space, triyoga, SOMA House

The post Stretch your way to success: London’s best yoga classes appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

When it comes to lunchtime meetings, the sandwich board is almost as ubiquitous as an agenda. However, with the rise of food delivery apps like UberEats and Deliveroo, as well as the introduction of specific office catering options, the choices are now endless.

PAs, imagine your executive’s surprise when they’re greeted with a bowl of fresh poke, Cajun-spiced halloumi with vegetables, spiced rice and cinnamon carrots, or a butter chicken rice bowl. Office catering has had a makeover…and it’s time for all of us to get on board. Here are just four of the best office catering companies in London.

1. City Pantry

One of early adopters of office-specific catering, City Pantry was established in 2013 with the aim of improving catering options for businesses across London. In the five years since, they’ve established an ever-growing marketplace that connects local food businesses to companies looking for a lunch fix that isn’t a ploughman’s sandwich. The availability of meals depends on your location, but ranges from a hot smoked salmon, pea and beetroot wrap at Crussh and chipotle lime chicken meal boxes at Power of Wellness to a crispy fried chicken burger from Absurd Bird. PAs, EAs or office managers can order one-off meals or recurring deliveries on their website, via email, by phone or via chat. Whatever the method, you’ll have an account manager that looks after logistics, dietary requirements and any other requirements. Best of all, the first five orders are free delivery!

2. Grazing Food

If it’s a communal meal you’re after, Grazing Food might be the way to go. The City of London-based start-up delivers feasts for entire teams, as well as sandwiches, finger and fork food for working lunches. Off-site chefs whip up dishes such as smoked haddock with spinach mac and cheese, piri piri salmon with avocado salsa, and rare roasted beef with baby spinach, mustard mayo and pickles for the whole team, or can deliver per person servings for smaller groups. Breakfast meetings can be conquered with a Full Monty option, a range of butties and assorted pastries. All dietary requirements can also be catered for – there’s a whole menu dedicated to vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, meaning no-one need go hungry.

3. Pilau

From a humble storefront on a backstreet of Soho, the team at Pilau are revolutionising Londoners’ ideas of Indian food with their office catering arm. The street-food restaurant offers a comprehensive office menu, where the likes of butter chicken wraps and paneer ricebowls sit by lamb and bone marrow salad bowls and vanilla bean rice puddings. If it’s an office event you need grub for, the Pilau team can also come to you, setting up a pop-up in the office where employees can build their own lunch. For the purposes of keeping everything piping hot, they are servicing mainly Central London, but with any luck, their fantastic flavours will be spreading that little further in the near future.

4. Feastly

If you’re looking after the lunch requirements of 50 or more people, it’s time for a feast. Or Feastly, to be more exact. The Farringdon-based start-up has made its name servicing other start-ups, with the likes of Improbable, Buzzfeed and Quantcast indulging in their delicious buffet-style dishes, delivered ready to serve on a weekly or monthly basis. With an emphasis on the idea of that healthy staff equal productive staff, the daily changing menus are designed with brainfood in mind and are designed around a particular theme. Past inspiration has come from the likes of Santorini, Seoul, Venice and Texas, resulting in dishes like crunchy Korean lettuce salad with kimchi, peppers, cucumber and spring onions; slow roast leg of lamb with mint and caper relish, and smoky vegetarian chilli con carne. A Feastly rep also ensures that your service is top-notch and your office is left just as the team found it.
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Looking for other foods to boost your productivity at work? Check out our blog here.

Main photo: Grazing Food, Body photo: Pilau

The post Four office catering options better than a sandwich board appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

You’ve been asked to carry out the seemingly impossible: your principal wants to head to the slopes for the first time, and take their family along with them. How do you plan a ski holiday for a family that doesn’t ski? We asked CEO, Bella Seel, of ALS Ski, for the inside scoop on booking the perfect ski holiday for your Principal. From choosing the right destination through to how to approach ski lessons and setting up alternative activities, they’re on hand to help.

Make sure you choose the right destination

There are a few key factors to take into account when booking the perfect destination for your Principal’s family. Firstly, not every resort is family-friendly, so make sure you do your research. A quiet resort, like St Foy in France, will mean that your Principal will get more out of the trip because they won’t have to deal with the crowds. You also have to think about accessibility – you can’t expect the family to be able to access a ski-in/ski-out resort when they’ve never even tried on a pair of skis. Another consideration is time: somewhere close to the airport may be worth considering if your Principal is on a tight schedule.

A place like Meribel is brilliant for learning, as it’s surrounded by easier runs than somewhere like Chamonix! In general, Austria is renowned for being child- and family-friendly, but you’ll be able to find resorts in France and Switzerland which are suitable as well.

How to go about organising the skiing itself

Once you’ve chosen the right resort with good beginner areas and easy access to restaurants (important for the family to be able to stop and replenish their energy levels), the next thing to organise is the actual skiing. When considering the duration of their first ski holiday, try and opt for a longer vacation of 10 days to two weeks. If it needs to be shorter, Bella recommends a week minimum. It may be tempting to book multiple mini-breaks over a few weekends, but it will mean your principal’s improvement rate will be slower.

If you’ve enlisted the services of a concierge company like ALS Ski, they’ll organise all the logistics at the beginning of the trip. For example, they’ll organise for the ski equipment and staff to go to the chalet, so they can be fitted without the family needing to leave their cosy home-away-from-home.

Catering for the little ones

If your principal has young children, it might be useful to book them in for a lesson at an indoor snow centre before they start their holiday, like the Snowdrome in the UK. It will help them to understand the basics and how to stop themselves, so the family can at least have a small head start before they’re on the mountain.

On the slopes, Bella has five top tips for skiing with children:

• Always pack snacks
• Layering is key
• Clothes should be comfortable
• Good quality equipment is a must
• Tissues are essential (runny noses are a regular occurrence)
• Make sure the children love the ski instructor
• Start early, finish early

Non-ski activities
When booking a ski trip for the first time, it’s important to plan a few non-ski activities as well, because the family will most likely want a break at some point! Family-friendly fun activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice-skating and curling. If you’re looking to book something for the adults, think about snow mobile-ing, hot air ballooning and sledging activities. After a long day of skiing, a session in a spa or an après ski function will also be well received!

If you’re a member of the PA Collective®, email pacollective@tiger-recruitment.co.uk for preferential rates and a personal introduction to ALS Ski. Non-members, send your CV and LinkedIn profile to pacollective@tiger-recruitment.co.uk to apply.

Images courtesy of ALS Ski

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Sitting up there with Mad Men’s Peggy Olson and Bond’s Miss Moneypenny as one of the most iconic assistants in modern pop culture, Suits’ Donna Paulsen is a role model for many a personal assistant. Known for her unwavering loyalty, outstanding memory and exceptional problem-solving skills, there’s plenty to admire. Here are just five of the lessons we’ve learnt from her over the last seven seasons.

Always do your homework

Donna never approaches a sticky situation without being prepared. Harvey relies on her to supplement his arguments and often, it’s her knowledge that gets a case over the line. That said, homework isn’t just about a quick Google – Donna is constantly observing her environment and recognises what type of questions to ask and who to direct them to when necessary.

LESSON: Research, research, research. Before a meeting or important event, make sure you read over every email, print off any material you think you might need or even ask a colleague some questions – the more you know, the better.

Making mistakes is not the end of the world

In season 2, Donna somewhat accidentally destroys important evidence for a case against Harvey. She loses her job, endures a mock trial and (almost) ruins her relationship with her boss. However, when everything is said and done, she works incredibly hard to get back to where she was, eventually returning to her position. She remained confident in her abilities to do her job and proved her worth to the firm.

LESSON: Don’t be put off if you make a mistake. Dedicate yourself to finding a solution and don’t lose faith in your capacity to do your job – there’s a reason you’re in the role you’re in!

Don’t be afraid to hold your own

While there is value in being a ‘yes’ person, it’s not always the right solution. Donna regularly stands up for what she believes in and isn’t afraid to share her honest option. She isn’t one to agree immediately with her superior and will challenge Harvey, Mike and Louis when she believes they are making a bad decision. As a result, she is respected in the workplace for both her opinion and her knowledge.

LESSON: Have courage in your conviction and don’t be afraid to hold others accountable. If something doesn’t sit well with you, consider speaking up. This doesn’t have to be in a public place – requesting a chat with a manager could be all it takes.

Network and connect

No matter your role, a little black book is one of the most important tools in your arsenal. Between organising two tickets to the ballet and a dinner with Mikhail Baryshnikov for Louis and finding out the dirt on opposition lawyers for Harvey, there is no information Donna can’t find through her connections.

LESSON: Take every opportunity to network. You never know when that person you met six months ago could help you out.

Staying cool, calm and collected

Donna is notorious for approaching every situation with composure – nothing can ruffle her feathers. She’s able to think clearly, focus on solutions and get the job done, often before Harvey has even asked. This proactiveness and ability to stay calm in the face of adversity is what makes her perfect for the lawyers of the firm.

LESSON: If something goes wrong or you’re not sure what to do, take a second to pause. Breathe, think and then act – approaching a situation with a clear head is only going to help, not hinder!
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Dreaming of being the next Donna Paulsen? Need a Donna in your life? Tiger can help!

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As summer grudgingly creeps in and we start to lose the layers, many of us are equally becoming more conscious of the coinciding bikini season. But starving ourselves for the sake of losing a few pounds in the short-term does awful things to our bodies if we also want to maintain optimum levels of productivity at work.

If you’re in a busy role that requires an active mind and body, it’s so important to eat the right foods that contribute to a healthy and happy lifestyle. All the while maintaining or losing weight for the beach holiday! In addition to eating the right food types, it’s crucially important to eat regularly and frequently. Experts recommend small meals of up to 6 times a day can do wonders for maintaining energy levels and boosting your metabolism. Try the below tips to ensure you stay on form at work without the temptation of picking at the chocolates for your 3pm sugar rush!

1. Stay hydrated with lemon water

Ditch the fizzy drinks loaded with sugar and preservatives, and replenish your body with room temperature still water infused with fresh lemon. Lemon transforms trusty H20 into a drink loaded with the electrolytes calcium, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. These offer our bodies a little energy boost while the acids encourage our digestive systems to process other nutrients more slowly, in turn reducing bloating. Lemon water is a one-stop shop for those needing a natural morning boost.

2. Raw nuts

Stay clear of the salted roasted packets and opt for raw nuts with no added salt instead. Raw nuts like almonds or macadamias are packed full of magnesium: the mineral we need to turn sugar into energy. As they’re also great for fibre, it means they keep us feeling fuller for longer. At Tiger, we keep a stash of raw nuts around the office snack on to prevent us from heading to the chocolate drawer!

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are delicious, loaded with vitamin C which helps turn fat into energy, and low in calories. All in all, fresh strawberries are a fantastic afternoon snack if you have a sweet craving but are looking for a Cadbury’s alternative.

4. Load up on pulses

Pulses encompass chickpeas, kidney beans, broad beans, and lentils to name a few. Since they are low on the glycaemic index, we digest them slowly so stay full for longer. Eating pulses at lunchtime are a great way to ward off the afternoon munchies at your desk. Additionally, they’re full of fibre-rich complex carbohydrates and protein so you can load up on them without the guilt you would otherwise have with a bowl of pasta or a sandwich.

5. Swap your baked potato for a baked sweet potato

Sweet potatoes offer you 400% of your vitamin A allowance, and are a better alternative to white potatoes as they offer more vitamin C, fewer calories and crucially have more fibre. It is this soluble fibre in sweet potatoes that slows down the digestion and therefore helps to keep hunger pangs at bay.

Tiger Recruitment is committed to wellbeing in the workplace. If you’d like to find an employer that can offer you improved balance and wellbeing, give us a call us today.

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The basics

42 Albemarle St, Mayfair, W1S 4JH
020 3011 5900
gymkhanalondon.com

In India, a gymkhana is a member’s club where high society locals can socialise and participate in sporting activities before retiring to drink and dine the night away.

In London’s Mayfair, Gymkhana is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant that pays homage to this same concept, offering exceptional sub-continental flavours that challenge, ignite and satisfy the senses.

Tiger rating: 4/5

Great for: business lunches, after-work suppers, group dining

A bit of background

Gymkhana is the third restaurant from patron-chef Karam Sethi, who is also the creative force behind Marylebone’s Trishna. It threw its doors open in 2013 and raised through the ranks, taking home a Michelin star and the top spot in Restaurant Magazine’s Best British Restaurants in 2014. While it no longer retains its number one ranking, the Michelin star has stuck around – and rightly so. It continues to dominate the city’s Indian culinary scene, delivering diverse fare that combines the sentiment of home cooking with the highest-quality produce.

The food

The menu takes most of its inspiration from the North India, meaning richer textures, deeper flavours and a liberal dose of spices. Since we’re there for lunch, we opt for the lunch menu, a very reasonably priced three-course extravaganza. The adventure starts with three different types of papadums – lentil, cassava and tapioca – served with shrimp and mango chutneys. The tapioca papad is most reminiscent of prawn crackers: light, crunchy and the perfect textural accompaniment to the sweet mango jam.

The starters range from soft shell crab with Bombay bhel (puffed rice) to mattar paneer pao with a sesame and peanut chutney. Two of our party beeline for the crab, whilst the third opts for the duck egg bhurji with lobster and Malabar paratha. The bhel is a revelation – puffed rice is complemented by the fresh bursts of cucumber and tomato and the crunchiness of roasted peanut. While the crab is equally as textural, the entire dish would have benefited from a sauce or chutney as it’s quite dry.

In contrast, the duck egg bhurji is a masterclass in silken egg, folded with lobster, tomatoes, onion and chilli. Accompanied by a flaky yet buttery paratha, it’s a luxurious way to start the meal.

The mains will challenge even the hungriest of eaters, with sides galore. The tandoori guinea fowl is marinated for over eight hours before cooking in the tandoor. It’s served with a green apple chutney that cuts through the marinade, offering a balanced sweetness. The Hariyali bream is coated in what we could only describe as an Indian-inspired salsa verde, fresh and fragrant with a bright green hue. The accompanying tomato kachumber is made by charring the tomatoes over charcoal to remove the skin and then combined with chilli, spring onions, ginger, baby plum tomatoes and coriander stem, creating a great complement to the spinach and coriander-based marinade.

Our final main dish is the kid goat keema, a beautifully complex combination of minced goat and fenugreek, topped with potato matchsticks with a side of brioche buns and chopped onions. It’s a surprise of a dish, decadent in its flavour and offering more with each bite.

On the side, classic staples like daal and naan are elevated through the subtle use of garlic and saffron respectively, while the vegetables are cooked with the same attention as the main dishes. In fact, this small side was nominated by one of us as a favourite – not because the nominated mains were lacking, but the sides were just as finessed.

Everything is incredibly flavoursome, so we struggle to finish what’s in front of us. But this doesn’t mean we don’t have room for dessert. Instead of opting for one each, we share the stewed fig kheer, a cool rice pudding spiced with the likes of cardamom and nutmeg. By the end, we’re rolling up the stairs.

The venue

The first thing you’ll notice upon walking into the cosy space is the smell – the wafts of the tandoor oven hit your nose almost immediately, preparing your stomach for the feast to come. We have a reservation and are promptly seated downstairs, sans coats, with the maître d’ warning us of every unexpected step. The two spaces may not appear that visually different, but on closer inspection, there is purpose in their design. Upstairs, the space is informed by the idea of a traditional restaurant, with high ceilings, retro fans and marble table-tops. Downstairs, the feel is a little more intimate, harking back to the idea of a 19th century tearoom. Brass and dark wood panelling complement the rattan chairs and heritage photos of times gone by. Paired with the lighting, quiet background music and embellished furnishings, it was an ideal escape from the blustery weather outside.

However, if we could, we’d be opting for one of the private vault rooms, found on either side of the lower ground floor. The secluded areas can each seat up to 14 people and hold the option of either enjoying a set menu or designing your own.

No matter where you sit, expect attentive service, with water glasses filled at every opportunity and waiters attuned to our every move.

In summary

Gymkhana combines colonial style with the hallmarks of home cooking, offering refined dishes that are both surprising and impressive. With interiors reminiscent of its namesake, and service that leaves nothing to be desired, it’s a sure-fire winner for any PA looking to book a decadent culinary experience for their principal.
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Looking for more spots to eat and drink in London? Check out our reviews of Quaglino’s and Cecconi’s at the Ned.

The post In Review: Gymkhana, Mayfair’s mod-Indian masterpiece appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Free online courses for furloughed workers

The coronavirus pandemic has brought with it many challenges for businesses, including a pause on a number of regular business activities. To help, the government created the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to help employers furlough employees. This has resulted in many employees in business support roles finding themselves on furlough (paid leave) for the first time.

If you’re in this position and find yourself at home with a lot more time on your hands, why not take a free online course? We’ve put together five of the best free online courses for furloughed workers.

The Skills Toolkit

https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/

The government has launched the Skills Toolkit site in response to the current crisis. It features a range of free online courses from leading providers like Open University and FutureLearn, complete with certificates, that UK workers can take to improve skills.

Digital and numeracy skills are the main focus for these courses, which are grouped into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. Developing these skills is a great way to boost your CV, as many support roles – from administrator through to personal assistant jobs, require these skills.

Inbound Marketing

https://academy.hubspot.com/courses/inbound-marketing

Hubspot Academy is offering this free certification course to help you acquire inbound marketing skills. Covering everything from blogs and social media to developing the buyer’s journey, it’s a complete course for someone interested in honing their entrepreneurial skills.

Many businesses use inbound marketing to attract new customers, and this one is a straightforward course with short video lectures and a final exam. Many employers will see this marketing and business knowledge as an asset, especially those working in growing companies. Learning the business terminology taught in this course will also boost your interview skills.

Social media strategy

www.alison.com/course/social-media-strategy-for-small-businesses

Social media has become a crucial skill for many jobs, especially those working in SMEs where there’s a greater likelihood of working across different divisions. By including this course on your CV and demonstrating knowledge of the field at interview, you’ll pave the way for standing out from the crowd.

Alison is offering its social media strategy program as a free online course during the coronavirus pandemic. The best thing? It only requires two-three hours to complete in full. That said, keep in mind that while the course is free, you do have to pay for the diploma at the end.

Business Management

www.oxfordhomestudy.com/courses/business-studies-online/free-business-course-online

The Oxford Home Study Centre offers a variety of business courses online, with this free program designed to help you take the first step into business management. Whether you’re interested in taking your career to the next level, or want to explore a completely different opportunity, this free business management course is a great start.

The course covers everything from human resource management to marketing fundamentals, so taking the time to complete it will demonstrate you’re determined to keep developing your skills and have the ambition to learn something new.

Meditation

www.headspace.com/covid-19

It doesn’t just have to be about CV-building skills during this time of crisis – you can use the time to improve your mental health too. The stress of the unknown, as well as finding yourself on furlough unexpectedly, might be negatively impacting your mental health. If you find you’re experiencing an increased level of anxiety, meditation is a great way to stay calm and check in with your mind.

Headspace has a considerable choice of guided meditation and practices to handle stress. Right now, they’re offering a number of these mini-courses for free to help you through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Ultimately, there are hundreds of online courses for workers that will help you make the most of any free time you have, as well as contribute to your career progression in the future. So, if you have the time, make the most of it and start learning!

If you’re currently looking for a new role or need help finding the right candidate to fill a position, Tiger Recruitment can help. Contact us today to find out more.

The post Five of the best free online courses to complete during the pandemic appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

As winter sets in, it gets harder and harder to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the working day. With seven or eight hours in front of the computer, you’re bound to feel tired, have sore eyes and fall into the trap of staying sedentary.

Luckily, there are small and easy changes you can make to your day to ensure you create a happy and healthy working environment.

Tidy work area

A messy desk makes for a messy mind! Try to tidy everything away at the end of each day so you come in to start afresh and you know where everything is. Write a list of what needs to be done the next day – this will hopefully make you feel organised and confident that you’re on top of everything. If necessary, don’t be afraid to tell everyone to keep their own work area tidy too!

Drink enough water

Keeping hydrated is one of life’s general tips, but it has a noticeable effect in the workplace. Keep a bottle of water on your desk so you have a constant supply and you’ll find it easier to get the recommended eight glasses a day! Tiredness can be caused by dehydration so if you’re feeling a little weary, reach for the water bottle and not for another coffee. If you find water rather boring to drink, consider adding some cucumber or lemon to it to jazz it up a bit.

Healthy snacks

Chocolate, sweets, Easter eggs, cakes – they’re everywhere in the office! Of course everyone needs a treat now and again but the sugar highs and lows you’ll get from all these sugary snacks won’t help in the long run and will lead to an afternoon slump. Try and keep some healthy snacks to hand as well – bring in some fresh fruit, carrot sticks, nuts or savoury crackers in from home, and some dark chocolate for the after-lunch sugar cravings!

Make your own lunch

Making your own lunch can be a lot healthier and save you lots of money. You could make a batch of roasted vegetables and couscous on a Sunday night and it would last you most of the week, or make some soup for the colder months. You can then treat yourself on a Friday, or do some midweek cooking to mix things up.

Take a break and move around

It is very easy to stay sitting at our desk without realising the day going by, but it’s so important to get up and walk around every so often. Working long hours is stressful both physically and mentally so try and give your body and brain a rest. Try and fit in at least 10 minutes of fresh air when you can, even if it’s just a walk around the block – you will be able to think more clearly when you get back to your desk. If you’re stuck with a problem or having a mind blank, getting up and moving around can change your perspective and clear your head.

Get a good night’s sleep

We all know sleep is essential – it will help boost energy levels and improve concentration levels. But it can be hard to sleep soundly when you’re stressed at work and have a lot on your plate. Try to have at least an hour before bed without checking your emails or being on your laptop. Get into a good book, have a relaxing bath or listen to some music to help you switch off and wind down. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

Chat to colleagues and have fun at work

It doesn’t need to be silent in the office all the time. When appropriate, spark up a conversation with colleagues and make the workplace feel less formal and more comfortable. Work doesn’t have to be boring either; after all, you’re probably spending more time at work during the week than at home with friends so you may as well make that time enjoyable!

Give your eyes a break

Most people will spend 90% of their working day looking at a screen, which can be hard on your eyes. Try and think of something you could do which doesn’t involve your computer for 5 or 10 minutes. A general rule is to look away from all screens for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes.

Be active

It can be hard to find the time to exercise when you’re in a job which has long hours but try your best to do something active during the day. It’s a great stress reliever and can boost your energy levels. Try walking to or from work (if you can) a couple of times a week, join the gym or find something else that you enjoy – maybe there’s a netball team you can join with a friend?

Work hard, play hard!

It’s important to reward yourself after a hard week at work, it’ll give you something to look forward to throughout the week and keep your spirits up. Why not go for a drink with colleagues after work before meeting with friends? It’s good to spend time with them in a non-working environment and talk about non-work related subjects every now and again, keeping that all important work-life balance!

The post How to maintain a healthy office lifestyle appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

If you’ve ever looked around your workplace and thought ‘I really don’t belong here’, it’s possible that you’ve experienced something called imposter syndrome. It first appeared in the 1970’s and is now a broad term to describe when both men and women don’t believe they’re worthy of their professional standing.

Carole Ann Rice, one of the UK’s leading confidence coaches, explains that, “feeling like an imposter stems from a lack of confidence in your abilities, which can make you feel like you don’t belong in the workplace next to your colleagues”. She goes on to explain that it might be more usual than most people think: “It’s a common feeling, and can manifest in a person becoming closed-off and unhappy at work, which may further isolate you from those you work with.”

For business support staff, regardless of whether you’re in a senior executive assistant job, a personal assistant job or you’re a part-time receptionist, this feeling may come from a lack of confidence in your abilities when you compare yourself to those you support. If you’re the only assistant in the office, this can exacerbate the feeling, as there isn’t anyone else in a similar role for you to turn to for reassurance. As confidence is really important in making you resilient in the face of challenges or unexpected issues from your principal (as well as ensuring you’re able to hold your own in this client-facing role), it’s a good idea to work on any negative feelings or self-doubt.

As Carole Ann describes, “working on your confidence through practical steps can be the key to breaking this vicious cycle”, so if you think you might be suffering from imposter syndrome, we’ve put together a few strategies to combat these negative thoughts.

Recognise the feeling

The first step to overcoming imposter syndrome is recognising that you’re experiencing it in the first place. If you’ve just started in a workplace, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed with the role. However, if those feelings turn from nervous jitters to serious self-doubt about your capabilities, it’s possible that you’ve moved into imposter syndrome territory.

Reframe your thoughts

The only difference between someone who experiences imposter syndrome and someone who doesn’t is the way they think about themselves. It has nothing to do with intelligence or ability! A great place to start is to analyse negative thoughts and actively try to turn them into a positive. Repeating a personal mantra is a great tool to changing your thought patterns too. By reiterating to yourself that you’re good enough, capable enough and smart enough to carry out your role successfully, you will inspire that belief in yourself and others. Thinking positively can help you out of any terrifying situation, whether it’s giving a presentation or networking with a room of strangers!

Don’t take criticism to heart

Try to view constructive criticism as a positive thing, rather than a reinforcement of your incompetence. For example, if your principal asks you to pay more attention to detail when booking meetings, don’t interpret this as them doubting your ability as an assistant. These conversations are all part of the learning process, which allow you to grow in the long term.

Ask for help if you need it

If you feel like you don’t deserve your role, you may find it impossible to ask for help when you need it. Being unsure at work will mean that your colleagues will surely find out you’re a fraud, right? Wrong! It’s so important to recognise that even the most capable people in the office will ask questions. Your co-workers will be grateful that you’ve clarified the issue, otherwise the misunderstanding may have become a problem in the future. In fact, your colleagues won’t even give it a second thought. Remember, putting in the time to improve your weakest skills or areas will play a significant role in your day-to-day confidence.

Fake it ‘til you make it

This is a tried and true piece of advice, for good reason! It’s amazing the power the brain has in tricking itself into feeling more confident when you need it most. For example, you can actively pretend to be a more confident version of yourself in a nerve-wracking situation. It may seem silly, but your illusion of confidence will put others’ minds at ease, and in turn, your own.

Work on your body language

It may seem silly, but practising a strong walk will help you feel confident and powerful as you go about your day. To start, look at yourself in front of a mirror, making sure your posture is straight, your head is up, and your shoulders back. Then, practise striding across the room with purpose. Walking into the office or meeting room with strong body language and a smile will not only give you a boost of confidence, but it will also make other people see you as someone they can trust to get the job done, creating a positive feedback loop.

Share your successes with others

Sometimes, there’s nothing better than the validation you receive from your co-workers and friends. By letting them know you recently accomplished something you’re proud of, they will likely join in congratulating you for an excellent effort. You will therefore feel so much more confident in completing your next tricky task with the support from those around you.

Confidence is key

Carole Ann explains that, “imposter syndrome is really self-doubt as you compare yourself unfavourably to others and feel you’re lacking. When you understand that most people feel this way, you can then trust your own unique skills and grow your confidence.” So, take comfort in the fact that you’re not the only one who feels this way! Instead, take advantage of the fact that no one has your individual skills and experience. Whether it’s your bubbly personality when talking to clients of your principal, your intuition when completing a coffee order, or your creativity when putting together new office processes, your uniqueness is what makes you an asset to the team.

At Tiger, we know just how much time and consideration has gone into the recruitment of business support staff, so believe us when we say that it wasn’t just good luck that landed you the role! You were most likely hired because you’re fully capable of completing the job, and should feel confident in your ability to do so.

Tiger publishes regular workplace insights to help you with every aspect of your work life. If you need help finding a job in London, submit your details online today to start your job search!

The post PAs and EAs, do you suffer from imposter syndrome in the workplace? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Tiger Private is a housekeeping staffing agency who regularly meets some incredibly talented candidates. Their skills are vast and wide-ranging. We meet Private PAs who can secure 7* private travel deals for free, chauffeurs who can navigate their way around several cities around the world, and Personal Trainers who can trim down clients by several kilos in no time. This week, we asked our star butlers and housekeepers for their inside tips on maintaining a pristine domestic home for their Principals:

1. Experimenting with scents

Many of the commercial brands leave behind harsh chemical smells that are really unpleasant for those living there. Ed, Bristol-based butler, likes to mix essential oils into his products. “Obviously I experiment in my own home before trialling the products in my Principal’s residence”, he laughs, “but I use products like baking soda, Borax or vinegar as a base and then try mixing lavender oil, grapefruit or lemon scented oils in to produce a pleasant aroma. It’s much nicer than leaving a room smelling clean, but like a lavatory!”

2. Grab a toothbrush

Andi, Kent-based housekeeper, says, “I’ve tried lots of high-tech tools and products to get grime out of corners. When I have tough dirt to tackle in a tight corner though, there’s nothing better than a toothbrush. Just must make sure it has tough bristles though! That’s the secret”.

3. Smudge-free windows

Professional window-washers have their own secrets for cleaning windows and making sure they’re smudge-free. May, housekeeper in Cornwall, reveals, “A few years back I asked my go-to window cleaner what his secrets were. He explained that a solution of washing up liquid and warm water was superior to a chemical detergent which can be harmful to use. You should also invest in a good quality squeegee, a plastic t-bar with a washer on the end and some material to wipe down the edge of the window. Once you have all these, it just comes to technique. Use the water / detergent solution to wipe the entire window with the washer. Then wipe the window with your squeegee using an ‘s’ shape, and finally wipe down the edges to prevent water marks that your squeegee might have missed.”

4. Have a system

Don’t just walk into the room and clean at random. Like anything, you’ll achieve the best results by having a process that you stick to. It will mean you’re more efficient and less likely to be distracted by other things that need your attention! Debbie from London explains, “I work wall to wall, and then clean the floor from one corner to the door of the room. It’s also important to clean top-down, so that you catch any falling dust as it falls.”

5. Have the showerhead shining

Showerheads can be some of the first household items to attract grime and residue. The easiest way to treat it is to soak it in vinegar overnight. Rinse the next day and it will be shinier than new!

If you’d like some help recruiting excellent household staff, or if you’re a candidate looking for your next role, get in touch with our Private team today.

The post Five inside secrets from our star housekeeper candidates appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

We often see business PAs wanting to become private PAs – which is great – and we do encourage career moves that will take you in new directions and present new challenges. That said, it’s actually very difficult for us to place a business PA into a private PA role if they have no private experience. If you want to become a private PA, it will be much easier for us to help you if you first become a business PA or EA with private support included as part of the role. It will then be that much smoother a transition to make!

But would you want to become a private PA? We meet a number of candidates who associate being a private PA with a life of private jets, 7* luxury and red-carpet glamour. I have to be clear on this: it’s not!

Get used to long hours

Being a private PA means working hours are not so rigidly set as if you were working in a business. (The concept of 9-5 doesn’t really exist.) More often than not, being a private PA means being on call 24/7, 7 days a week. Private PAs need to be very careful about maintaining the balance between their private PA role and personal life! Work-life balance is incredibly important and while it can be tricky to sustain in a private PA position, you must do this to avoid burnout. It’s important to find the right mix of what’s right for both you and your boss.

You must be a people person (ALL the time)

Being a private PA to a celebrity or UHNWI means you have to work and liaise with A LOT of people. Fans, business associates, estate managers, household staff, spouses, family members, friends, third-party suppliers… the list goes on. As his/her private assistant, you are representative of that person at all times and in all areas of their life. It goes without saying that every move you make and word you utter should be demonstrative of how your boss would like to be represented.

You may be managing an extensive team

Depending on the scope of the role and level of responsibility, you may find yourself recruiting a social media team, international household staff, nannies, PR agencies, family office staff and other third-party suppliers. Being comfortable with the breadth of your responsibility should not be underrated. One minute you could be crisis-managing a PR scandal, the next making decisions with the vet about a family pet, and the next choosing the children’s school.

Discretion is your middle name

It is tough work, but being a private PA can also mean you’re privy to some amazing once-in-a-lifetime experiences. It’s not uncommon for a private assistant to holiday with the boss and their family, attend important family events, and manage all their personal shopping. While you’ll likely meet some incredible people and take magnificent journeys, remember: You’ll be working, not holidaying; and secondly, you won’t be able to talk about it!

To talk about your next Private PA role, get in touch today.

The post So you want to be a Private PA? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Tiger Private, our private recruitment division, recently welcomed Phillippe Brown, founder of luxury travel provider Brown + Hudson, to share his insights into the world of luxury travel. Over champagne and canapes at the Royal Institution, he shared the top eight destinations of 2018 and three top travel trends that could act as inspiration for private PAs planning their next trip. To make sure no-one missed out, we’ve collated our favourite bits, providing the perfect guide for anyone looking to organise a holiday in 2018.

Top Eight Destinations

Phillippe identified the following destinations for their growing popularity, each featuring exceptional accommodation options and potential for one-of-a-kind experiences.

1. Rwanda
2. Sweden
3. Belize
4. Israel
5. Bolivia
6. Cambodia
7. Nicaragua
8. Bhutan

Top Travel Trends

As providers of bespoke travel solutions, Phillippe and his team know a thing or two about what’s to come in the travel industry.

Forget the Destination

Personal fulfilment is now the ultimate luxury when it comes to travel, with experiences chosen for their vocational benefit. Therefore, when booking holidays, forget about the destination and focus more on your principal – what are their motivations for going away? What are they looking to experience? By focusing on the psychology of travelling, your principal will return with both a tan and a memorable experience.

Ask the Right Questions

It’s one thing to ask about dates and flight times, but creating an authentic travel experience goes beyond the logistical. Ask your principal how they want to feel at the end of their trip and work backwards, considering who they are travelling with and their needs. For example, if it’s a family vacation, what will keep the kids entertained? Are they looking to return with a sense of achievement or completely relaxed? The answers to these questions will allow you to create a holiday that’s truly one of a kind.

Be More Demanding

Many travel providers fall into the trap of offering a standard level of service. This may be high anyway, but there’s always room to do better. Challenge the status quo by asking for more – the only thing they can say is no! Whether it’s a personalised menu, meeting with a local specialist or a 10.5 duvet tog rating, there’s always potential to add value to your principal’s holiday by just asking.

Typical families only have 16 long holidays in their lifetime, so you need to respect their time. Consider what stories and legacies your principal wants to create and craft adventures based on their brief.

Watch the highlights video below:

Love organising travel? Read more about the art of travel planning here.

The post Brown + Hudson’s insider travel planning tips for private PAs appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Becoming a private PA can be a fantastic career choice, with plenty of opportunity for professional development and one-of-a-kind experiences! However, do you know what this type of PA job actually involves? We spoke to one of our fantastic candidates, Sylvie¹ to find out what a typical day looks like supporting a busy chairman.

7.30am: I’m up and dressed, and have started to go through Henry’s¹ calendar for the day. I text him the most pressing things he needs to be aware of. Today, this includes his flight to Israel which has been pushed back. I also remind him that it’s his mother’s birthday so I arrange a present (a blue cashmere jumper and a bunch of red tulips) to be sent from him.

8.30am: I drive over to Henry’s family home and pick up his mail. I also give the housekeeping staff instructions for the week. It’s autumn, and I notice that the leaves have started to fall on the driveway, so I remind the house manager that these need to be swept up twice a day. The housekeeper has packed Henry’s bags for his trip. I double check everything he needs for his trip is packed and take them with me.

11am: I meet Henry at the car and we have our catch-up on the way to the airport. I give him his schedule for the trip and we talk through the details. I realise that the housekeeper forgot to pack his pillow but I keep spares in the trunk so it’s not a problem.

12.30: Henry’s safely on his flight so in the car into town, I call his wife. They are hosting a summer party in a few months so we go through the details and a high-level plan. We’re able to confirm the entertainment but she has some changes to the proposed floor plan. I take notes and let her know I’ll call her after I’ve finished the tasting with the caterers.

1pm: I spend an hour with the caterers going through their proposed menu for the party. All looks in order but they’ve forgotten to include some of the vegan options. I call Henry’s wife and let her know that we’re almost able to tick it off the list.

2.30pm: I’m back in the family office and on the phone to the housekeeper in Israel to let her know that Henry’s running late. He told me that he won’t need dinner so I suggest that she puts out nibbles instead, with a turn-down service. He also decided to invite some friends to the house for the weekend so I let her know that she can prepare the bedrooms.

3pm: The traffic report is awful this afternoon so I call the family chauffeur and instruct him to leave half an hour early to pick up the kids from school.

4pm: Henry’s diary is set for tomorrow so I take the time to do some admin. The family has racked up several parking tickets over the past week. I look at the account and check the utility bills are all in order but notice that an unusually high amount has been debited from the account. It looks like Henry’s wife has bought another horse. He’s definitely not aware of it but I decide to let them work it out between themselves.

5pm: I leave the office to head to my fine art course. Henry has organised this ahead of me project-managing their property fit-out in Tuscany next year.

9pm: My own children are fed and watered so I do one last check of my emails before bed. Henry is happily settled in with his friends in Israel but has told me he would like the hallway paint colour changed to blue. I’ll action it in the morning. We have established a system where, outside the hours of 9pm to 5pm Monday to Friday, texts are for urgent actions and emails are for non-urgent tasks. It works well for us and means we’re able to reach a better balance!

If you’re looking for a new role in private support, or need more information on how a private PA can help to alleviate the stresses of your busy lifestyle, contact Tiger Private at our West End office. 

[1.] All real names have been withheld

The post A day in the life of a private PA appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Updated 14th December 2020

With the computer encroaching on everyday tasks bit by bit, the handwritten note is becoming a rare art. However, in private households, being able to compose a beautifully written thank you note, name settings, card or invitation is of great value to a potential employer. In fact, one of the UK’s leading etiquette experts, William Hanson, notes: “Handwriting is just one of the many ways in which we humans – especially the Brits – judge other people.  The effort and awe of an elegantly set table can be undone and tarnished by a badly scribbled placard, which is why household staff need a heightened level of good penmanship.” So if you don’t think your handwriting is up to scratch, why not enrol in a calligraphy course? It’s a skill that you may need if you’re a private household PA! Here are five of London’s best:

1. Quill London
With a whole range of different calligraphy classes, Quill London is currently hosting their workshops entirely online. Opt for the beginners’ workshop to learn how to write using ink and nib, starting out with shapes and strokes before moving onto letter forms. By the end, you’ll be creating whole sentences in your unique style and take home an essential kit of calligraphy materials so you can practice at home. If you know the basics but want to refine your skills, the improvers’ workshop is for you. You’ll be able to improve your overall technique, develop your style and take home a set of professional-grade materials.

Find out more on quilllondon.com/

2. City Lit
If it’s a full-day course you’re after, City Lit’s Modern Calligraphy is the one for you. Based in Covent Garden, the seven-hour workshop will take you through the process step by step and letter by letter, with demonstrations and an analysis of historical models along the way. You’ll learn to use pointed pen and ink, how to format letters and spacing correctly, the importance of pen pressure and how to do flourishes. At the end, you’ll be able to use a range of tools for your calligraphy practice and produce work in the modern version of Copperplate.

Find out more on https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/try-it-out-calligraphy-modern-copperplate

3. Babooche Calligraphy
Learn the fundamentals of modern calligraphy at Babooche, a calligraphy studio located in EC1. Start off by learning and practicing basic strokes before moving onto the lower-case alphabet and capital. With a limited class size of four participants due to pandemic restrictions, you’ll receive plenty of one-to-one help, with an experienced teacher who can help you develop your own style. Each workshop includes light refreshments and a take-home calligraphy starter kit.

Find out more on baboochecalligraphy.com

4. Alice Gabb
Stationery designer and modern calligrapher, Alice Gibb, spreads her love of distinctive lettering through a number of workshops throughout London. Join her in Shoreditch for a beginner’s’ workshop, where you’ll start with tea, cake and a chat before diving into the art of modern calligraphy. You’ll be introduced to good technique and what equipment to use, before being guided through practice exercises. From there, it’s straight to letterforms, which is important if you’re a private household PA and want to learn fast! By the end, expect to be able to write your favourite quote in modern calligraphy, with Alice always on hand for assistance.

If you’ve done the basics but want to practice with some expert help, Alice also hosts a Practice Makes Perfect Calligraphy Club, where you can work through guide sheets, have a chat about your equipment and pick up some tips. Supplies are provided, but you can also bring your own.

Find out more on alicegabb.com/workshops

5. Oh Wonder Calligraphy
As the lady behind Oh Wonder, Lauren Cooper, a graphic designer and self-taught calligrapher, hosts a range of workshops for beginners and enthusiasts in Bromley. If it’s the beginner option you’re going for, expect an introduction to the fundamentals of calligraphy, starting with what to use and strokes, before moving onto the alphabet. After two hours, you’ll have a new appreciation for handwriting, a workbook of exercises and tips and everything you need to keep practicing. Once you’ve mastered the basics, opt for an enthusiasts’ class, which aims to top up your skillset and help you develop your own style, as well as writing with different inks and on alternative surfaces.

Find out more on ohwondercalligraphy.com/workshops
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Looking for a private household PA role? Tiger Private can help – get in touch today.

The post Five calligraphy courses to try in London appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

We interview many candidates who want to be a private PA. Our answer is always the same – it is not that simple!

Myths and Rumours

There is this idea that private PAs lead a glamorous lifestyle; jetting off to the south of France in the summer, staying in a stunning hotel or on board your Boss’s yacht. Yes, occasionally these roles do come in, but the norm is very different. You’ll find many private PAs who will tell you their position is lonely, isolated and very admin heavy.

What is the secret?

The easiest way to land a private PA job is if you already have one. If you haven’t had any experience in that field, then the next best thing is to build up Private PA experience. If you are currently not in a role where there is this scope, then you need to move to a “halfway house position” where at least 20% of your PA role revolves around the private side.

Typically, you’ll find that most hybrid PA roles (i.e. those incorporating a split between business and personal) are 1:1 positions providing support at board level. Understandably it is those that have “made it” that tend to have the lifestyle that warrants private PA support.

It is very difficult to find a Private PA role without previous experience, so the above is the recommended course of action.

Are there any other courses of action I can take?

Yes, but before I go into further detail, it is important to differentiate between the different people who require a private PA. Below are the most common categories:

• Successful Businessman

• VIP

• Celebrity

• HNWI

• UHNWI

There is clearly some crossover between these categories. However, the point is that not all clients will be looking for previous private PA experience from a corporate business environment. A celebrity might prefer someone with a TV background, who is used to travelling, dealing with important people in the creative industry and logistically strong within their sector. Such an individual may not require private experience. Equally, a fashion mogul may require someone with strong credentials from the fashion industry – someone able to organise shows and events might be perceived as far more relevant than someone from a non-fashion background.

By the same token, an UHNWI may be happy to look at someone who had worked on yachts or managed a chalet because that type of private experience is more relevant to them.

There are plenty of ways to reach the same end point, so it’s worth working out what type of individual you want to support and then tailor your experience accordingly. Even better, let the experience you already have dictate the type of individual you support and the further experience you need to build up to land the job.

What impact will becoming a private PA have on your career?

As long as you have made a conscious decision that the private PA route is the one you want to follow long-term, then this is going to be a good move for you. That said, if you one day wish to return to the business PA world, then this move could have implications, particularly if you work in the private PA world for a considerable amount of time.

Simply, the longer you are a private PA, the harder you will find it to return to a purely business PA role because employers will be concerned about how committed you are to change tack and how you’ll react to the change in pace from private to business.

What salary should I expect to be paid?

This varies enormously and whilst most private PA roles tend to be targeted towards those candidates with a good length of experience, we have seen employers look for suitable candidates with 1-3 years previous experience. These positions tend to come in at the £28-35k range. The senior private PA roles pay anywhere from £40-100k in today’s market. This depends on who the role is working for, where it is based and how many hours in the week you are working. For instance, some employers expect their PA support to work 24:7. Understandably, there needs to be some level of compensation for this.

Equally, some bosses can be extremely demanding, whether this is through workload or the way they interact with their PA. This again can lead to higher salaries.

To conclude, the private PA role can be a fantastic career choice, but it is not for everyone. Really think carefully about whether this is the right career choice for you and the implications for moving into the industry. If you decide to follow this route, then don’t expect to suddenly land your perfect job – use the tips above to help you structure your CV and experience to make your CV as appealing as possible to prospective employers.
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Looking for a private PA role? Tiger Private might be able to help. Get in touch with the team today.

The post How do I become a Private PA? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Art experts offer bespoke, one-to-one experiences and specialised knowledge in niche fields. Due to the nature of their work, they often have extensive experience working alongside high/ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) globally.

Art experts have a deep understanding of art history, market dynamics and aesthetic trends, acting as trusted advisors of art enthusiasts through the intricate world of art acquisition.

If you’re thinking about enlisting the help of an art consultant, read on to find out the various ways an art expert can enhance your collection.

Taking your interests into account

An art consultant must take the time to find out the different artists, periods and subject matter that you’re interested in. An art expert regularly accompanies their clients to art fairs, exhibitions and auctions, and exposes them to books and catalogues to understand their interests. Where one client may be interested in Old Master paintings, another might prefer a piece of contemporary sculpture, so this first stage is imperative to ensure your art consultant can fine-tune their search.

Helping you make an informed decision

If you’re looking to build your collection from the ground up, an art consultant can help you make an informed decision with your best interests at heart. Buying a piece of art isn’t just about handing the money over – the process should involve thorough research (including where the piece has been written about and exhibited, as well as working out the previous owners). An art expert with keen attention to detail will make sure everything is in order, and build a thoroughly-documented history of the piece. Consultants like Anna will also make sure the practicalities of insurance are taken care of so that your investment, once acquired, is correctly recorded in an inventory and protected.

Managing the logistics

Once a piece has been purchased, a great art management expert can assist you with the appropriate way to display it, from lighting to installation and right down to choosing the correct glass for the frame. They would also oversee any restoration work necessary for the preservation of the piece. If storage is required, an art management advisor will go to the trouble of ensuring the right conditions are organised (including humidity and lighting levels, among other details). They will also organise safe transport, whether it be across the city or across the globe, to ensure that the piece will arrive safely at its new destination.

Sarah Capes, of Talbot Capes, offers expert knowledge on the management of everything from Old Master paintings to modern art. Talbot Capes’ service takes on the laborious work of conserving, transporting, storing, and cataloguing the works of a collector.

Selling a piece

If you’re looking to sell a piece, an art consultant can act as your representative to research the correct market for it to be sold in and assist in the decision as to whether it is better to sell at auction or through private treaty sale. An expert will do their research and suggest exactly when, where and how much the piece should be sold for, with full transparency about anything that may affect the sale.

Detective work

Where you have inherited a piece and don’t know what it is, an expert will research to work out its attribution, and therefore its true value. They will draw on art history expertise, market insights, and attention to detail to research and produce a solid analysis with documents and data to support this. The advisor should manage expectations by acting with integrity and clarity through every step of this process, to ensure their client has a realistic idea of what to expect.

If you are looking to recruit an art expert, reach out to us today!

The post Five reason’s why you should consider hiring an art expert appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

April 21st is National Administrative Professionals Day, an international celebration of the work  personal assistants, executive assistants, team and admin assistants, receptionists, secretaries and many more do on a daily basis. As a recruitment consultancy dedicated to matching outstanding business support professionals with employers of choice across London, the UK and globally, we know how important these roles are for businesses and private individuals.

We surveyed 400 of our candidates, in order to shine a light on the pivotal role they play. One of the questions we asked was ‘What was is the most unusual task you’ve ever completed for an employer?’ The results are in…and they’re sure to either make you nod your head sympathetically or shake your head in disbelief.

Looking for a new job? Perhaps you need someone to complete these types of tasks! Either way, Tiger can help. Get in touch today!

The post 10 of the most unusual PA tasks appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

When organising a business meeting for your boss, the office may not be the best spot, but your local Pret or Costa might not cut it either.  To fill the void, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best business meeting spots, bound to encourage successful conversation and creative thinking.

1. Notes Covent Garden

Just minutes from the iconic Trafalgar Square, this spacious café is a haven for those looking for respite from outside activity. With plenty of table space and baked goods galore, it’s a casual spot to chat shop.

31 St Martin’s Ln, Covent Garden
London WC2N 4ER
020 7240 0424

Visit website

2. Grind

With nine locations around London, there are plenty of opportunities to host a meeting at a Grind. Our favourites are in Soho and Covent Garden – both feature an industrial-chic design, plenty of seating and an all-day menu to drool over. Best of all, you can book, meaning no hesitating for a table.

Covent Garden:
42 Maiden Lane,
London, WC2E 7LJ
020 3019 1801

Soho:
19 Beak Street,
London, W1F 9RP
020 7287 7073

Visit website

3. Riding House Café

This neighbourhood local was established to address the needs of the local creative community, meaning laptops are never out of place on its communal tables. Book your boss in for brekkie, or leave them to languish over lunch – either way, the conversation and creativity will be flowing.

43-51 Great Titchfield Street, Fitzrovia
London W1W 7PQ
020 7927 0840

Visit website

4. Chiltern Firehouse

Should your boss be in the mood for a meeting over lunch, there’s no better spot north of Oxford Street than Chiltern. The former fire station, renowned for its high-profile guests, offers seclusion and sophistication with both a picturesque terrace and an opulent dining room. Your boss and their guests will soon be breaking bread – Coombeshead Farm sourdough, specifically – while feasting on dishes like black truffle gnocchi and 45-day aged bavette steak.

1 Chiltern Street, Marylebone
London, W1U 7PA
020 7073 7676

Visit website

5. Dean Street Townhouse

With the likes of Tracey Emin and Peter Blake on the walls, your boss will be in good company in Dean Street Townhouse’s dining room. Leave them to settle into velvet banquettes, enjoying a coffee, smoothie or something stronger, and before you know it, they’ll be walking out feeling more productive than ever.

69 – 71 Dean St, Soho
London W1D 3SE
0207 434 1775

Visit website

6. The Parlour at the Zetter Townhouse

Sumptuous and sophisticated, The Parlour feels like the lounge of a nefarious ancestor, complete with devilishly red walls, Persian rugs and antiquities. It’s a place where your boss can celebrate a professional partnership over a cocktail, or disappear for a few hours, emerging with a new idea. With an all-day culinary offering and both hard and soft drinks on the menu, what else could they need?

28-30 Seymour Street
London W1H 7JB
020 7324 4555

Visit website

7. Dalloway Terrace

This outdoor terrace, attached to the Bloomsbury Hotel, is an all-year escape from the everyday, changing as the seasons do to reflect what’s going on above its glass roof. From drinks in the summer on the alfresco terrace, to a coffee in the covered secret garden during winter, it’s an elegant space that’s set to impress even the most demanding of guests.

16-22 Great Russell Street
London, WC1B 3NN
0207 347 1221

Visit website

The post Best cafes for a business meeting – Central London appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Whether you are someone who has little planning experience or a PA who has plenty, there’s always room to improve your travel itinerary skills. Here are some insider tips and tricks that can enhance one of the most important documents for your principal.

At the top of an itinerary, state the dates of travel and route i.e. London – Berlin – Moscow. When you are providing names of places, it is recommended that write it in both English and the local language.

Inform your principal as to which passport (if they have numerous) they should take. Ensure the passport number is clearly specified. Embolden any text that is important while also making use of underlining and italics, where necessary.

When organising the itinerary, make sure that any times stated are written in local time – if they are in London, GMT or if they are in Washington, EST etc. It may be worth including the time zone differences, to save an unexpected call at 2am!

If you are booking taxis, whether it is to the airport, hotel or point of meeting, ensure that your principal have the taxi company name, booking reference and information of where they are travelling to and from.

If taking a flight, ensure that they know which airport they are leaving from, where they are flying to, the departure and gate closing time, terminal number, airline name, flight number and give them the booking reference for their flight. Make them aware if their boarding pass it either enclosed or NOT enclosed.

Inform your principal what time they are due to arrive at their destination in local time. If they do not have a taxi booked, instruct them to hail a taxi and provide them with the necessary information of their next destination.

If taking a train or other mode of transport, ensure they have information on how to purchase their tickets and details for their next journey’s end. If tickets are pre-booked, provide them with the reference number, destination details and inform them, like with the airline tickets, if they are enclosed of NOT enclosed.

If they are staying in a hotel, give them the address of the hotel, their reference number and how many nights they will be staying. It’s always a nice touch to note the hotel website so they can take a look if they please.

When they are going to a meeting, ensure they have all contact information for who they are meeting, where and at what time. The contact information must include email, phone numbers and meeting address.

At the bottom of the itinerary, make a list of all the contact information they need. This should include:

• Taxi numbers (booked: Taxi company, contact name and number. Not booked: Local taxi companies and numbers)

• Hotel (address, contact name and number)

• Your contact details (number and email)

• Any contact details of who they will be meeting (name, company, email and number)

• Contact details for any meeting places (location name, address and number)

Other useful information that might prove useful includes weather forecasts (do they need an umbrella?) and also any restaurant suggestions. If you are giving them some ideas of where to eat, ensure that it is in a reasonable distance to where they are staying or have a meeting. Unique destination information including traditions and customs could also prove to be beneficial.
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Looking to become a private PA? Tiger Private can help. Get in touch!

The post Writing a travel itinerary for your boss to truly appreciate appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

Striking a balance between your personal and professional life is difficult in any job. But for private PAs, it can seem virtually impossible. When you work to your principal’s schedule, travel with them and are expected to be on call at almost any time, it’s no wonder many struggle to maintain a social life as well. And while it’s certainly a demanding job, there are steps that you can take to ensure that you find a balance.

Set boundaries from the start

Obviously you need to be fairly available to make this role work, but make sure you set out clear boundaries and keep some time aside for yourself. Agreeing appropriate out-of-hours response times can be really helpful. For example, you could suggest that while your principal can still ring you in an emergency at any time, they should simply text or email things that can wait to be dealt with during working hours. If you have other responsibilities in your personal life (such as fitting in family time), be open about these straight away. This will allow you to find a balance that works for you both.

Separate your personal and professional life

This can be a difficult thing to navigate, especially if your job involves a lot of travel. You should still be assigned time off, but be careful to use it for yourself. It can be easy to accept a dinner invitation with your principal during your personal time, especially when you’re somewhere you don’t know, but tread carefully. Saying yes once can make it harder to say no the next time. Remember that however well you get on, your boss is exactly that. They aren’t your best friend and if you’re not careful, your work life will become your only life. Likewise, have a work phone and a personal phone. That way when you are taking down time, you can switch the work one off.

Share the load

If you have other staff members at your disposal, be sure to share out responsibilities accordingly. It can be difficult to trust that others are able to do the tasks you would rather take on yourself, but spread yourself too thin and often you’ll be unable to perform at the level your boss requires. Worst of all, even if you have held onto work with the best of intentions, if it goes wrong you won’t be thanked and could even get into trouble as a result. Give other staff members clear responsibilities, communicate your expectations and let them get on with it. More often than not you’ll find they will be more than capable of the tasks given to them which will remove stress from you.

Have switch off time

Make sure you do take time off for yourself to recharge and relax. Use your assigned holiday (you’ll come back more refreshed which is better for you and your boss). If the very thought of being off causes you stress, match your holidays with your principal’s if they’re agreed. They can switch off and so can you. Aside from holidays, take regular time that’s just for you. Be that a yoga class, a run or simply time to watch a film or read a book, try and do something at minimum every few days where you slip quietly off the grid. You’ll be more effective when you’re at work, and less worried about taking time off in the future.

If you’d like to get in touch about your next move as a private PA, get in touch today.

The post Balancing your private life with your Private PA role appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The basics

27 Poultry, EC2R 8AJ
+ 44 (0)20 3828 2000
www.thened.com/restaurants/cecconis

Cecconi’s became an overnight sensation when it opened its Mayfair doors back in 1978. Since then, several Cecconi’s restaurants have opened, much to the delight of Italophiles around the globe, with Cecconi’s, City of London being the latest. Without a doubt, the food held its own against the backdrop of exceptional décor and style of The Ned.

Tiger rating: 4.5/5

Great for: Breakfasts, business lunches, after-work suppers, after-work drinks

A bit of background

Enzo Cecconi was the youngest ever general manager of Venice’s world-famous Cipriani before he opened his doors in Mayfair back in 1978. Bringing the delights of Italian fare to Londoners with a theatrical twist and notes of Venetian sophistication, Cecconi’s was an overnight hit and was soon the go-to hangout for A-listers and royals alike.

The venue

If you haven’t yet been to The Ned or are familiar with the building, it is worth a mention. Minutes from Bank Station and the bustle of the City, you walk into what feels like an extravagant 1920’s film set. The former Midland Bank’s banker hall boasts 3,000 square metres of space, emphasised by its incredibly high ceilings and some 92 verdite columns. It’s no wonder that nine restaurants fit comfortably. Soho House Group have preserved the 1924 building perfectly; the website even encourages you to go in search of the building’s ‘secrets’, such as the vault. Hidden behind the bank’s original 20 tonne door is the vault bar – also home to some 3,800 safety deposit boxes which line its walls.

The food

Sitting in the Cecconi’s corner of the great hall, it was truly difficult to order from such an impressive menu. As we ordered, I was amazed at how well we could hear one another in such a huge space. (I wondered how they must have reached the decision that housing a potential 1000 covers in one space wouldn’t be too much for the ear drums to bear.) Sipping on a delicious chardonnay from northern Italy, we awaited our Italian fate. The signature tuna tartare and the calamari fritti arrived promptly. The calamari was cooked just as it should: tender and succulent, encased in a flawless crunchy light batter. The tuna was fresh and succulent. If I had to criticise, the tuna dish might have been a little more flavourful. The chilli didn’t add to the dish other than its vibrant red colour; I’d hoped the capers to add more salty punch; and the rocket was fine.

The main event

When in Rome, one must order the pasta. Out came the crab ravioli and lobster linguini. The pasta was absolutely delicious on both sides. The crab ravioli was a dish I had enjoyed in other establishments but Cecconi’s do it differently. Within these little perfect pouches was just crab! No ricotta, no herb, no spring onion. Just crab. This dish evidently tips its hat to the subtle flavour of crab meat, and I loved it. The simplicity of it was the perfect accompaniment to the pasta and delicious sauce. It was perfect. If my boss wasn’t in attendance I might have ordered another one.

My colleague ordered the lobster linguini which was nothing short of theatrical as it entered stage left on to the table. An impressive lobster tail nuzzled picture-perfect cherry tomatoes and al dente linguini which wrapped itself around generous morsels of tender lobster and rich sauce. Sadly, the sauce was slightly too rich, so she wasn’t able to finish.

As we nursed our full bellies and congratulated ourselves on our good fortunes, the dessert menu arrived. After the compulsory, ‘oh no but I couldn’t possibly’’s, we committed to sharing a lemon tart and vanilla ice cream. Sweet, Sour, Crunchy and Smooth danced on that plate in perfect unison.

In summary

I want an excuse to go back, and pronto. Cecconi’s at The Ned won’t fail to impress the most discerning of gastronomes. If you’re a PA looking to book a sure thing for your boss and clients, or a Private PA requiring an impressive venue and food combo in the City, look no further.

The post In review: Cecconi’s at The Ned, the latest jewel in the City’s crown appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

First published on Forbes, 12/08/22

“The true enemy for many is the daily grind of commuting.” That’s according to Mark Dixon, CEO of flexible office provider IWG. And he has a point. People were only too delighted to give up their commute during the pandemic; for many, the resulting time and cost savings were the biggest perk of working from home. And now that offices are going back, many workers are dreading the thought of having to do it all over again, not least due to fears over the risk of infection.

However, as someone who regularly runs and swims to the office (yes, in London!), I can wholeheartedly say that the commute doesn’t have to be that way. There are cheaper, more sustainable ways to get to the office and, dare I say it, commuting can be good for you.

New Commuting Patterns

Changes in how we work should mean that commuting isn’t as painful as it once was. Less days in the office mean less commuting and less people using transport systems, which could actually make taking the train or the bus more bearable.

For those whose only option is to drive to work, the rise in hybrid working is also good news. Research by Wejo for USA Today, shows that the “rush hour” is not quite so rushed these days. Starting times are now flexible, often later, and more spread out.

Employers can help to ensure that these new commuting patterns stick. For example, at Tiger Recruitment we’re giving people flexibility over their start and finish times so that they can travel in quieter (and less expensive) periods. Thanks to technology, people will soon be able to plan their journeys with even greater precision. Take Google’s transit crowdedness predictions innovation, for example, which is currently being trialed in New York and Sydney. Commuters can see how busy their train or bus will be and avoid peak times, meaning that standing shoulder-to-shoulder in an overcrowded carriage could become a thing of the past.

Shorter Commute?

Another growing trend that could eliminate the once-dreaded commute is the so-called 15-minute city, the brainchild of Professor Carlos Moreno. This is the idea that everything you need in terms of work, retail and leisure is within 15 minutes by foot or bike. The concept, which gained momentum during the pandemic when people tended to stay local, is designed to create a greener, cleaner, more pleasant urban environment. Paris has embraced it; Milan is piloting it and other world cities are introducing their own variations, with leading examples including Portland’s Complete Neighborhoods and Bogotá’s Barrios Vitales.

With the 15-minute city, rather than everyone having to travel to a central office location, people would work closer to home, combining remote working with working from a local flexible workspace.

Healthier Start

The beauty of living closer to the office, or working closer to home, is that you can travel there under your own steam. My own day starts with a run through London’s Hyde Park followed by a swim in the Serpentine. For me, the commute is my daily exercise, which leaves me energized and ready to face the challenges of the day ahead.

The desire to avoid public transport during the pandemic has also driven a number of my team to rethink their commute and, like me, where they can, have made walking, running or cycling to the office part of their routine.

Active commuting is great for physical wellbeing, with medical research showing that it could help people live longer and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Employers can help their employees make healthier choices. That might mean offering bike or e-bike subsidies, such as Amazon is doing, and providing the right facilities so that people can easily store their bikes and shower and change before work.

Greener Choice

The other beneficiary of more active commuting is the environment. Encouraging people to take up greener modes of transport can help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and maintain the sustainability boost we saw during Covid-19 when people drove less and stayed at home more.

Many people are still wedded to their cars and if anything, the pandemic has strengthened their attachment as they look to avoid crowds and the risk of infection. But Oxford academics have found that by swapping their car for a bike or e-bike just one day a week, people can reduce their carbon footprint by about 0.5 tonnes (0.55 tons) over a year, representing a substantial share of average per capita C0².

Changing behavior also requires city-level transformation. There needs to be the right infrastructure in place – such as cycle lanes – with incentives to reward and encourage healthy choices. This year’s European green capital, Lahti in Finland provides an interesting example of how it can be done. As part of a broader urban mobility project, citizens use an app to calculate their carbon footprint and earn points – virtual Euros – for using greener transport options, which can be exchanged for discounts on products and services.

Mental Preparation

Love it or hate it, the commute is an important part of working life, which helps people mentally prepare for the day ahead and unwind when it’s over. It’s for that very reason that when all of us were working from home, a group of UK academics recommended a ‘faux commute’ as a useful way to separate work and home life.

This is a healthy habit that businesses should continue to foster in their remote workers. A lap of the park or a walk round the block can help people get into the right professional mindset. It can also guard against burnout; rather than gaining an extra hour by not commuting, employees often devote that time to their work and don’t mentally switch off as much as they would if they were traveling to the office.

So, as offices go back in cities around the world from New York to London, let’s resist the temptation to return to our old ways and a commute that fills many of us with trepidation. Now is the time to think differently, to encourage your teams to consider the commute not as something to endure but as an opportunity to exercise, mentally prepare for the working day and have a positive environmental impact. Anyone care to join me for a swim?

The post Re-Imagining The Commute: Why Take The Train When You Could Swim? appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

If you’re looking to book a trip for yourself or your principal, the ongoing COVID-19 situation may be making you nervous about going too far. International travel is still fraught with uncertainty and risk, and many are feeling unsure about stepping onto a plane.

You can avoid potential international travel problems by booking a trip to one of the top UK holiday destinations instead. If you don’t want to go overseas this summer, the UK has a diverse range of locations, including beaches, woods and mountains. The UK is also steeped in history, giving you or your principal an excellent choice of holiday activities.

Best places for a UK staycation

We take a look at the best inland and best coastal holiday destinations UK residents can enjoy. Take a look at the top holiday options available across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland below.

Snowdonia National Park in Wales

The Snowdonia National Park is vast, covering 823 square miles, which gives visitors plenty of space and adventures conducive to social distancing. Snowdonia boasts the highest mountain in England and Wales, vast natural lakes, wildlife diversity, historical sites and charming villages such as Beddgelert and Betws y Coed.

The Snowdonia National Park reopened on July 6^th 2020, giving you access to the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast. The Snowdon Mountain Railway opened on July 10th and, to aid social distancing, carriages are operating at 50% occupancy.

Where to stay in Snowdonia

The Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel opened on July 13th and is located in the heart of Snowdonia. A four-star Gold award-winning Country House Hotel in Betws-y-Coed sitting on the banks of the River Conwy in 16 acres of private gardens, this luxury hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Alternatively, Martha Jones on the Llyn Peninsula, Pwllheli, is situated on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, with the Porth lago beach nearby. The accommodation is cosy, cool and modern, with rooms starting from £85 per night.

Image provided by Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel

The Outer Hebrides in Scotland

The Outer Hebrides in Scotland are a chain of inter-connected islands and will be welcoming tourism again from July 15th. The Outer Hebrides is an ideal holiday choice for people who love walking, cycling, surfing and wildlife photography.

Where to stay in the Outer Hebrides

Hebridean coastal glamping is popular and Hebrides Bothy, on the Isle of Lewis, is an excellent example. The cedar-clad eco-cabins overlook the Point Peninsula and present the perfect setting for a romantic hideaway or peaceful retreat. Room rates are from £95 per night.

If your principal wants a sporting adventure, the Grogarry Lodge on the Isle of South Uist offers access to fishing and other sporting pursuits such as golf, walking and wildlife tours. The accommodation is fully staffed and catered, with prices from £6,600 per unit, per week.

Image provided by Grogarry Lodge, credit Christian Cooksey

Alfriston in East Sussex

One of England’s most beautiful villages, Alfriston and the Cuckmere Valley, is surrounded by the Wealden South Downs. Known for its historical heritage, the Cathedral of the South Downs, wine estates and the Arlington Reservoir Nature Reserve and Fishery, this is a popular destination for outdoor pursuits and hiking.

Where to stay in Alfriston

Wingrove House opened on July 13^th and is surrounded by walking and cycling trails and positioned close to Friston Forest and the Cuckmere River. Rooms range from standard doubles to premium deluxe rooms, giving an option for all budgets with consistent quality.

Deans Place Hotel was once a vast farming estate set on the banks of the Cuckmere River at the foot of South Downs National Park. The hotel boasts 36 rooms, has a seasonal heated outdoor swimming pool and is available for exclusive use.

Londonderry in Northern Ireland

Also known as Derry, Londonderry is known for its intact 17th-century Derry’s Walls with seven gates. Attractions include the Peace Bridge, Tower Museum and St. Columb’s Cathedral, where the 1688-9 Siege of Derry artefacts are on display. The museum and cathedral are now open (with reduced operating times), so coordinate your visit accordingly.

Where to stay in Londonderry

The Waterfoot Hotel is a four-star boutique hotel that is newly refurbished and located on the historic Banks of the River Foyle. You can unwind in the chic and stylish hotel and take a scenic walk towards the Derry city centre. The hotel is an excellent choice with access to golf, stunning Donegal, fabulous beaches and Irish scenery.

Ayrshire in Scotland

On the west coast of Scotland near Glasgow sit the glorious regions of Ayrshire and Arran. A mix of quaint, small-town life and coastal gems, this area is famed for its beauty. This area is perfect if your principal loves golf, as there are almost 50 different courses along this stretch of land. With nature walks like Burns’ Trail and the island of Arran to visit, this area of the world will provide the perfect respite for guests.

Where to stay in Ayrshire

Glenapp Castle is an incredible property on 36 acre private land in rural Ayrshire. Sleeping up to 34 guests across 17 rooms, complete with a tennis court, banquet halls and fully staffed butler service, this is a fantastic option for a principal looking to live like a king. Completely surrounded by gardens and parklands, this castle offers a true escape from the stresses of the city.

Isle of Wight

If it doesn’t quite feel like a trip away unless you’ve crossed the water, then the Isle of Wight is an ideal holiday location away from the mainland. The Isle of Wight is one of the best holiday spots UK residents can choose, with a lush unspoiled landscape, towering chalk cliffs, thriving wildlife, and golden sandy beaches. The Isle of Wight is perfect for a COVID-19-safe holiday where you can reconnect with the great outdoors.

Where to stay on the Isle of Wight

Overlooking Shanklin Beach, Luccombe Manor is set on four acres of landscaped gardens and a five-minute walk from Shanklin High Street. This dog-friendly hotel offers access to the facilities at Luccombe Hall Country House Hotel at no additional cost (these include swimming pools, squash and children’s play areas). Room prices vary depending on their size and view.

The Hambrough overlooks Ventor’s stunning coastline and offers 5 AA Gold Star luxury boutique accommodation on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight. There are just seven individually designed rooms and you can eat and drink in the secret garden with safe, socially-distanced seating. Room rates range between £130 to £210 per night, with rooms boasting balconies overlooking Ventnor Bay or St. Boniface Down.

Osea Island

One of the hidden gems of the British Isles, Osea Island is private island luxury within two hours of London. Off the coast of Essex on the River Blackwater, this 380 acre island offers the perfect escape if your principal is used to jetting off to a secluded tropical paradise, as it has an incredible four-mile beach front. Only accessible by a causeway or helicopter, it is truly secluded.

Where to stay on Osea Island

The whole island can be rented out for your principal, which would give them the choice of staying in one of three houses on the coast or in one of the village’s properties. The Manor House may be a favourite, which is a 10-bedroom property situated on the coast. All properties have been refurbished to suit the beach house theme, allowing your principal to feel like they are truly abroad.

If you’re booking a holiday for your principal further abroad, our PA Collective partner, Chapman Freeborn, has given us an insight into private jet travel during the pandemic

Header image provided by Wingrove House

The post Top UK holiday spots in 2020 appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

We meet several people in PA jobs on a day-to-day basis. City PAs are particularly unique and we love to hear about the diversity of their roles from one day to the next. We asked one of our star candidates, Lucy [1], about what the life of a PA working in the City looks like!

6am: The alarm goes off and my arm sluggishly hits the snooze button as my mind starts to come to life!

6.10am: I resign myself to the fact it’s a working day and throw on my workout gear before switching on Joe Wicks. My colleague told me about him and has seen great results from his 20 minute HIIT workout on YouTube. It’s tough – harder than last time – and I kick myself for insisting on staying up to watch the rest of Strictly.

7.20am: At Grays station, I try to keep myself warm while I wait for the 7.25 to Fenchurch Street. I can usually get a seat and once I’m comfy, I plug in my earphones and rifle through my make-up bag so I’m presentable by the time I get into town.

8.20am: I arrive at the office, coffees in tow for my boss and me. He’s on the phone when I get in, so I steal into his office and leave it on his desk. He gives me a thumbs-up.

8.30am: I work for an Investment Management firm, so everyone is already running at full speed by the time I’m logged in and checking emails. I address the urgent actions that have come through overnight, and double check Tom’s diary for today. There are a couple of clashes so I quickly try to resolve the urgent ones before printing off the itineraries for today’s meetings.

12pm: By midday, I’ve managed to resolve all the clashes for the remainder of the afternoon and tomorrow morning. Tom mentioned he’d like sushi for lunch, so I head out to grab that for him and pick up a sandwich for myself en route – in the life of a PA, you have to try to make every trip out of the office as fruitful as possible.

1pm: Tom’s 2pm has emailed to let me know he’s going to be early and has asked for a meeting room, so I run down to reception to try and use my charm with them. Thankfully I’ve secured a room from 1.30pm.

1.30pm: By the time his guest arrives, I’m there to greet him and show him to the room. I had forgotten that he was such a chatterbox. I make a mental note to shift Tom’s diary back by half an hour as the meeting is bound to run over.

2pm: I’ve had to interrupt Tom’s last meeting to ensure he gets to the next one on time. I let him know I’ll text him ten minutes before he needs to be out.

3.20pm: Sure enough, the chatterbox has held him captive. I’ve successfully pushed back his 3pm to 3.30pm, and the 4pm to 4.30pm. I also remembered I hadn’t yet organised visas for Tom’s trip to China next month, so I submit the application. Hopefully it arrives on time! I add ‘Plan B visa’ to my to-do list just in case.

3.25pm: His 3.30pm is here so I text Tom to let him know he needs to wrap up.

5pm: By 5pm, all his meetings are over and I’ve put the finishing touches to a PowerPoint presentation he’s presenting tomorrow. I’m supposed to head off by 5pm but Tom needs to run through what he needs completing tomorrow. There’s no way I’ll make it out the door before 6pm.

6.10pm: It’s a lovely evening so the other PAs and I head down to Broadgate Circle for a cocktail. We don’t normally speak to each other during the day so it’s lovely to catch up with them and hear about what’s going on in the other areas of the business. One of the other PAs has started dating an investment manager and we’re all keen to hear the goss!

9.30pm: I leave the guys to it as I’m so tired and just want to crawl into bed! I’m starving so I pick up an Evian and a pasty which I wolf down on the train home. A day in the life of a PA may sound glamourous, but this is sometimes the reality!

If you’d like to explore becoming a City PA, register your details with us today.

[1] Not real name

The post A day in the life of a City PA appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.

The PA Collective® recently held a candidate event at the Cookery School at Little Portland Street, one of our PA Collective® partners. The Cookery School is a sustainable cooking school that focuses on educating and encouraging people to get back to good old-fashioned cooking. They host cooking classes of all sizes, from private lessons to classes of over 50 people. On a particularly rainy summer night, they were kind enough to host a pasta-making class to showcase the benefits of a cooking class as a team-building activity for our PA Collective members®!

Arrival and brief

When we stepped into the wonderfully organised kitchen space, we knew we had braved the weather for good reason. Stefan, our enigmatic and bubbly teacher, greeted each guest with a glass of wine and left us to nibble artichoke-topped bread while chatting to our PA Collective® members.

After a short while, it was time to begin. Stefan instructed us to don our personalised aprons and began briefing us on the menu for the night. We were going to make ourselves ricotta and lemon-filled tortellini with a crispy mint butter sauce, followed by a gooey chocolate fondant. A complete Italian experience, made by those with very little experience!

Let’s cook!

Two volunteers were pulled from the crowd to mix a batch of pasta dough by finger. That’s right, they had a finger each in the pile of egg, flour and semolina on the bench to imitate a dough hook – a true bonding experience. We all watched on in awe as the mess slowly became a perfect dough ball.

To be able to do get everything finished in the two-hour time slot, we were split into filling and dessert teams. On the filling team, we were instructed to season the ricotta mixture to taste. Following a bit of debate over how much lemon juice, salt and pepper should be added, we took a spoon to the ricotta mix and agreed that our team had superior seasoning skills. Fortunately, Stefan concurred that our mixture was indeed as delicious as we thought it was.

It was finally time to face the Kitchen Aid with its scary mechanical roller – would we conquer it, or would our dough stick to the machine and result in a sticky mess? We took turns feeding dough balls into the machine until they became extremely long and thin – a two-person job quickly turned into four strangers carefully holding and threading the dough together to ensure it was kept at the perfect thickness at all times. We set up a production line where we transferred these long sheets very carefully over to the semolina powdered surface to be folded by the other half of the team.

Stefan’s mantra of ‘less is more’ when stuffing the tortellini was proven true as some of us tried and failed to create the perfect pieces. He jokingly explained there were all different skill levels on the tray, but it was extremely therapeutic to fold and shape the pasta pieces – even if they weren’t perfect in the end!

The delicious result

There were undoubtedly a few casualties in the pot when it came to boiling them, but Stefan was very good to us and only served up the best. With the lights turned down and the kitchen transformed into a dining room before our very eyes, we sat down with another glass of wine and chatted as plates of delicious pasta were served up. It was hard to believe that we were responsible for these little pillows of delight, accompanied by the decadent butter sauce. Throughout the meal, the mood was high as we rode on the wave of our combined effort and success, knowing how well we had worked together to get each element on the plate.

Soon afterwards, the warm and rich chocolate fondant, made by the other half of the team, was served with thickened cream and was the perfect end to a delicious Italian meal.

Once dessert was served, Stefan also joined us and was a fantastic host. Before we knew it, it was well past 9pm, and no one really wanted to leave the lovely, relaxing atmosphere that had been created by working together and sharing stories.

A cooking class is a wonderful option for a team-building activity, with the act of working together towards a common (and delicious) goal encouraging interaction and rapport-building. As most of us were outside our comfort zone, the learning experience itself allowed us to build a closer relationship and bond. It helped that all our aprons were personalised so we could skip the awkwardness of asking someone to repeat their name if we’d forgotten it! The whole experience is set up to get everyone working together as a team, and the opportunity to sit down after the class and eat the meal together was a fantastic way to finish the night.

This is a recap of the first of several events the PA Collective® are hosting. If you’re a PA, EA or lifestyle manager and would like to apply to the Collective, please send you CV and LinkedIn profile to pa.collective@tiger-recruitment.co.uk

The post We try… a team-building pasta-making class appeared first on Tiger Recruitment.