by Zoe Griffin
THE PREMIERE: WAR HORSE
Sunday 8th January '12
WAR HORSE was one of the best premieres we’ve had in the UK for ages as it was packed with A-listers and they all let themselves surrender to the magic of the film. 
There was no room for egos on the red carpet as the star of the film is very much Joey the Horse and we noticed he got a louder cheer than director Steven Spielberg when he was led down the red carpet.
Once inside the cinema, we saw royal tears. Prince William and his new wife, Catherine, The Duchess was handed a box of Kleenex midway through the film. We wondered who needed it? What happened to the royal stiff upper lip?
Outside the venue, we heard that the night raised over £1 million for charity. Some tickets were sold to the William and Harry charitable foundation for £10,000 each, and part of this will go to Help For Heroes. Some injured servicemen were also given tickets to the premiere and it was an honour to walk down the red carpet near them. Before I went to the show, I wondered would lead actor Benedict Cumberbatch be as hot in real life as he is in Sherlock on BBC1. Yes, he scrubs up pretty good in a suit but his eyes are wide apart. Ladies, the soldiers were better looking, stronger and altogether more fanciable. I was in my element!
This very much called for a celebration with a decadent party at The Queen’s Gallery in the palace. More Champagne anyone? Yes please, it was unlimited.
DRINK OF THE NIGHT: Champagne.
Served like the royals do it – in chilled glasses with waiters in suits. Surrounded by beautiful people. If they’re not beautiful enough, don’t let them in the party!
THE PREMIERE: THE IRON LADY
Thursday 5th January '12
THE premiere of The Iron Lady took place at the BFI on London’s Southbank and our overall impression from the night was that it was a really grown-up affair. 
There were no random reality TV stars turning up because they wanted a bit of glamour. They’re more suited to films like Fast And The Furious…or Shrek. Instead the list of stars was: Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Anthony Head.
Then let’s take Meryl’s outfit. The wise actress realised that there is no need to bear all when it’s January and so covered her body in a stately blue dress. It was a blue carpet outside the venue – to reflect Tory colours – and Streep was perfectly colour co-ordinated. However, when we grabbed a chat with her she said she wasn’t necessarily a fan of Thatcher, telling us: “It was interesting to me to look at the human being behind the headlines; to imagine what it's like to a live a life so huge, controversial, and groundbreaking in the winter of that life, and to have sort of a compassionate view for someone with whom I disagree."
Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor Anthony Head -who played Cabinet Minister Geoffrey Howe- attended with his two daughters, both of whom are budding thespians. Emily’s in The Inbetweeners and the other sister, Daisy has had parts in dramas like Holby City. Look out for them all in 2012.
Another reason that signalled it was a night for the grown-ups was the drinks selection. Rather than book a fabulous venue for the after-party, things were kept simple and it was done at the BFI.
DRINK OF THE NIGHT: Normally I’d report on the cocktails but it was Gin and Tonic or Vodka and Tonic or fizz.
Want to know how to drink a G*T the Iron Lady way?
75ml of Gin (or more) and 20 ml tonic plus ice and lime. Make it strong!
AUSTIN REED REGENT ST STORE LAUNCH
Thursday 15th December '11
COURTNEY LAWES covered his tattoos to scrub up in a suit at the launch of the new Austin Reed shop on London’s Regent Street. Austin Reed sold the old shop to Superdry for £20 million and moved a few doors down the street (it’s now at 100 Regent Street). Cricketer Alistair Cooke was also there and The Overtones band, but the versatile England and Northampton Saints forward, Lawes looked the smartest (bizarrely).
Saving the cash from moving stores meant the label had more to spend on cocktails! It even hired a special bar team called Liquid Chefs to create them. Mojitos were nice but the Gingerbread Smash was a particular hit.
Lawes couldn't indulge in many, but we did, and it brought on the festive spirit.
DRINK OF THE NIGHT: To make the Gingerbread Smash you need:
25ml dark rum
20ml apple liqueur
125ml pineapple juice
2 long slices of fresh ginger
cinnamon to dust
Add all the liquid ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Pour into a chilled martini glass and add the ginger and cinnamon.
PREMIERE PARTY: SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE GAME OF SHADOWS
Friday 10th December '11
GUY RITCHIE impressed me at the premiere of Sherlock Holmes and The Game of Shadows – the man can drink! Not content with an after-party full of boozy (and rather delicious cocktails) at the posh London cocktail bar 50 St James, the film director went on for a lock-in at his Mayfair pub, The Punchbowl.
The actual premiere, starring Jude Law and Robert Downey Jr, was brilliant. It’s one of those rare Christmas movies that’s suitable for the whole family. Yes, it’s slightly cheesey but no more so than Harry Potter and you don’t get Robert Downey Jr in a Harry Potter movie.
In the flesh Rob’s a bit private – there was not much talking to journalists (boo) – but Guy Ritchie was really fun. Here’s Five Facts we found out about Guy over the course of the night:
(1) Guy says he got behind England in the World Cup but he does not have a premiership team. Sadly he’s more into football, supporting Chelsea FC.
(2) However, Guy’s main sport is judo. He has a black belt and his own mat in his house in London. He’s harder than he looks…
(3) While not quite as short as Tom Cruise, Guy is 5ft 11 at most. His girlfri9end Jaqui Ainsley is 6ft 2 in heels (and I was taller than him too)
(4) The Punchbowl band, a group that play in his pub, contributed some of the soundtrack to Sherlock Holmes. Cute! They’re now signed to Punchbowl records, a label Guy created especially
(5) Guy’s next project is a film adaptation of the Man from U.N.C.L.E. Apparently this was a tv series about spies – he’ll be perfect at this!
DRINK OF THE NIGHT: 50 St James created a special Sherlock Holmes cocktail for the occasion.
Mix 40ml Bulliet bourbon whiskey with angostura aromatic bitters and add one large ice cube and a lime wedge in a highball glass. Garnish with brown sugar on the rim of the glass and another slice of lime. It’s a strong and serious drink, just like Mr Ritchie!
