Towards the end of 2016, the Carousel team received some more than exciting news: before the year was out, we would be welcoming a (not-so-little) sister-venue into the fold. Carousel: NEXT DOOR, as the site was soon christened, is a spacious, light and airy venue which sits right next to Carousel itself in the heart of Marylebone. Offering 3,300sq ft of high visibility retail and event space, it’s the dream venue for concept stores, product launches, sample sales, art exhibitions and more…

We’ve already tested the waters, making the most of the floor-to-ceiling windows and Baker Street location with an art exhibition by Jo Kernon, a Grenson Shoes sample sale, Mr Porter’s #holidayswithmrporter Christmas party, and, most recently, a big fat launch party, the perfect opportunity for friends, family, clients and press to join us in warming our new space, Carousel style.

On arrival, guests were free to wander around the spaces, most choosing to set off via our prosecco bar, sponsored by Liberty Wines  and Les Caves de Pyrene. Guests enjoyed a variety of wines, including Ca’Morlin Prosecco and Les Petits Clement Merlot Duras Rouge. In order to showcase the variety of experiences that Carousel has to offer as a creative hub, our launch party entertainment included a selection of taster-sessions from our Workshops.

Karen Hsu from Pom Pom Factory was armed with crêpe paper and nimble fingers, ready to give guests a crash course in creating their very own paper flowers. Meanwhile, Emmanuelle Moeglin of Experimental Perfume Club made sure that guests engaged all of their senses during the night by offering an introduction to her perfume making workshop, whilst Nicole Line  had everyone getting stuck into upcycling with some hands-on screen printing.

In the midst of all the sculpting, sniffing and paint, our brilliant front of house staff ensured that no one missed out on the chance to try a delicious variety of Carousel canapés and bowl foods, which included Kale with Soured Cream and Mojama, and Cavatelli, Squid Ink Ragout and Gremolata.

Moving downstairs…

In the lead up to the event, our production company Shuttlecock Inc  took over and totally transformed the lower-ground floor space, with a Wall of Fame showcasing 20 of the amazing guest chefs  we’ve welcomed to cook at Carousel over the last few years.

A packed-out dancefloor on a Tuesday night may be a rare find, but Shuttlecock has its ways… they treated us to one of their inimitable dive bars, which was brought to life by fantastic actors. The bar kept the party buzzing with a steady flow of premium Harrogate gin, courtesy of the extraordinarily distinctive Slingsby Gin, coupled with live music from hip-hop band Halfpenny Pass.

Thanks to everyone who popped in and got involved with the celebrations!