The Lady Literary Lunch, 19 March 2007

Palm Court at the Waldorf Hilton

Santa Montefiore in full flow

Held in the Palm Court of the Waldorf Hilton in London, The Lady Literary Lunches are relatively new on the literary scene but are already proving extremely popular with readers of The Lady and their guests.

Guest authors who have already delighted diners at our lunches include Fay Weldon, Miles Kington, Michael Dobbs, Ned Sherrin, Libby Purves and Santa Montefiore.

From midday onwards guests are welcomed with a glass of Bucks Fizz, then have the opportunity to mingle with other guests, meet the speakers and perhaps have them sign a copy of their latest books - which are available for purchase in the Palm Court, courtesy of Foyles Bookshop. There is also a bar in the Palm Court where guests may buy other drinks if preferred.

An excellent three-course lunch - which includes a complimentary glass of wine - is followed by coffee and petit fours. Each of the three guest authors then entertains diners with insights and anecdotes for about 15 minutes each.

With the speeches over, guests usually have a further opportunity to purchase books to be signed by the speakers. The event will normally be over by 3.30pm.

To get a flavour of The Lady Literary Lunches, the panel to the right has photos and a video showing glimpses of our most recent event held at the Waldorf Hilton, London, on 19 March 2007 - which was sponsored by Fred. Olsen Cruises.

Monday 21 April 2008. Yachtswoman and crime thriller writer Clare Francis will be joined by BBC World Affairs Editor John Simpson and style guru Lucia van der Post, speaking about and signing copies of their latest books. Link to article about this Literary Lunch. The official booking form was printed in the 4 March issue of The Lady, this is now full.

Monday 29 September 2008. Again this event will be held at the Waldorf Hilton, London. The guest authors have yet to be confirmed.

Details of the next literary lunch will appear in the magazine in an issue approximately 5/6 weeks before the event (see above). A two-page article will give full details of all the speakers and will include a booking form, which needs to be filled in and sent to The Lady together with a cheque. The inclusive price to attend a lunch is £60 per person. Telephone bookings can be made only if you are a member of The Lady Readers’ Club - but only after the details and booking form have appeared in the magazine.