New Years Eve is one of the biggest events on the Londolozi calendar and this past year was no exception. Paying tribute to the original pioneers of Londolozi, Charles Boyd Varty and Frank Unger, who purchased the land (sight unseen) after a tennis match in Johannesburg back in 1926 – this years theme was ‘1926 Tennis’. Donning white shorts and tennis miniskirts, the Londolozi family and our treasured guests enjoyed a spectacular evening which, in true Londolozi style, included many Gin n’ Tonics as well as numerous glasses of Moet Champagne.
One of the original trophies won by Maidie Varty in her tennis career. It is, of course, surrounded by numerous jugs of Pimms Cocktails
The Varty Camp deck was the venue for the evening and with her usual flair for excellence, Alex Paterson did a spectacular job of turning this elegant family camp into a tennis themed ‘Center Court’. Fairy lights were strung above the dance floor and illuminated the big white walls, adorned with images of the early Pioneers in their heyday.
The New Years Eve Dinner Setup just before the Guests arrived
Tennis Balls, Candles and Moet Bubbly
Clearly the Londolozi family were intent on getting into the spirt of the evening and arrived dressed to the nines. From short and sexy to clean cut white to Rex Miller (who came dressed as an actual Dunlop Tennis Ball) the relaxed and fun tone of the evening was set from early on.
The Londolozi Camp Managers and Butlers Getting in Full New Years Dress
Rex dressed up as a tennis ball, James as a tennis racquet and Sean as the Baseline
Our Executive Chef, Craig Paterson, provided an outstanding 6 course meal which began with West Coast Oyster Canapes followed by Tomato Gaspazio and Duck Liver Parfait. For the main course he dazzled with Crayfish Tails with Lamb Rack shortly after. His dessert was a selection of treats such as Chocolate Brownies, Meringues as well as Strawberries and Cream!
Guests enjoying Executive Chef, Craig Paterson’s, New Years Dinner Menu
Kirsty collecting another round of Gin n Tonics
And…in the tradition of last year’s New Year Video, here is a one minute snapshot of the evening from the Photobooth. Enjoy!
Photographed by: Rich Laburn
Video Photographs by: Funbooth
What a fantastic evening! Well done everyone!!
Wow! You guys don’t mess around! Fabulous. Wish we were there. Happy New Year!
Awesome evening! so glad i got to spend new years again at Londolozi.
Okay, book all the Bermudians for next year. We LOVE a party!
Incredible decor Alex- congrats! Looks like an awesome evening!
O my Word!!!! Wish I was there.
Wow you guys and girls it looks amazing!!! Wish I was there too.
Oh what a night!!!! Thank you everyone at Londolozi for making this New Year’s Eve one that we will NEVER forget!
Londolozi is no doubt the best place i have ever experianced, the memories will always be in my heart,
i often sit in my local bar enjoying a beer chilling and find myself rubbing the keyring from Londolozi
as its like magic,all the beutiful moments come back,
sounds silly but true that keyring has become very precious to me
Hopefully i will come back one day, keep up the work you do and thanks again for those memories
Richie Rainford
Richie, that doesn’t sound silly at all. Fantastic to know that you have such special memories from your time at Londolozi. We really look forward to seeing you back here in the near future. Keep rubbing the keyring until then! rich