If you’re pitching for an ad. agency in central London, full no doubt of spiky-haired types in sharp suits, you’d better make sure your sell is up to scratch.
Although it’s true everyone has to eat, the likes of JWT, now part of WPP the largest agency of its type in the world and home to clients including Vodafone, Ford and HSBC, are always on the lookout for that extra certain something.
Boutique caterer Harbour & Jones obviously has just that ingredient having nicked the £1m annual deal off Compass Group’s “dinner lady” attired team from fine dining arm Restaurant Associates, Kitchen Rat hears.
Apparently one of JWT’s biggest clients is Smirnoff, the super brand vodka, and Harbour & Jones proved their attention to detail when they turned up to pitch for the deal armed with mini Bloody Marys mixed with, yes you’ve guessed it, Smirnoff.
Needless to say they went down a storm (the caterer and the drinks).
While the classic cocktail might well become a regular at the ad. agency’s on site bar, Kitchen Rat hears Harbour & Jones co-founder Patrick Harbour is most likely to be found celebrating around the corner with a bottle of bubbly at Harvey Nick’s Fifth Floor Restaurant.
Here’s hoping JWT picks up the Moët or Laurent-Perrier gig in the near future, Patrick.