Sir Stewart Rose, Uli Weber and learning about how a book is Launched

As part of my training and to learn more about the publishing industry I am about to enter my PR manager Katie Read invited me to Uli Webers book launch a The Hospital in Covent Garden. Until Yesterday I had not a clue who Uli Weber was, but Marks and Spencer’s were doing the food so I accepted the invitation to see first hand what to expect at a launch ..after all I shall be having my own launch for Prepped! in May.

I was introduced to Uli as he signed his books. He is tall, very attractive, with a naughty sense of humour coupled with what I will call artistic steel. An intense

combination .. both fascinating and fun. I took the opportunity to chat with him whilst he signed the books and chattered in Italian on his phone, laced with a Germanic accent his multitasking was impressive !

All around people worked putting up lighting and the photographs and setting up an altogether impressive display. I asked what his favourite food is. Pasta. A large dish of something creamy rich and Italian. I would imagine that Uli would devour a bowl of pasta, and enjoy his food with intent like a Bavarian prince ..washed down with a gallon of finest wine and some thigh slapping .. most probably not his own thigh either. He is the sort of man a woman wants to cook for.

The food on the other hand was far better than I expected. Yes I know …one expects Marks and Spencers food to be delicious.. but it is still what I consider to be out of a packet. But his was fresh, hot tasty and to be totally honest - if I ever had consider buying canapés then I would buy these from M&S. I had just the one glass of bubby. I always take the first sip with trepidation, being so utterly spoilt as to have ones own award wining vineyard … I am a bubby snob.. but we were in luck the champagne was superb.

Then came the most unexpected thing. As I was chattering away with a fascinating chap called Martin Vinter Jackson, this recognisable man came over to me, asked me how I was and kissed me twice. He asked me if I know him .. I must have looked surprised .. and I was.. and whilst I was busy blushing he smiled and said he hoped I was well and off he went. He was Stuart Rose .. or rather Sir Stuart Rose. I only know that because I had asked about 5 minutes before he came over who he was ! … I am still trying to work out exactly when we have met before.. I think it may have been when I won an award along time ago.. but I certainly feel perplexed today that I can’t put my finger on it!