The Endsleigh Salon

I realise I've hardly raved enough about what a great first night launch Alex Polizzi and I had for the monthly Endsleigh Literary Salon so I must rave some more and say some public thank yous.So I've mentioned a few book-ish things but I haven't told you about the decor and the ambience and I must.
What do you mean you didn't know anything about any of this, where have you been?
I've bored you rigid with the history of the place but when you walk in the door of Hotel Endsleigh on a dark evening nothing but nothing prepares you for the atmosphere created by hundreds of candles burning in deep amber coloured glasses all around the hotel.Beautifully arranged on tables, high up on mantlepieces, illuminating corners or particular pictures.It truly does take your breath away as a first impression and suddenly the image of Georgina,Duchess of Bedford walking into her much-loved home flits into your mind.
Obligatory log fires crackle away quietly and the room we used, which is just off the library, is as near perfect to a salon-type room as you could wish for. Original hand-blocked 19th century Birds of Paradise wallpaper now architecturally listed and large mirrors on the walls, another log fire to roast by and more candles.Comfortable sofas and armchairs and we were in heaven.
Add in our own waiter who kept our glasses expertly topped up and the fifteen bookaholic people who I'd invited to help get us launched, and we all just settled in comfortably for the evening.In fact a week would have been nice.
As the evening progressed, one of the fiercest electrical storms we have had in ages raged spectacularly across the valley and we had the perfect view.The rain was tipping it down stair-rod style and here was the best bit, as we left we were each escorted to our cars by the porter holding an enormous umbrella, not a drop touched me.
We are hoping to tempt some writer's down this way to visit, they won't be disappointed.
More later about the books and my thank yous,mustn't forget those.