The Whitbread Party

Where The Brewery, Chiswell St
Who was there Saffron Burrows, Hugh Grant, Sir Trevor Macdonald, Mariella Frostrup, Julia Somerville, Katie Derham, Jerry Hall, Prue Leith Imogen Stubbs, Michael Portillo, Tim Lott, Janet Street Porter, Sue Macgregor, Hermione Norris, Benedict Allen and Ian Hislop.
What they ate Prue Leith's smoked salmon followed by pork belly and vegetables. Three miniature puddings, chocolates and coffee.
What they drank Vintage champagne and wine.

What they talked about Before the announcement who would win, afterwards Andrea Levy's unprecedented Whitbread/Orange double. Not to mention rumours about Hugh Grant's unorthodox style as a judge - and headlong flight from photographers as soon as they were let in the door. A top London publishing executive revealed Grant is himself planning a novel.

Sir Trevor Macdonald, chairman of the Whitbread judges, said Levy's novel is "brilliantly observed" and "a great story superbly handled."