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Exciting News: MBN’s New Chapter Begins!

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May 23
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MBN’s New Chapter Begins

By Latest News

MBN is one of the longest established events businesses in the UK. Established by Mike Newlyn in 1980, our involvement with the business started in 2011 when Lucy Wray bought MBN with the ambition of running some of the best sporting lunches & dinners in the country.

Since then MBN has run multiple events for over 1000 guests in some of the best venues in the country. Through our annual calendar of events and our ‘MBN Bespoke’ side of the business, we have helped raise over £5.5 million for designated charities.

In May 2024, via their newly established business – Boot Room Hospitality, Joe Wray & Will Samler completed an asset purchase agreement with Saracens Group to buy the MBN brand name and assets.

Joe & Will became mates whilst working at MBN and have over 20 years’ experience in hospitality between them.

In a statement released upon the purchase of MBN, Joe mentioned ‘MBN is a business both myself and Will Samler care so much about and to have the chance to take on the MBN name and make it even bigger and better is something we were both extremely eager to do’.

Now MBN is back being run independently, Joe & Will are excited to give the business the passion it deserves. Watch this space for updates on what is to come!

Apr 03
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An Update from the PTP Team

By Latest News

In February 2011, Lucy Wray acquired our events business – MBN Events. We started from scratch with just a few close family and friends in a small attic office in North London. Our goal then, as it still is now, was to provide clients and their guests with life long memories and to put smiles on faces whenever anyone came to an event of ours.

As the years have gone on, we’ve moved out of our attic in North London and our small team has expanded to a family of 20+ and we now run over 50 events a year, including the UK Investor Show.

We’ve been so fortunate to work with so many brilliant people for the past 9 years. To stage our events in some of the most spectacular venues London has to offer such as The Brewery, The Savoy, The Dorchester, The Grosvenor, The Landmark, Lord’s & many more. We’ve hosted events with huge sporting names ranging from 1966 football legends such as Gordon Banks OBE & Sir Geoff Hurst MBE to rugby legends such as Jonny Wilkinson CBE, Martin Johnson CBE & Jonah Lomu MNZM.

One of the main things we are so proud of however, is the work we have done for so many phenomenal charities. Since 2011 we have raised over £4 million for the most worthwhile causes. Charities such as Duchenne UK, Joining Jack, the Matt Hampson Foundation, Caring Matters Now, Help for Heroes, Access Sport and the list goes on.

We are very much a people business. We believe in face to face interactions and people generally having a good time in each other’s company. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we won’t be able to bring people together or support phenomenal charities until September at the earliest.

We thought it was difficult when we first started our business but it is seeming increasingly likely that this will be our biggest test to date. We are in unprecedented times. It is developing fast and it is unsettling for us all as the COVID-19 virus spreads around the world. Every small business is facing the same problems. I am sure you will have plenty of emails from businesses saying the same thing. It is now important for us all to work together and become stronger together.

Above all, there is one thing that matters more than anything and that is the safety and wellbeing of the incredible team of people who work in our business and our wonderful customers who have been so loyal – some of them for the entire 9 years since we took over MBN Events.

We have 20 people now reliant on us for jobs and many 100’s of customers going through many of the same issues. Now is the time for us all to be strong and for us all to realise that we will come through this. Hopefully as better people. 

Take care everyone. 

All the best, 

Lucy

 

PS. For the latest advice around COVID-19 please visit –  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Apr 02
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MBN Events in 2020

By Latest News

During this trying and unprecedented time for everyone, we want to focus on the positives where we can and look forward to our upcoming events. We hope to see as many of you at these as possible!

THE CRICKET WORLD CUP ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

THE LONG ROOM, LORD’S | FRIDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER

World Cup Winning Captain Eoin Morgan


Jofra Archer burst onto the international scene with a fiery display of fast bowling

A lunch to celebrate the perfect summer, when cricket came home! Join our host Alex Payne, in The Long Room at Lord’s to celebrate and look back on England winning the Cricket World Cup 2019. We are honoured to welcome some of the key members of the England World Cup Team, who won in the most dramatic manner imaginable. Relive the historic day, hearing about the Super Over and much more from the men that made the win possible.

Eoin Morgan CBE – Captain 

Jos Buttler MBE – Vice Captain 

Jason Roy – Opening Batsman

Jofra Archer – Fast Bowler

 

THE EDGE – INFLUENTIAL WOMEN IN SPORT

THE SAVOY | FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

The Edge is an annual MBN event which focuses on invaluable life and business lessons from some of the most successful individuals in business and sport. It has always been MBN’s most insightful and thought-provoking event and 2020 will be no different. This year will be MBN’s first ‘Influential Women in Sport’ lunch. Join our host, Jill Douglas in welcoming two British Olympic legends, Rebecca Adlington OBE and Paula Radcliffe MBE to the spectacular Savoy hotel.  At this event the audience are guaranteed to learn vital lessons from our speakers, as they share stories of their hard work and sacrifices to reach the top of their field.

Rebecca Adlington OBE double Olympic gold medallist


Paul Radcliffe MBE three-time London Marathon winner

RUGBY SPEAKER OF THE YEAR

THE BREWERY | FRIDAY 9TH OCTOBER

This is an annual sell out event which sees three, larger than life rugby characters take to the stage and battle it out for the ‘Rugby Speaker of The Year’. This lunch is guaranteed to have some hilarious stories, plus you get to decide who wins! The lunch is being held at The Brewery and hosted by the hilarious David Flatman. The confirmed speakers are Jason Leonard and Matt Dawson, with us currently in talks with John Smit to fill the third spot. You will also get the chance to hear from our very special guest, England rugby coach, Eddie Jones.

England Rugby Coach Eddie Jones

 

PRIDE OF ST GEORGE

THE BREWERY | DATE TBC

This is one of MBN’s most popular events, celebrating everything English. It is always a lunch to remember, hosted by the entertaining Roger Dakin, including sporting greats and an abundance of musical entertainment. Even the wines are English! The event is always grateful for the support from England’s leading wine producer, Chapel Down. Produced in Kent, Chapel Down offers a world-class range of sparkling and still wines, together with the award-winning range of Curious beers & cider. Chapel Down has quickly gained support from leading chefs such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver, as well as receiving an impressive array of international awards.

This year we have a spectacular line up with a world cup winning captain, Martin Johnson CBE, an English sporting legend in Sir Ian Botham and one of the funniest men on the sporting circuit Paul Merson.

Footballing Legend Paul Merson is all set to appear at The Pride of St George


Martin Johnson CBE 2003 Rugby World Cup winning captain


Sir Ian Botham one of the greatest cricket all rounders in history

 

SPORTING SPEAKER OF THE YEAR

THE BREWERY | FRIDAY 27TH NOVEMBER

The final of the speaker series! During the lunch you will hear from, and vote for, the best speakers from rugby, cricket and football. All three speakers will battle it out for the ultimate Sporting Speaker of The Year title and trophy, hosted by David Flatman at The Brewery. Our confirmed rugby contender is Mike Tindall MBE and we are currently in talks with football legend Rio Ferdinand as our special guest. Keep in touch with MBN to find out who the final two contenders will be!

Footballer turned pundit Rio Ferdinand

 

SOCCER SPEAKER OF THE YEAR

THE HILTON HOTEL, DEANSGATE | THURSDAY 3RD DECEMBER

This event is an annual sell out! Join us at the best Christmas lunch in Manchester held at The Hilton Hotel and hosted by Roger Dakin. You will be entertained by some of the biggest characters in football as they battle it out for the ‘Soccer Speaker of The Year’. You have the chance to vote for the winner after hearing their career highlights and stories. This year sees Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock, battle it out with two other contenders. Stay tuned to find out who the other two speakers will be!

One of the funniest characters from football Neil “Razor” Ruddock

 

SPORTSMAN COMEDY CHRISTMAS

FINSBURY SQUARE | FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER

Arguably our most popular event in the calendar! A chance to let us take all the hassle out of your Christmas party plans this year. Join us and David Flatman, at one big Christmas celebration with an ‘Après ski’ theme at the incredible, Finsbury Square. Look out for our brilliant speaker line up!

Après Ski theme at Finsbury Square for our Sportsman Comedy Christmas Lunch

 

THE PRE-TOUR ROAR DINNER

THE GROVENOR HOUSE HOTEL | DATE TBC FOR MAY 2021

2021 sees the British & Irish Lions head off on tour to South Africa. Before the squad depart to the Southern Hemisphere, MBN will be hosting an unmissable dinner in the spectacular Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel. We will be gathering legends from past Lions Tours plus some current members of the 2021 Lions squad. The room will be packed with Rugby royalty, an event not to be missed. Keep a look out on the MBN website for when details are confirmed!

The British Lions do battle once again in the Southern Hemisphere

 

FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME LUNCH

THE BREWERY | NEW DATE TBC FOR JUNE 2021

With the European Championships 2020 postponed to June 2021, join us at MBN’s huge one-off event where we have gathered some of England’s heroes from the 1996 European Championships. Tony Adams MBE, Stuart Peace MBE, Teddy Sherringham MBE, Darren Anderton and Sol Campbell will share their stories from the 96’ tournament and preview the 2021 competition. It is the first time since 1996 that the Euro semi-finals and final will be hosted in London, so here’s hoping it will be a great year for English football.

 

Five of the England National squad will recall tales of when football so nearly came home

 

For further information about any of these events, please contact Joe Wray on joe.wray@mbnpromotions.co.uk or +44 (0)203 675 7301

May 17
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2003 Meets 2019 At The World Cup Glory Dinner

By Latest News, Rugby

Ever wanted to dine with some of Rugby’s Legends?

With Japan 2019 a stone’s throw away, MBN is proud to present our biggest Pre-World Cup event of the year. Dine with the stars on the 22nd of May, some of Rugby’s greats will be attending, it’s a must-see event of the year.

2003 Meets 2019 in a Stunning Location

Any rugby enthusiast will be treated to a momentous evening of fine dining at the Grosvenor House Hotel. This historic 1930s hotel boasts 5-star service and accommodation, creating a memorable evening with a luxury atmosphere. The company will be as spectacular as the setting. Legendary players and coaching staff from the 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning England team will gather for dinner with talking about their experience on and off the pitch. Martin Johnson, former captain and inspirational figure of the 2003 team, will be alongside a number of his teammates. Lawrence Dallaglio is one of England’s best number 8’s who has ever worn the Red Rose, helping champion his team to victory in 2003. Mike Tindall, Jason Leonard and Sir Clive Woodward all had a hand in crafting a legendary moment in English ruby.

The greats of 2003 will also be joined by the fresh blood of England’s 2019 team. Breaching the distance between the two generations is Eddie Jones, England’s Head Coach. Jones’s experience of over 20 years has driven English rugby to the next level, delivering exceptional performances in recent championships. The captain and England’s main man Owen Farrell will also be attending. Farrell has played some exceptional rugby over recent tournaments, providing leadership on the pitch to help drive his team forward. Alongside their captain, other notable stars of the England team will make an appearance including one of the best second-row players Maro Itoje and the unstoppable force of the Vunipola brothers, Billy and Mako. The event is packed with many sporting champions under one roof, giving talks sharing their stories and experiences of the game. Old and new blood of rugby will create a momentous evening in preparation for this year’s World Cup. Those attending will have the opportunity to take part in an intimate and casual Q&A session. Feel part of the action with sporting stars from two generations sharing their experience and love for the game at this must-attend dinner. Our event is an exclusive experience for all the rugby enthusiasts out there to dine under and with the stars.

Mar 04
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MBN Events in 2019

By Latest News, Rugby

We at MBN are excited to announce this year’s plan for our events. Our calendar has a variety of occasions where clients and customers can talk in a relaxed atmosphere and create memorable experiences. We believe in providing the best experience for our guests with stunning venues and our world-class speakers.

Six Nation Podcast Special

Our first major event for this year is the Six Nations Podcast Special, taking place at 12 pm on the 8th of March, at the historic Brewery in London. This event allows rugby fans to immerse themselves in a breadth of Six Nations knowledge. Our event brings together two of the most popular podcasts in world rugby; the ‘Rugby Pod’ and the ‘Flats & Shanks’. Talks from David Flatman, Tom Shanklin, Andy Goode and Jim Hamilton will take place before an exquisite three-course lunch is served. Throughout lunch, there will be memorable stories shared by the speakers. In addition, a special Q&A session will commence with legendary winger, Jason Robinson. Our speakers will be sure to give exciting and entertaining interviews with a unique twist. After which everyone will be treated to the Six Nation podcast live from the venue, with no need to leave the comfort of the Brewery. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the stars and create a long-lasting memorable experience.

The Pride of St George Lunch

The Pride of St George Lunch is one of our most popular lunches, taking place at the on the 26th of April. There will be a delicious three-course meal from the Brewery’s award-winning chefs. Lunch is only one part of this unmissable experience, with some of sporting’s greats in attendance ready to regale tales from their careers and answer any and all questions. A true footballing legend and King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp, manager for a number of top clubs will be there, bringing his warm personality and honest views to get you thinking. Kevin Keegan had a long-standing career with Liverpool as well as stints with Newcastle (as both player and manager), Southampton and Hamburg. Also entering the ring is Frank Bruno, a former professional boxer, who won an inspiring 40 out of 44 contests. Frank gave us some of the most memorable nights in British boxing, including winning the WBC World Heavyweight Championship.

World Cup Glory Dinner

Ever wanted to dine with legends? How about the icons of the game? What about future legends? Such an event is available at the World Cup Glory Dinner on the 22nd of May. Guests will experience the warm atmosphere of the Grosvenor House Hotel, the historic 1930s luxury hotel where a sublime three-course meal will be served. The company is as spectacular as the setting. As the hype of the Rugby World Cup starts to grow we have gathered together stars from England’s awe-inspiring victorious 2003 team and those from the current 2019 squad. The World Cup winners include Captain Martin Johnson and the infallible Lawrence Dallaglio will see themselves joined by the formidable fresh blood of Owen Farrell and Mako Itoje and many more. These sporting heroes will be speaking throughout the night, offering expertise and stories to inspire victory on the upcoming world stage. After the speeches, guests will have the opportunity to take part in an intimate and casual Q&A session. This is a ‘must attend’ event for any rugby enthusiasts out there, dine with and under the stars.

Legends of Lord’s Lunch

In a summer that includes both a World Cup and an Ashes series what better way to immerse yourself in English Cricket tradition than by attending the Legends of Lords Lunch? Our Legends of Lord’s Lunch will take place two days after England vs Australia at the Cricket World Cup on the 27th of June. The venue is the beautiful five star Landmark Hotel, which has a rich history as one of London’s first and foremost grand hotels, a perfect place to mark such a significant day. The event will have renowned cricketing stars Justin Langer and Andrew Strauss. Langer is regarded as one of the best opening batsmen for Australia and is now the head coach for the Aussie side. On England’s side, Andrew Strauss is one of England’s greatest batsman who took England to number one in the world during his career. These cricketing legends will give speeches and express their perspective on the results for the World Cup and the Ashes. The floor will then be open for questions from the guests in a personal friendly manner. Our event will capture the ecstatic vibe surrounding the World cup and Ashes, with legendary guests and venue, this is a must for any member of the Barmy Army.

Coming up later this year, MBN has some other dates for the diary…

 

The Edge – What does it take to be the best in the world?

Our most intimate lunch with the biggest names in sports, taking place at The Savoy in London on the 13th of September. These sporting heroes will describe first-hand what lead them to become some of the greats. From struggles to success stories, hear the skills that were acquired to achieve the goal of being the best. Something businesses and individuals alike strive for.

Rugby Speaker of the Year – Enjoy an afternoon with Legends of World Rugby.

One of our most successful lunches year on year will return to the Brewery in Moorgate on the 11th of October. With a range of players, front row players to the fastest speedsters, as well as those behind the whistle, the referees. The likes of John Smit, Sean Fitzpatrick and Jason Leonard with special guest Paul Gustard sharing their knowledge and stories. It’s a day to remember which with a star-studded guest list will be an unmissable event at an outstanding venue.

Greatest ever sports quiz – test your knowledge with the greatest sports quiz around!

Come join our competitive table vs table dinner on the 7th of November, putting your sports knowledge and teamwork to the test to win the converted trophy. This will take place at the home of cricket Lords at the famous Nursery Pavilion, a truly perfect setting to test your sporting knowledge. Enjoy a vibrant and entertaining night of trivia alongside quiz master Al Murray, Paul Merson and Phil Tufnell. With an excellent spread and some difficult questions, it’s a perfect evening of entertainment.

Later on in the year, the Sporting Speaker of the Year event will return, our hugely popular Sportsman Comedy Christmas Lunches will take place as well as the highly successful Soccer Speaker of the Year. With a truly stellar line-up, 2019 will surely be an inspired year made up of events dedicated to exciting, enlightening and enriching the lives of each and every one of our guests. 

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