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Star quality & celebrity standards at 116 Pall Mall with Martin Dibben

Last month we introduced you to our wedding team to give you more of an insight into who we are and why we’re proud to work with you on your event, party or wedding at 116 Pall Mall. This month, we’re sharing the amazing story – past and present – of our Hospitality and Events General Manager, Martin Dibben, who has worked with everyone from the Royal Family to Hollywood royalty – and many more in between!


Where it all started.. 

Having graduated in Hotel and Catering I have been involved with restaurants and events for thirty years now. The exception was my first job which was with the Royal Household as Senior Clerk F Branch - to the person on the street, that is a Food and Beverage Manager. I was based at Buckingham Palace (just a short walk from 116 Pall Mall!) but also travelled to what we called the ‘smaller houses’ i.e. Sandringham, Balmoral, Holyrood and the Yacht. I then went to work for many years for Prue Leith of ‘The Great British Bake Off’ fame’s event business where I ran Government events at the Foreign Office, Lancaster House and Number 10 Downing Street. It was my job at the end of the evening to run upstairs to then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s private flat to offer her husband Dennis some of the food from the various PM’s receptions. 



Moving into the world of stars and screen 

During the coronavirus lockdown in 2020, I moved into the world of film as an advisor on etiquette, period food service and Royal procedures. The first film I advised on was ‘Mothering Sunday’, with Olivia Coleman, Colin Firth and Josh O’Connor. Then with total lockdown in January and February 2021 I was able to work in Germany on a film with Kristen Stewart, Sally Hawkins and Timothy Spall based on Princess Diana’s Christmas holidays with the Royal Family at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, as she decides to leave her marriage to Prince Charles. 



A lucky break, backed up with decades of skills and experience 

How did I get into the film world? Chance is the answer. A young lady supervising a production asked her aunt if she knew someone who could assist in advising on service in private houses and estates in the 1930’s. The aunt happened to be a friend of mine and recommended me – my years of experience at Buckingham Palace had given me plenty of understanding in this field.   

Four months later I got a call from the same film supervisor saying she was working on a new project. The Royal advisor was ill and could I leave for Germany in two days’ time for seven weeks shooting in various German locations..?! 

When you first walk on set you are amazed at how many people are involved to shoot an intimate dinner, let alone a scene incorporating hundreds of extras. My responsibilities included checking the accuracy of the table settings, advising about table service, table manners and etiquette and of course to check the curtsy is correct. 



My favourite experience from working on films 

My first day on the shoot of Mothering Sunday, all I was told was I would be picked up at 6.00am. I had received the script but had no idea who the cast were.  The car finally pulled up at Cliveden House, the former home of Lady Astor. I was asked to wait in the base camp where I had a great cooked breakfast from the catering trailer and at 9.00am I was told I was needed on set down by the River Thames, so I was driven down in a black Mercedes where I met the Director and production team. The scene was a lovely lunch setting outdoors, the champagne bottles had a fake period label for accuracy but certainly didn’t pop as required. I had a good giggle with the lady actress sitting at the head of the table - I thought I recognised her but couldn’t think from where.   

In the lunch break a friend called and asked what I was doing, so I said I was working on a film. He quickly googled the film and called back with the cast list. I knew I recognised the actress I was talking to… it was indeed Olivia Coleman! 



Bringing these special touches to 116 Pall Mall 

When you are thinking of planning your event at 116 Pall Mall, take comfort that I will be there with expert knowledge in etiquette and protocol, as well as decades of experience and advice on table settings, flowers, music and more. 

Film sets teach you that planning is necessary to delivery amazing results. It is all about teamwork. In films the Director could not survive without his First Assistant Director, the Artistic Director, Head of Camera, Lighting Director, Head of Wardrobe and Make Up. Here at 116 Pall Mall our expert teams includes your event planner, our Executive Chef, your event manger, our reception team and security, and our knowledgeable hospitality team, who all work together to create your showstopping event. 

The other thing learnt from the film world is that you can create stunning settings with just a bit of imagination and creativity – our weddings team are especially good at creating the perfect ceremony with minimal fuss – no matter how big or small your guest list is. 

 

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‘Why I love 116 Pall Mall as a film set’



FILMING LOCATIONS AT 116 PALL MALL

116 Pall Mall, a historic, Grade-1 listed Georgian masterpiece in central London is the perfect backdrop for film shoots, whether large-scale films or smaller shoots. Surrounded by iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park, Piccadilly Circus, Waterloo Place and Trafalgar Square, we are the ideal film location.

Make an enquiry to find out more information, including arranging a personal tour of 116 Pall Mall.