Gentleman’s Journal: summer 2023 highlights

Though the weather of late may suggest otherwise, summer is in full swing, and here, at Gentleman’s Journal, that’s been the case for quite some time. The feel-good spirit of the season began in May, when we hosted a series of stylish events at Cannes Film Festival. Our cinematic focus then turned to interviewing our summer issue cover star Jonah Hauer-King, before we revved towards our special dinner in collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen and Mercedes’s George Russell, in London’s Café Royal; our collaboration with Polestar for a high-octane event, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed; and our annual Long Summer Lunch, at Blenheim Palace. So, as we take a quick breather from the seasonal goings on, we wanted to share some highlights of our summer so far.

During the Cannes Film Festival, Gentleman’s Journal hosted a series of stylish and charitable events, and the weekend commenced with a special dinner at the Hotel Belles Rives, which was co-hosted with Luca Faloni and done to the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Guests included Jonah Hauer-King, Eric Underwood, Sam Way, Ben Dauhaus, Mathias Le Fèvre, Ciinderella Balthazar, and Ross and Jaks Anderson.

The festivities continued with a Sunday lunch in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, where over 170 guests attended, raising more than £220,000 for the charity. Despite the unfavourable weather, spirits remained high as attendees enjoyed a buffet lunch with Rock Angel wine provided by Sacha Lichine.

To conclude the weekend, guests were picked up by two Wajer 38 S yachts from Cap d’Antibe, which brought them to the famed La Gurite Restaurant on Cannes Island. Overall, the spirited few days not only made lasting memories, but also significant contributions to a charitable cause.

In July, Gentleman’s Journal hosted a special evening in collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen, featuring Mercedes’s George Russell. The event took place at Café Royal, in Piccadilly, London, and was attended by Formula 1 aficionados and IWC enthusiasts. During an intimate gathering, the famed driver engaged in a candid conversation with our editor-at-large Joe Bullmore, sharing insights into his life on and off the racetrack. The discussion covered the added pressure of being a homegrown talent ahead of the British Grand Prix and delved into various stories from Russell’s experiences in Formula 1, including his bond with Lewis Hamilton and the highs and lows of being a professional driver. Russell also expressed his deep appreciation for IWC, a love that dates back to his early days as a promising junior.

As part of our partnership with Polestar, both brands took to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Among the heady aromas of petrol and hot metal, the focus was on the future of motoring, as Polestar’s all-electric models took centre stage, including the Polestar Model 5 and a roadster concept. Guests, including Eric Underwood, Cyrill Ibrahim, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Daisy Knatchbull, Ed Speleers and Harrison Osterfield, cooed over the smooth lines, golden seatbelts and chunky grilles of the carmaker’s futuristic design elements and innovative features.

Afterwards, the group headed to Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa for a sun-dappled evening full of croquet and a speech by Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design. For fuel, a dinner of red prawns and smoked beef brisket awaited the guests at a long, candle-lit table in the garden, all while a sleek black Polestar 3 made its presence felt in the twilight. The event showcased not just the history but also the exciting future of motoring.

On 4th August, Gentleman’s Journal hosted its third Long Summer Lunch, at the bucolic Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire. Despite the mercurial British weather, around 100 guests gathered on the South Lawn for an al fresco afternoon that saw the Sax Man’s joyful saxophone licks and The Little Car Company’s miniature replicas of iconic wheels. Guests, including Che Lingo and Thomas Straker, arrived in style either via chauffeur-driven cars, courtesy of Wheely, or Thunder Aviation helicopters. The event was a resounding success, with Rock Angel rosé, G.H Mumm champagne, and MOTH cocktails ensuring everyone was well-watered throughout.

With our summer issue hitting newsstands, we are, once again, thrilled to share our cover interview with Jonah Hauer-King, an actor who has gone straight from his portrayal of Prince Eric in Disney’s re-make of The Little Mermaid to the lead in Sky’s TV adaptation of The Tattooist of Auschwitz. Hauer-King’s journey in the industry spans a remarkable decade filled with triumphs and challenges that have led him to this spotlight moment, and his approach to newfound stardom comes with an endearing humility. “I try not to overthink it,” he says. “People keep telling me that this or that will change. But I’ve had experiences before where people have said it would change and it hasn’t. You become quite sage about that kind of chat.” Whatever the fate of the prince, it seems likely the young Hauer-King will be able to handle it.