There was nothing corporate about this launch party.
Forget polite handshakes, awkward nibbles and business cards. When we throw a party, we do it the CP way – bold, energetic, and a little bit rebellious. We don’t tiptoe in. We ROAR. We’ve officially opened the doors to our new Reading Superhub. To mark the occasion, we threw an epic bash to celebrate our Thames Valley debut in true CP style.
THE PARTY
Over 150 clients, contacts and CPers joined us for a night packed with high energy, great food and even better company. The bar staff kept glasses topped up with signature CP spritz cocktail involving pink gin, while the DJ kept the dancefloor vibes strong.
The drinks were flowing, the tunes were spinning, and the vibe? Electric. We even had to gently nudge people out at the end of the night. It’s always a sign of a good party when people don’t want to leave.
Standing guard was Leo, our life-size office gold lion who was on co-hosting duties along with Ben Loveday, CP’s Head of Thames Valley. It was a party with purpose: to introduce ourselves to the vibrant Reading business community, show off our shiny new Superhub, and connect with the amazing people we’re lucky to work with.
SIMON RIMMER: CHEF, STORYTELLER & LEGEND
Of course, it wouldn’t be a CP party without a twist. So we invited a special guest to help us mark the occasion – none other than Simon Rimmer: celebrity chef, Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch presenter, Strictly Come Dancing alumnus and the creative force behind some of the UK’s coolest restaurants.
Simon was on hand not just to chat and charm, although he did plenty of both, but to share his remarkable journey from accidental chef to household name.
THE CHEF WHO NEVER PLANNED TO COOK
Back in the early 90s, Simon was a freelance designer living in Manchester. Then, after what he openly admits was a “drunken decision”, he and a mate decided to open a tiny vegetarian café called Greens. With no culinary background but a lot of ambition and a cheeky business plan claiming they’d become millionaires, they blagged their way into funding.
With no cash to hire staff, they flipped a coin to decide who’d run the kitchen. Simon lost – or, as it turned out, won. He fell in love with food and the restaurant business, taught himself everything from scratch, and never looked back.
Greens went on to become a beloved Manchester institution, with famous regulars like Steve Coogan, Caroline Aherne and Morrissey dropping in for a bite. And since then? Simon’s built a restaurant empire, with acclaimed venues like Albert’s Schloss – the cabaret, music and dining experience now lighting up Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and London.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, COOK!
Simon’s rise in the food world caught the eye of TV producers, and before long, he found himself on the small screen. He co-hosted Something for the Weekend on the BBC for years before the show moved channels and morphed into C4’s Sunday Brunch. Over the years he’s served up recipes, celebrity interviews, and the occasional live-TV disaster (we’re looking at you, Ricky Gervais and Ashley Banjo).
TV has brought Simon into kitchens, festivals and studios all over the UK – and he’s loved every chaotic, creative second of it. From showcasing veggie cooking to championing British food producers, Simon’s always stayed true to his roots: doing things differently, with personality and passion.
And yes, he did compete in Strictly Come Dancing – one of the most terrifying and exhilarating things he’s ever done. He made it to Week 6, sparkled his way through countless routines, and walked away with a newfound respect for the pros and probably a few sequins in his sock drawer.
“I ACTUALLY GOT AWAY WITH IT”
Simon wrapped up the evening with a heartfelt message:
“I’ve been very lucky. I’ve had amazing opportunities, met incredible people, and somehow got away with it all. If I had a tombstone, it’d probably say: He actually got away with it.”
Simon’s story is a celebration of embracing the unexpected, following your gut, and saying ‘yes’ to the things that scare you – a very CP energy. That humble, humorous approach to life and work struck a chord with the room – filled with entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners who’ve all taken their own leaps of faith.
FOOD WITH FEELING
Simon also curated the evening’s menu, serving up mouthwatering British charcuterie and championing the UK’s artisan cheese scene – born, as he told us, out of post-BSE resilience and innovation. It was delicious, inspiring, and very on-brand for CP: celebrating bold businesses, local legends, and doing things your own way.
THANK YOU, READING
We’re buzzing from all the amazing feedback. Thanks to everyone who came along, laughed, chatted and helped us celebrate.
This is just the beginning for Cooper Parry in the Thames Valley. So whether you joined us at the party or are just getting to know us – we’re here, we’re excited, and we can’t wait to connect.
Watch this space – and let’s do things differently, together.
