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Cardamom Kitchens – Behind The Scenes

Behind The Scenes At Cardamom Kitchens

During lockdown, Navine and Craig decided it was time to go back to their roots and get back into the kitchen. As most of you will already know, Cardamom Events was born 20 years ago as a side project from The Cardamom Club, their legendary Indian restaurant and catering service in Santa Eulalia Ibiza. With the demand for delicious takeaways to eat at home during the pandemic steadily rising, it was the perfect opportunity for Craig (Cobra Award winning chef with 30 years of experience) to don his chef’s hat again and get back in to the licensed catering kitchens at Cardamom HQ. Cardamom Kitchens was born…

Joining forces in the kitchen is the wonderful Freja Ostrom. Freja used to live in the Cardamom Club 20 years ago, making her part of the original Cardamom family. She is now a chef in her own right working for several years on health retreats, yoga camps and private cheffing for high level clients from around the globe. Here is a photo from when she used to live with us from around 2007 and also in the kitchen in current times with Craig…

It’s been a labour of love, designing menus that represent traditional Indian food from different parts of India, ready to be picked up from Cardamom HQ every Friday. The team have worked hard to ensure that produce is local and sustainable, and also pioneers the modern and healthy direction that food is taking on the island. We have also been really pleased to team up with the brilliant Tess Prince of Love Food Ibiza fame. She has been styling and photographing our food, whilst providing us with some of her inspired island lemon chutney to add to orders.

This reinvention through Covid times has been a natural progression, with the very home of Cardamom coming from food and beverages for events back in the day.

The positives of this are that it has reconnected the team with Cardamom Club restaurant clientele, as well as wedding and event clients from the past. It has also allowed us to discover and develop relationships with our new Cardamom friends who are trying our food service for the first time, making tired parents happy and making lockdown dinner parties more interesting for the island folk from all nationalities.

If you want to be included on the Cardamom Kitchens WhatsApp menu list, just message Craig on +34 636 56 22 11

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Mar052021NOCOMMENTS

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Bringing You A Taste Of Indonesian Goodness – TEMPEH

TEMPERANZA LAB AT CARDAMOM KITCHENS

Today we wanted to share a little bit of information on our new homemade Tempeh from the lovely girls at the Temperanza Lab in Cardamom Kitchens.

Tempeh is a nutrient-dense soy product with a high amount of protein, as well as various vitamins and minerals. It may decrease cholesterol levels, oxidative stress and appetite, whilst improving bone health. Tempeh also contains prebiotics, which may improve digestive health and reduce inflammation.
It is a traditional Indonesian food made from soybeans that have been fermented, or broken down by microorganisms.
Tempeh has a dry and firm but chewy texture and a slightly nutty taste. It can be steamed, sautéed or baked and is often marinated to add more flavour. Much like other meatless sources of protein, such as tofu and seitan, tempeh is a popular choice among vegans and vegetarians because it’s packed with protein, vitamins and minerals and low in sodium and carbs and it goes deliciously with Cardamom’s Indian sauces!
We think it goes well with Saag, Makan Palak and Dhaliwala due to its nutty flavour.
Why not try it next time with your Cardamom Kitchens Friday order?
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Jan292021NOCOMMENTS

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Going Back To Our Indian Cooking Roots

INTRODUCING… CARDAMOM KITCHENS

 

It was 20 years ago that Navine and Craig first stepped foot on to the magical isle of Ibiza. Fresh from London, both with fashion and design backgrounds, Craig had found a new passion for Indian cuisine and had just won Best Newcomer for Asian Culinary Arts at the Cobra Awards.

With a ton of enthusiasm and a twinkle in their eyes, Navine and Craig set up the hugely successful and now legendary Cardamom Club – an Indian restaurant in a gorgeous finca serving authentic Indian delights.

Over the years, the business expanded, with people from far and wide requesting Craig’s delicious food at their events. From this followed the inception of Cardamom Events – born from Navine’s creative flair.

Along with the food came decor and production. The team grew and eventually they were just too busy to continue with the restaurant.

 

 

Cut to 2020 and Cardamom Events were leading the pack when it comes to high-end luxury weddings and events on the island. It should have been Cardamom’s biggest year to date!

But with the advent of COVID and the island locking down, Craig and Navine needed to have a big rethink.

And so Cardamom Kitchens was born. Friends from around the globe with private villas and boats were still arriving on the island and requesting Craig’s once famous Indian food. Demand grew and now, Craig’s cooking is available to all islanders every Friday.

Freshly cooked at the Cardamom catering facilities in Santa Eulalia, dishes such as Vegetable Kofte Dhansak or Goan Prawn Curry can be ordered to pick up, with Tandoori Chicken and Punjabi Rotis and Onion Bhajis handmade with love.

If you would like try Craig’s cooking, please send your email address and telephone number to [email protected] and we will add you to our exclusive Cardamom Kitchens list.

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Nov062020NOCOMMENTS

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Connor’s Birthday Celebrations Continued…

A Special 16th Birthday Celebration At Home

In our previous blog, we shared the experience of a wonderful day at CbbC Marina Santa Eulalia celebrating Connor’s 16th birthday with his Godparents.

However, the festivities didn’t stop there! We also threw him an intimate gathering at home with an alfresco lunch by the pool. Ibiza weather did not disappoint!

Due to restrictions, we kept numbers to 10 guests which was just perfect!

We dined on all of Connor’s favourite foods – Bao buns by the lovely Camalic Food Truck guys, Sushi, Connor’s godfathers made a few treats to add to the food of love, Garden fig & goats cheese tartlets! Daddy made of course his Cardamom Club specials, Andra Chicken, Samosas & Mummy´s Bhajis.

Connor put together the music with some awesome 60s, 70s and 80s playlists.

It really was the perfect day, and proof that regulations need not get in the way of a celebration!

It was so easy to organise a special treat in the comfort of our home, with all the wonderful Ibiza family that have been a big part of Connors life!

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Family Time and a special birthday treat for our son Connor

Birthday Treats at CBBC Marina Santa Eulalia

It’s been a very different year at Cardamom HQ, but we have embraced the quieter summer by having lots of quality family time and by discovering and hanging out at some of the wonderful spots that Ibiza has to offer. We don’t usually get the chance!

This year, our baby boy Connor turned 16. How did that happen?! As per every year, Connor’s Godparents came over from the UK (before quarantine regulations came in!), and spoiled him rotten. This year we went to the wonderful CBBC Marina Santa Eulalia.

We dined on delicious seafood paella, ceviche, local vegetables simply roasted, all washed down with a divine bottle (or two!) of Pagos de los Capellanes Tinto Reserva. Exquisite!

The day was spent eating, boating and partaking in water sports.

Although business has been a bit slower this year for the team at CBBC, they are coping really well with the new restrictions. It felt incredibly safe with social distancing and masks.

Enjoying the restaurants, cafes, white sandy beaches and glorious Ibiza weather has been a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and we have lapped it up!

We know the hard work will start again in the near future, so we are taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of this magical island we call home.

Our batteries will be fully charged and we are so excited to get back to work soon!

But in the meantime we got to enjoy a perfect day with amazing company, views, wine and food.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CONNOR!

 

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Throw an Amazing Party!

Seven Tips to a Successful Private Villa Party Ibiza

Many people start planning holidays from the beginning of the year; however, things have gone differently this year. A return to what surprises 2020 has made for the world is a hot topic because of COVID-19. It has directly affected our lives in many ways, so many of us may even wonder whether it is worth going in for a holiday, having parties or gatherings.

It took a long time, so there should be a solution to see your beloved ones and have a good time. However, taking into consideration your safety and health is as well very fundamental. So, in such a situation having a private villa party is your best choice. So, how to arrange such a successful private villa party in Ibiza that will be both great and safe?

Here are some tips that will help you:

1.     Find the Best Villa Rental based on your Needs

Location is the number one issue for a successful party, so if you manage to find a great place, then you will solve part of your party success. In any difficult situation, Ibiza Villas have a great solution for you.

2.     Organize your Activities based on Everyone’s Interests

There are many fun things to do during villa parties. Cardamom Events pride themselves on being able to make just about anything possible for their clients on any scale, be it music, dancing, food, drinks and games. All within the regulations. So, planning them beforehand based on your guests’ likes and dislikes will make your day more organised. Not forgetting social distance!

3.     Provide all the Needed Supplies

Having all the needed supplies in your villa rental is essential, especially in this pandemic situation. It will help to keep your guests and yourself safer and more confident. Cardamom Events work with the island’s best suppliers and can organise this all hassle free for you.

4.     Ensure that All the Precautions are Followed

We are keeping on top of all the new guidelines and restrictions, however if you correctly follow all the precautions you will manage to have a successful party. Having a nice time is really great, but you should think about the possible consequences as well.

5.     Set up Seating and Tables Properly

Know your guests and make sure they share the same interests. This is an important part of a party, as if your guests are happy, they will make your day.

6.     Do not Forget About Good Music

Regardless of what type of party you have, you need to be attentive with music choice. Good music has the power to make the day and create an excellent mood. Cardamom Events are able to organise DJs, live music, acoustic, big bands – you name it!

7.     Enjoy every Minute

Last but not least, organising a party is really a hard task, especially now when there are many instructions to follow. That’s what we and Cardamom Events are here for! However, if you work together with us to make sure everything is taken care of beforehand, you will be able to relax. So, if you choose the right villa rental, and let us and Cardamom do the rest, you need not worry about the details.

Though a villa rental is a perfect holiday hotspot these days as well, following all the instructions by WHO for protecting yourself and others are essential. Unlike other solutions, villa parties are safer these days to get together with friends or family members. By making the right choice you will be able to enjoy your get-togethers without thinking about the food and drinks. It is the perfect solution to safe contained fun during these unprecedented times

 

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Aug282020NOCOMMENTS

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The W Hotel Ibiza

Words From The Boss

Craig Colligan, Founder and Director of Cardamom Events Ibiza, takes some time out to tell us about his recent visit to the W Hotel.

In these challenging times, Cardamom Events Ibiza have spent 6 months with our heads down and have finally managed to find new dates for all our event clients in 2021 and 2022.

In order to celebrate and take a weekend off, I took my family to W Hotel to holiday and relax and what a fantastic weekend it was! I cannot fault the hotel as the staff, amenities, service, food and beverages were second to none, and my children and wife did not want to leave. It also gave me an insight into the service that our clients would receive from our group bookings there and now I have experienced it, I have 100% confidence in the W Brand and associated services.

In the same week, we were invited to a tour of the hotel including the as yet unseen Glow Roof Terrace, Away Spa, a selection of their suites and the very impressive EWOW Suite. The EWOW Suite (not to be confused with the WOW Suite which is a floor below) is a self contained event friendly apartment with 3 terraces, including a spectacular roof terrace complete with DJ and fully serviced cocktail bar – perfect for groups or cocktail parties for up to 100 guests all with the fabulous sea views across the coast line of Santa Eulalia.

The hotel is modern, Bohemian, fun and lively, but still perfect for families with children also, and the W Team welcome locals and tourists alike. With daily changing DJs, the cosmopolitan atmosphere is constantly up beat as well as relaxing and welcoming – all that hospitality should be.

Well done W, keep up the fantastic work!

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Cardamom Events Lockdown Life

Life In Lockdown – What Has It Been Like For Cardamom Events in Ibiza?

As life in Ibiza came to a sudden halt in march due to COVID19, the island community and its unique cluster of independent businesses were left in turmoil.

What was going to happen to the summer season and all their plans?

Almost immediately for Cardamom Events, the phone started ringing and emails began to fill the inboxes. 2020 was meant to be their biggest year of events to date, with plans for multiple corporate shows, weddings, birthdays – the list goes on!

But with the island on lockdown, most clients, unsurprisingly, wished to cancel or postpone their events.

Craig Colligan, Founder and Director of Cardamom Events Ibiza, had a big job on his hands. Pacifying clients and dejected couples became his daily routine, and following hours of phone calls to clients, suppliers and venues, all events were successfully rescheduled, leaving valued customers breathing collective sighs of relief. A calm nature and personal touch is Craig’s trademark and something Cardamom is well-known for. And never had it been needed more…

But what was it like at the coalface? What was life like working in the Ibiza hills with a wife and 2 kids of 15 and 5 confined to the house? We asked him about his experience…

What has lockdown in Ibiza been like for you and your family?
To be honest, it was the first time in years that we all have spent so much time together and I really enjoyed not being in the office everyday and the weather was getting close to summer levels and all was good. Then after 3 months of working from home with “Peppa Pig” and “My Little Pony” on loop, having to come up with new and exciting family menus and with my wife starting to complain that my breathing was too loud, I knew it was time to go back to work!
What has it been like for the business?
At first it was a period of panic as the clients emails and calls poured in with queries of the future. Then after calming their fears by deciding to help them all get through the chaos of changing dates, weighing up the pros and cons of postponements whist continuing to try and forward their planning, all free of charge with no extra expenses for the past 4 months, things are starting to calm down and get back to a kind of normality with clients happy and new events finally starting to come through for the future.
What does a normal day look like for you now in July?
Put it this way, I will get a tan for the first time in a decade! We are still working but at a slower rate with windows for swimming, Formentera and Joe Wickes workouts.
What did it used to look like?
We would normally be recovering from 2 months of back-to-back weddings before going into big birthday season and the occasional corporate events in July & August
What do you miss the most?
Not seeing my accountant and bank manager so much. Times are tough, but we are embracing the positives…
What are you enjoying the most?
Swimming with my wife and kids and making an effort to be healthier in these challenging days.
What are your hopes for the future?
For Ibiza to return to the open paradise enjoyed by all with Government incentives and lower costs of living as result of COVID19. Hopefully something good will come out of all this.
What will you take away from this unique summer on the island?
A suntan, new recipes and the knowledge that there is a limit to how much time you can spend with your loved ones!!!
If you need any help planning an Ibiza or Formentera event, then at Cardamom Events, it’s business as usual!
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Ibiza Bride Beauty & Hair

IBIZA BRIDAL TRENDS

Every year, at Cardamom Events Ibiza, we look forward to seeing all of the new wedding trends! From the newest style of dress, to the latest wedding cake designs. Each year there’s a new flavour and feel to on-trend nuptials; but there is one style that will never ever go off trend in Ibiza – Boho Chic!

Boho and Ibiza go hand in hand. Bohemian style encapsulates the island’s hippie roots and hedonistic spirit and the ethereal beauty of its landscape. 

We caught up with one of our Ibiza Hair and Makeup artists, Katy Gill, to find out her tips for Boho Bridal hair and make up for your Ibiza Wedding. Ibiza resident Katy is a Bridal specialist and these are her favourite hairstyles for the ultimate Boho Ibiza Bride:

CASCADING WAVES
Sometimes less is more, and the stunning simplicity of tousled ‘messy’ waves in a middle parting finished with a flower crown is the epitome of Boho Bridal hair. An alternative accessory that also finishes this look perfectly is a head chain down the parting, either beaded or metallic with some sort of drop adornment in the middle of the forehead gives that real seasoned traveler vibe… a nod to the Indian Bridal style giving that feeling of bohemian, carefree wanderlust that the hippies brought to the island after following the trail back from India all those years ago. For something that looks so natural and carefree, it is also incredibly chic and elegant; just perfect for an Ibiza Bride. 

HALF DOWN AND HALF BRAIDED

To achieve the same tousled tresses and vibe whilst looking a bit more formal, braiding the top half of the hair is ideal. Braids are so boho! Especially in a crown on the top of the head. This creates a half up do with those same stunning waves left cascading, just with a slightly more polished finish. And with the hair completely off the face leaves you that little bit cooler in the gorgeous Ibiza sunshine. 


FISHTAIL BRAID

So elegant, but different, and very boho! Build up volume or even weave a few extensions into it for the ultimate full bodied, romantic vibe. One of the benefits to a fishtail braid is that it keeps you cooler in the heat than having your hair fully down whilst still giving the illusion of wearing your hair down. You can also weave in a hair vine, or flowers throughout the braid; Boho Ibiza Bride perfection!

BRIDAL BRAID HALO

For the Bride that wants to keep cool in the Ibiza sun and show off her neck and decollage whilst still embodying that bohemian chic look, we love a tousled halo braid fully up do. Katy loves to create a long braid that wraps around the head like a halo. Angelic, practical, romantic and absolutely stunning.  

We recommend booking Katy for a Bridal hair trial. She will work to create your ideal bridal hair with both style and practicality in mind, so that you can achieve your perfect hairstyle to wear with confidence on your wedding day without a single hair out of place.

As we know, boho-chic is a style influenced by both hippie and bohemian ideals; which is why many Ibiza Brides are inspired by this style. It is so intrinsic to both the history and ethos of the magical white isle. To tie in with the free-flowing waves and whimsical wonderfulness of all those braids, Katy’s ethos is that Boho-chic Bridal make up needs to feel elegant and effortless, but fun and free. That said, you are still a bride, which means that feeling chic and polished are equally essential. 

Here’s Katy’s tips on how to marry all of these elements together for the ultimate in Boho Bridal make up when you marry your dearly beloved at your Ibiza Wedding. 

OUT OF THIS WORLD

Bohemian beauty is ethereal, so an otherworldly glow is absolutely vital to achieve that nymph-in-nature feel and enhance your beauty to glow in the sunshine and stunning scenery surrounding you on the magical island on your special day. Katy  works with her Bride’s natural skin tone and colouring to pick the warmth of tone to highlight and shimmer to achieve a beautiful boho radiance. 


AT ONE WITH NATURE
The very essence of boho is natural beauty. Your makeup needs to look as natural as possible, whilst enhancing your features and highlighting your unique beauty. Think ‘I woke up like this’ meets flawless and polished. A nude lip is a boho bridal makeup essential, in either mat or gloss, it gives a perfect finish whilst still looking natural. Think Kate Moss and Sienna Miller effortless chic… both island regulars, of course!

GOLDEN GODDESS
Whether you would prefer a ‘barely there’ shimmer on the eyes, and a highlighted pop or a full golden smokey eye… Boho Bridal Makeup is all about the gold lids. This ties in, not just the ethereal goddess feel, but is also a compliment to the hedonistic party vibe of the island. Perhaps you might even want to consider a touch of glitter for a festival vibe. Be sure to use biodegradable glitter for guilt free sparkle; particularly great for the afterparty!  


Katy says ‘wedding hair & makeup is where I find my niche, I love the buzz of wedding day, and for me as an artist what drives me, is the confidence I give women when they look in the mirror, they look and feel a million dollars, and to be able to create that on a bride’s wedding day is really special. I always feel so honoured to be my client’s chosen artist and spend months working with them before the wedding, with skin care plans, makeup trial appointments, and sharing all my beauty advice in the run up to day so they know they are getting the very best care putting themselves in my hands for their big day.

Book your Bridal hair and make up trial with Ibiza Hair and Make up Artist Katy Gill for your Ibiza Wedding. 

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May182020NOCOMMENTS

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Bouncing Back To Plan Your Future Events

A New Dawn – How To Plan For Future Events

It’s been a strange time for everyone. Lockdown and travel restrictions have meant that a lot of people’s plans for events, weddings and celebrations have been sent into turmoil.

Here in Ibiza, the summer season should have been well underway, but of course, that was not meant to be this year.

So instead of dwelling on the past and wondering what could have been, here at Cardamom Events, we have been brainstorming and keeping ourselves very busy. We want to be able to provide you with solutions, hope and advice, so have come up with a collection of offerings which will simplify the process for you should you wish to start planning or re-planning your special occasions.

  • FREE change of dates for 2020 clients with no extra charges or penalties 
  • We are offering 2019 discounted prices for any bookings for late 2020 and all of 2021 for bookings made this year
  • Offering free advice on venue searches and budget planning for clients
  • Offering free design set-ups with floor plans for our Event clients for 2020/21
  • Free quotations on full events before booking Cardamom for weddings, as well as private and corporate events

Our director Craig Colligan has some great advice too for those of you worrying about future events:

  • Communicate with your wedding planner. Do not take the stress on your own, use the professionals to alleviate the burden and it will all feel much clearer and lighter. That is what we are here for!
  • Don’t read fake news! There  is a lot of misinformation out there of doom and gloom and the reality is quite different. Already Ibiza is opening up in the second stage of returning to normal business with the aim to be back on top by end of June, so very positive. All we need to know now is when the flights will start and then we can really get back into the swing of things.

Valuable words indeed!

So don’t hesitate to get in touch for any of your event queries! The experts are on hand to help and sooth you!

Cardamom Events can and will make your dreams come true…

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Apr072020NOCOMMENTS

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Coping with Event Changes During the Coronavirus Crisis

Has Coronavirus Affected Your Wedding or Event? Cardamom Events are here to offer some advice on how to deal with this…

As Coronavirus isolation guidelines have come in to play worldwide and the crisis reaches its peak, a temporary ban has been applied to public gatherings and large events. This means that so many weddings and events have been affected and you could be one of those unlucky parties who are left wondering what to do.

Panic may be setting in and so many of you might be feeling crushed and devastated that the special occasion you have put your heart and soul in to planning may not be happening now.

Well help is at hand! Cardamom Events have years of experience in troubleshooting, and we pride ourselves in staying calm and offering honest and constructive advice during times of stress.

So with this in mind, we have put together this guide to help you through if your event has been affected…

Communicate – the first thing we cannot stress enough is to stay in touch! Rather than get yourself in to a state of anxiety, just pick up the phone, send an email or WhatsApp and talk to your planner. We are constantly in contact with our venues and suppliers and know what is going on by the minute. That’s what we are here for!

 

Postpone, don’t cancel – Moving your wedding or event to a different date means that you don’t lose any of your deposits or arrangements. We are working around the clock to make sure that all details can be reorganised so all is not lost! Postponing also means that your planner does not lose any of their valuable income, so not only will you be able to rest assured that your special day will be going ahead, you will also be supporting the businesses (often independent like us) who work so hard to make your dreams come true.

 

Be Flexible – Moving your wedding might mean that you can’t have it on a Saturday anymore or the season might be completely different. See this as an opportunity! A change in date could mean cheaper and more varied accommodation for your guests, or a change to the theme! It’s time to get creative!

 

Stay Calm – We are here for you! Every concern you have can be either answered or the answer can be easily found out for you. Be positive and try not to let your worries get you down! We are a team and can always work together to find solutions. Adding extra stress helps no one, especially at this time.

 

The take home message is to talk. Share your concerns and let us help you to look for the best way to deal with this upheaval.

Your planner is still fully dedicated to making your event everything you dream of and more! And we love it!

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CINEMA PARADISO

THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR CINEMA EXPERIENCE

Here at Cardamom Events Ibiza, we take pride in showcasing the innovative ways in which you can entertain your guests on a special occasion here in Ibiza.

May we introduce Cinema Paradiso – The Ultimate Outdoor Cinema Experience!

Getting together with friends and family to watch a movie is such a treat, and even more so if you can do it with the Ibiza sky as a backdrop!

Private Cinema screenings are their forte. All you have to do is let us know what you want to watch and when, and we will work with the team to bring the experience to you!

The Private Cinema can be set up anywhere you like, be it poolside, on the lawn or even the roof terrace, provided there is an available power outlet.

They will provide comfy bean bags, blankets, side tables with dimmed lighting and even cinema style popcorn!

Imagine having a private showing for your guests the night after a big wedding reception, or for a team building session at a corporate event? Or how about to entertain kids or teens whilst the adults party in to the night?

What better way to bring people together, underneath a carpet of Ibiza stars? Cinema Paradiso have got it covered…

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