Iva joined No. Fifty Cheyne as a hostess two years ago, expecting to stay for just a couple of months. What began as a temporary role quickly developed into a passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

Now Director of Events, she oversees everything from intimate celebrations and elegant weddings to exclusive restaurant takeovers, bringing together creativity, meticulous planning and a personal approach to every occasion.

We caught up with Iva to talk about her journey – the challenges she loves most, why weddings still make her emotional and what makes No. Fifty Cheyne such a special place to celebrate.

You originally joined No. Fifty Cheyne as a hostess. How did you find your way into events?

Believe it or not, I originally planned to stay for just two months! I joined as a hostess, and at the time, events wasn’t something I had considered as a career. But as I started working more closely with the events team, I became fascinated by everything that happened behind the scenes.

I loved watching an idea develop into something real, seeing all the different elements come together and, most importantly, seeing the guests’ reactions at the end of it all.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about knowing you’ve played a part in creating a moment that someone will remember for years.

I think that’s when I realised this was much more than just a job for me. Looking back, I suppose hospitality was always where I was meant to end up. I just hadn’t quite realised it yet!

How does it feel being part of this new chapter at No. Fifty Cheyne?

I find it incredibly exciting. I’ve always loved a challenge, and I think change is such an important part of growing, both personally and professionally.

What excites me most is that we’re not simply making changes for the sake of it. We’re constantly looking at how we can elevate the guest experience, refine what we offer and make the restaurant even more special.

We’re very fortunate to have a team that genuinely shares the same vision. When everyone is working towards the same goal and takes pride in what they do, it makes such a difference.

What do you enjoy most about organising events here?

I love that no two events are ever the same. You can have an intimate wedding lunch one day and a spectacular full-venue celebration the next, and both require a completely different approach.

I particularly enjoy exclusive venue hires because they allow us to be really creative. There are so many elements to consider, from the guest journey and the atmosphere in each room to the flowers, menus, entertainment and all those little details that people might not consciously notice but absolutely feel.

We’ve had the privilege of hosting some incredibly high-profile guests and A-list celebrations. Naturally, discretion is a huge part of what we do, so I can’t share too much, but it’s always interesting how some of the most recognisable people are often the most relaxed and down-to-earth.

I enjoy the challenge of taking someone’s vision, however ambitious it might seem, and finding a way to bring it to life. I always say that my favourite part of the job is making the seemingly impossible possible.

What is one of the most ambitious things you’ve had to make happen?

We once had a request to bring a grand piano upstairs into our Drawing Room, which was quite an operation! It had to be carefully dismantled, transported upstairs and reassembled in time for the event.

And then there are days when we’re managing eight completely different events in a single day, each with its own timings, requirements and last minute surprises. Those are definitely the days that keep us on our toes.

Weddings are a big part of what you do. What makes them special?

I don’t think I’ll ever stop getting emotional at weddings, no matter how many I organise!

There’s something so beautiful about being trusted with one of the most important days in someone’s life. You’re not simply arranging a lunch or a dinner. You’re helping create memories that a couple and their families will carry with them forever.

What I particularly love is getting to know the couples throughout the planning process. By the time the wedding day arrives, you’ve spent so much time discussing their ideas, understanding what’s important to them and bringing everything together that you almost feel like a small part of their story.

And then you see them walk into the room, surrounded by the people they love, and everything suddenly comes to life. Those are the moments that make me love what I do.

The restaurant lends itself beautifully to weddings. Being so close to Chelsea Old Town Hall makes it a wonderful setting for celebrations afterwards, and the building has a warmth and intimacy that makes the occasion feel incredibly personal.

How do you make an event feel personal to each guest?

I genuinely believe that the difference between a lovely event and an unforgettable one is in the details.

For me, personalisation starts with listening. I want to understand who we’re celebrating, what matters to them and how they want their guests to feel.

Sometimes it’s something quite subtle, like choosing flowers that complement the stationery or creating a particular atmosphere through the table styling and lighting.

Other times, it’s something much more personal: a cocktail inspired by the couple’s story, photographs used as place settings, a favourite dish incorporated into the menu or a thoughtful surprise that the guests aren’t expecting.

I also love those little moments when a guest says, “I can’t believe you remembered that.”

That’s when you know you’ve done something right.

Ultimately, I want every event to feel like it could only have been created for those particular people, rather than something that could be repeated for anyone.

What do you love about working in Chelsea?

Chelsea has always been one of my favourite parts of London. It has this wonderful balance of elegance and familiarity. You’re in the heart of London, surrounded by beautiful architecture, galleries and restaurants, yet there are still these quiet little streets where everything feels tucked away.

There is a special sense of community. Over time, you begin recognising familiar faces, getting to know our regular guests and building relationships with the people around you.

I grew up somewhere where knowing your neighbours and feeling part of a community was very important, so I really appreciate finding that same feeling here.

And I have to admit, I’m quite spoiled when it comes to my office! I work from the Drawing Room upstairs, and looking out towards the Thames and Albert Bridge is a pretty wonderful reminder of how lucky I am to work in such a beautiful place.

And when you’re not organising events?

I love spending time with my friends, playing tennis, shopping or going out for a lovely dinner and a glass of wine.

Music has also always been a big part of my life. I went to music school and used to play the piano, so whenever I get the chance, I love sitting down at my aunt’s piano and playing again. It’s something I find incredibly relaxing.

I also live close to Battersea Park, so I spend a lot of time walking around there.

There’s actually a particular bench just across Albert Bridge that I love. It looks back towards the bridge and the river, and it’s one of those places where I can sit for a while, clear my head and appreciate the quieter moments.

When your working life revolves around creating memorable moments for other people, I think it’s equally important to appreciate the simple ones in your own life.

QUICKFIRE

Dinner party or dancing? Dancing, without a doubt!

Dogs or cats? Dogs. Always, always dogs!

Favourite dish at No. Fifty Cheyne? Steven’s Beef Wellington with truffle mash. An absolute favourite.

Favourite cocktail? Espresso Martini. A classic for a reason!

Dream event to organise? An extraordinary wedding overlooking Lake Como. Beautiful flowers, incredible food, live music and a setting that takes everyone’s breath away.

Best event planning advice? Stay calm, think ahead and always have a solution. Things won’t always go exactly to plan, but what matters is how you respond. The best events aren’t necessarily the ones where nothing goes wrong; they’re the ones where the guests never have to worry about a thing.

Planning a special occasion? From intimate celebrations to exclusive events, Iva and the team would love to help bring your plans to life. Get in touch at events@fiftycheyne.com to start planning.