For this round of Cocktails at Table 7 - Inside New York’s Joe Allen, we enjoyed the sparkling company of two members of our extended London “family”; veteran Joe Allen manager Cathie Winn and producer/director Josephine Buchan. We discussed the ambitious An Evening at Joe’s series of virtual benefits, which Josephine has produced to raise much needed funds for the West End’s struggling servers and theater artists. Cathie shared with us the challenges she faced early on as a new manager when introducing the concept of “hospitality” to her servers. We also chatted about legendary house pianist Jimmy Hardwick, the close-knit bonds the staff at both Joe Allen restaurants seem to share, and why it's a good thing when Dame Judi Dench hurls her purse at you.
Josephine Buchan began her career on television, hosting television programs for the BBC, ITV and Sky. Her love of theater led to her embarking on a career as an independent producer/ director. In addition to her passion for first-class commercial theater, Josephine also seeks to develop the skills of young people, many of whom are struggling in the educational system, within the framework of performing arts. www.josephinebuchan.com
Cathie Winn became a bit of a cliche when she dropped out of art school and turned to waitressing while deciding what to do with her life. After a flurry of odd jobs, she landed at Orso in Covent Garden. In 1992, Cathie became the Head Maitre’d at Joe Allen London, and has been a beloved caretaker of its unique charms for almost 30 years. Since the restaurant’s temporary closing in March 2020, Cathie has been occupying herself with her old love of painting (now with added allotment of gardening and baking.) Cathie is married and lives in East London with her hubby and a Jack Russell terrier named Olive.
To watch "An Evening at Joe's" go to Joe Allen TV London on youtube. Act 3 drops on November 26th. If you'd like to donate to Save Our West End, click here.
Cocktails at Table 7- Inside New York’s Joe Allen is produced and hosted by Jason Woodruff, Dana Mierlak and Sean Kent, with music by James Rubio and logo and artwork design by Christina D’Angelo. The Producers would like to extend a special thank you to the owners of Joe Allen, Orso and Bar Centrale Restaurants.