Ladies Who Lead: Women’s dinner series at The Pem

The Staff Canteen

This autumn, The Pem at Conrad London St James introduces Ladies Who Lead - a three-part dinner series.

The series celebrates women driving change in design, art and wine, with evenings hosted by award-winning talents Helen McGinn, Nancy Cadogan and Laura Butler-Madden.

From October to November, The Pem will stage three intimate dinners, each blending conversation with a leading creative voice and a four-course tasting menu inspired by their work.

Building on The Pem’s founding spirit - progressive, purposeful and rooted in British history - the series continues its mission to champion women’s voices, both on the plate and beyond.

The Ladies Who Lead line-up

  • October 16th – Laura Butler-Madden
    An award-winning interior designer and founder of the British fine fragrance house GROVE England, Laura Butler-Madden is a tastemaker celebrated for her calm, elegant approach to interiors. Her evening at The Pem will pair her design philosophy with a four-course menu inspired by her distinctive aesthetic.

    October 30th – Nancy Cadogan
    Recognised as one of London’s leading contemporary painters, Nancy Cadogan

  • is known for her figurative works that explore literature, time and the still moments of life. This special evening will spotlight her Lake Como-inspired series Stanza, with Nancy in conversation about her creative journey. Guests will enjoy a bespoke Italian-inspired menu paired with carefully chosen Italian wines, offering a fully immersive experience.

    November 20th – Helen McGinn
    Award-winning author, international wine judge and presenter Helen McGinn has reshaped the way we talk about wine. After a decade as a supermarket wine buyer, she founded the acclaimed blog 'The Knackered Mother's Wine Club' which went on to become a best-selling book. To close the series, Helen will host a bespoke tasting, guiding guests through a selection of sparkling, rosé, white and red wines, each paired with a seasonal four-course menu.

Each evening will consist of a four-course menu inspired by the guest’s story with optional wine pairings.

Ladies Who Lead invites guests into the room with the women shaping what’s next, one course at a time.

For bookings, visit here

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 18th September 2025

Ladies Who Lead: Women’s dinner series at The Pem