John Stanton Ward, R.A. (1917-2007)

Louis Emanuelli was the manager of Annabel's until 1992, and he was there from the very beginning; part of the fabric of the Club he became a friend to generations of members. His career began in the kitchens of Park Lane Hotel at the age of fourteen. When he met Mark Birley he had risen to prominence as manager of the Mirabelle, risking it all to join Mark's as yet unrealised vision for a new London nightclub.

Mark Birley discovered Mabel James working at Wiltons, and she became part of his life, and that of his entire family. She formed a deep, lasting bond with Annabel. They used to discuss life, as well as matters of dress of her domain the Ladies Powder Room. Mark discovered that, at eighty, she was still going home on the night bus after work and persuaded her to accept a taxi service. She left an indelible mark on the memories of the members.