An incredible year for Leeds party planner Jordan Odu - but 2019 will be better

One of the highlights of 2018 was working with The Apprentice winner, Sian Gabbidon.

It’s been an incredible year for me and the Pink Gorilla gang, but plans are already underway to make sure that 2019 is even bigger, bolder and better. But, before we get to that, I’d just like to say a big thanks to everyone who’s read and supported my City Buzz column – can you believe it’s been a year since I started working with the YEP?

Since then, we’ve worked with some amazing clients and launched some of the biggest and best nightspots in Leeds and beyond. There are way too many highlights to name them all, but the relationship we’ve had with Arc Inspirations has been next-level, and the numbers we saw at the opening parties for The Box Leeds and Manahatta Headingley were stupendous.

If this city can do only one thing right, it’s party like there’s no tomorrow!

I’m still suffering a little from last night’s Pink Gorilla Christmas party at Harvey Nichols, where some of the city’s wildest party animals helped us cap off the perfect year with a bit of music, dancing and a whole lot of Champagne. It was great to see everyone who’s supported us this year and raise a glass to an amazing 2018.

December also saw us ‘hired’ by 2018 Apprentice champ and Leeds lass born and bred, Sian Gabbidon. We helped launch her Tropical Goddess swimwear collection at Dakota Deluxe on Wednesday, and I’ve never seen so many people queuing up for selfies!

The woman is super nice and a force-to-be-reckoned-with in the world of business. She also happens to be a massive Leeds United fan and can give the footy lads a run for their money (she even trialled for their youth team back in the day!). Fingers crossed they go up next season.

As you can probably gather from my December antics, I’ve been burning the candle somewhat recently, however I’m trying to keep myself in mint condition with some choice grooming products from Beast.

Their flagship store is in Covent Garden, but you can pick up their premium goodies at the new pop-up at Hip Store, Leeds. My current go-to daily saviours are the Baxter of California face scrub and the Marram Co. moisturiser. They must be working, because I’ve been ID’d twice in the past week alone (joke).

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m addicted to chicken, be it grilled, fried, breaded or barbecued – I can’t get enough of the stuff.

When I heard that Yard & Coop was on the Leeds radar, I knew I had to work with them. Their buttermilk chicken is a gift from the gods and wipes the floor with Nando’s and KFC – Colonel who?News of their opening will be dropping in early 2019, so watch this space.

And as for all you foodie connoisseurs, you’ll be pleased to know that we’re working with the incredible Stockdale’s of Yorkshire as we speak. Details of the project are very hush hush at the moment, but make no mis-steak, all you carnivores are in for a treat!

I’d just like to cap it off by once again say thanks for your support with both my City Buzz column and Pink Gorilla events – without you lot, it would all be a little dry.My out-of-office is now on, and there’s a huge mug of mulled wine with my name all over it! Have an amazing Christmas and an even better New Year. Cheers!