There are some people who simply make things happen, and Barbara is very much one of them. Behind the scenes of our Rendezvous events, she brings warmth, creativity, calmness under pressure and an extraordinary ability to turn ideas into unforgettable experiences.
From thoughtful details to seamless execution, Barbara has become an integral part of the magic that makes Rendezvous feel so special for our members and guests. Her passion for bringing people together mirrors so much of what we believe at Maclynn: that meaningful connection is often created in the spaces where people feel relaxed, welcomed and genuinely cared for.
— Rachel Vida MacLynn
What led to you starting Rendezvous?
I never meant to specialise in singles events; it really is something I ‘fell into’!
I’ve always been an entrepreneur: my career’s taken me through telecoms, investing, nightlife and fashion. But looking back there was always a common thread: I notice when a group of people can’t find what they need, and I try to build it for them.
After selling my lingerie business Spoylt, I spent some time in Monaco. I was struck by the number of immensely eligible singles who were struggling to meet someone. Not for lack of effort, either as the place simply lacked the right social infrastructure.
I wanted to create something for those people who might otherwise fall through the cracks, especially those who felt they didn’t belong in more traditional dating spaces. And I’d built up a vast network of eligible singles when the opportunity came to buy Rendezvous London.
I’d already been working closely with Rachel at Maclynn, who was looking for reputable events to refer Maclynn members to. It really was serendipity! Since then we’ve hosted quite a few parties together, and at the start of 2026 we decided to formally partner Maclynn with Rendezvous.
What’s a typical Maclynn–Rendezvous partnership event like?
It begins the moment you arrive.
You’re met by a team on the door. They welcome you, take your coat, show you inside. You’re never left to walk into a room alone and you’re never left to ‘fend for yourself’.
Even the most outwardly confident of our attendees can be a bundle of nerves! Guests who’ve been before often reconnect, with introductions unfolding organically. But even if you’re new to Rendezvous, we’ll make sure you’re in company, and meeting a fantastic range of people across the night.
As the evening takes hold, I’ll move around making gentle introductions where appropriate. I’ll clock who’s in your industry, who shares your interests, who grew up in the same part of the country. It’s these small thoughtful connections that move the exchange from small talk into a night-long effortless flow of conversation.
At larger events we even have Maclynn matchmakers in the room. They’re on hand to answer questions, sure, but they’re also quietly observing, understanding our guests in ways that simply aren’t possible on paper.
What makes in-person events a great addition to someone’s dating journey?
Apps give you information, and that’s a good start. But a room gives you a person, in the here-and-now.
There’s so much you just can’t gauge from a profile: how they listen; how they carry themselves; the energy they bring to a space. Plus I see more and more singles getting stuck in ‘cycles’ on the apps: endless messaging, building up a fantasy of the person on the other end… only to be eventually let down by reality.
In-person events cut through all that noise. They let you form an impression fast, no overthinking, no getting too invested too soon. I also think events rebalance the dating experience: I’ve found that women in particular enjoy the social aspect of meeting in person, while the men find the apps tedious and frustrating. Bringing people together in a room creates a healthier, more natural dynamic for both.
People are craving real-life connection again. So many singles are exhausted by dating apps and endless messaging that rarely leads anywhere meaningful. You can spend weeks chatting to someone and still have no real sense of chemistry, energy or compatibility. Meeting in person changes everything. You notice the conversation flow, the body language, the laughter, the small moments that simply can’t be replicated through a screen. That’s why events are so powerful; they bring people together in a more natural, human and authentic way.
The intimate dinners are a big part of what you do. How do they differ from other events?
They’re calmer, more ‘deliberate’. And I guess in some ways more revealing, too.
We seat around 20 guests at a long table, and the gentlemen move seats between courses. That means you enjoy proper, unforced, conversations, usually six, if not more.
What I love about the Rendezvous dinners is the opportunity they bring to quietly facilitate connections. If I know two guests share something impressive, niche, or quirky, I might casually drop it into conversation. Why? Because many people are too modest to say these things themselves especially the kind of people who end up at a Rendezvous dinner!
What’s more, not all meaningful connections at our dinners are romantic. I’ve seen countless friendships emerge from these events over the years. Often these friendships then lead to romantic introductions down the line; the ripple effect is real.
What makes the partnership with Maclynn work?
Maclynn are proud to understand their clients on a highly personal level. My role at Rendezvous is to create events where people feel comfortable enough to show themselves, share themselves, at that level.
Events have a subtle but powerful effect on expectations, too. Some guests arrive with a fixed idea of what they’re looking for. But often, when they walk in the room and lay eyes on real singles right there in front of them, their criteria shift in an instant. You really can find yourself drawn to someone you never would have given a second thought on paper or an app.
What’s unique about the London dating scene right now?
London is incredibly international. Singles are connecting across cultures, languages, and experiences. I saw this firsthand at a recent event: one of my guests, an Italian gentleman, was nervous about what he considered to be his subpar grasp of English. By the end of the night he was holding court, in English, surrounded by Italian speakers, including guests I didn’t even know spoke Italian, all of whom were also supporting him in English!
I’ve also seen a growing openness to dating beyond what’s familiar. Many singles in London actively enjoy meeting those from different backgrounds. It adds an element of discovery and adventure to dating that you don’t find elsewhere, even in other similarly sized cities around the world.
What do people get wrong about dating in a city like London?
They underestimate how much stamina it requires, especially with the apps. It’s all too easy to take things personally or give up too soon.
Equally, people sometimes miss the opportunity in those connections that don’t immediately turn romantic. But just because this person isn’t right for you, doesn’t mean they don’t know someone who is, and likewise, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be perfect for someone you know.
What would you say to someone nervous about attending a singles event?
Treat it like a networking event for work. Remember, you’re not walking in to meet your life partner. That’s far too much pressure to put on yourself, and it could end up being counterproductive.
Instead, you’re simply there to enjoy fascinating conversations with unique, dynamic individuals, every one of whom has their own network of amazing friends, colleagues, and contacts, some of whom will be single, yes. This change in mindset changes everything.
And finally, bear in mind that some of the most valuable connections you make that evening really might not be romantic. Making new friends, finding your ‘wingperson’; these experiences too can lead to romantic introductions you otherwise wouldn’t have made.
What helps people make a genuine connection?
Lowering the stakes.
The guests who enjoy themselves most are those who arrive curious about the other guests, and about what the evening could become rather than those who turn up with a specific outcome in mind.
My role is simply to create the conditions that allow that curiosity to blossom. Small introductions. Shared interests. A little guidance here and there, if you need or want it. From there, trust me, everything plays out naturally, organically. You know why? Because you are a highly accomplished, fascinating individual in your own right, the kind of person other people want to get to know. Why else would you have been invited?!
Visit Rendezvous, see their upcoming events, or get in touch to speak with Barbara. And check out Rachel’s recent write-up of Rendezvous’s fabulous exclusive dinner parties.
Barbara Brudenell-Bruce is your host at every Rendezvous event. She’s renowned for her singular ability to bring together likeminded individuals, whether professionally, socially, or romantically. Barbara is also Maclynn’s Director of Events and, in her own words, ‘a collector of lovely people.’
