A magical memorable Lab_ Christmas

In the spirit of spreading holiday cheer, the lab_ folk got together once again last Thursday to create a bundle of festive fun. As always, the details were kept resolutely under wraps by our in-house and highly secretive Christmas party planners.

We put down our laptops and excitedly gathered at the depot_, donning our very best sparkles and brimming with anticipation for what promised to be an extraordinary day. Our space had been transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with tiny rubber Santa ducks hidden in every corner, fairy lights, a crop of bean bags and compulsory festive headwear - all setting the stage for a company quiz whilst chomping down on scrumptious pastries and fizzy beverages.

Up next, the duck theme continued (that's a whole other story!). Firstly a duck hunt, with a mad dash around the depot_ to find many, many miniature Santa ducks, shortly followed by crafting the best-looking Christmas duck out of tin foil. The creative minds went hard at work! The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the celebration of our team's achievements. Awards and prizes were bestowed upon deserving individuals, with Natasha earning the prestigious title of 2023 MVP for her exceptional dedication and unwavering support. Congratulations, Natasha! 

We made our way to our local pub for a wholesome lunch feast. The long table was adorned with fragrant rosemary and dried oranges, creating all the sentimental warmth and coziness of Christmas. Under the guidance of the talented India, we joyfully sang a medley of Christmas tunes which conveyed a feeling of togetherness. 

With satisfied bellies, we ventured to our next destination, where we had to put our togetherness to the test. In the immersive Breakin' Escape Rooms, in teams we navigated through intricate storylines, racing against the clock to solve puzzles and escape. But not all of us managed to break free in time! 

Our final stop was The 411, a vibrant venue that brought a slice of New York to Islington. Here, we showcased our pool skills (and our dance moves) with a proper party to end the night. Our secret Christmas elves truly outdid themselves, it was yet another spectacular year, and we’re already hanging the mistletoe for 2024.