About St. Andrew's Black Tie Ball 2024
WHEN: NOVEMBER 30 | 7 P.M.
WHERE: SOFIA BALKAN PALACE
PARTICIPATION
Submit an attendance request and pay you paricipation fee once it is confirmed.
Members: 190 BGN per person
Non-members: 280 BGN per person
(includes three-course meal and whisky tasting or glass of wine)
You are highly encouraged to bring a plus one. No payments on the spot will be allowed, so please pay by
bank transfer by 27 November. Cancellations are accepted no later than 22 November. The capacity is
limited and attendance will be granted at a first come first served basis.
All prices include VAT and the BBBA team will issue you an invoice.
DRESS CODE: BLACK TIE
The ball is a formal dress event. As such, you have several options for an appropriate ensemble: Highland
formal dress, mess kit, a tuxedo or business suit, or a long gown are good choices.
About our sponsors
BBBA is a bilateral trade chamber whose mission is to establish sustainable business partnerships and to
enhance and develop professional connections between Bulgarian and British partners.
Avendi is a leading company in marketing and distribution of fast-moving consumer goods for over 22 years,
proudly partnering with internationally acclaimed brands.
About our host & chef
The charismatic Alexander Taralezhkov, our exceptional host and the inspiration behind the delectable
dishes at the dinner, is a creative director by training and a global citizen at heart. His imagination fuels his
endless culinary adventures, with inspiration drawn from everything surrounding him. His philosophy is based
on the freedom of the creative process, often found where human culture meets untouched nature. Born in
Bulgaria, he has spent the past two decades living in Margate, UK, working on culinary and design projects
across the globe.
About our exceptional bartenders
Svetoslav Chochev has worked in prestigious bars and restaurants across London such as Aqua Shard and
GÔNG Bar at the Shangri-la the Shard. He has participated in some of the biggest bartending competitions
and qualified as a runner-up finalist for Back to the Roots 2019 and was also one of the UK finalists for
Beluga Signature 2020 cocktail competition and most recently has been chosen as a finalist for the Best
Mixologist Award 2024 by Bar Magazine UKCurrently, he is the Diageo Brand Ambassador for Bulgaria.
Pavel Pamukchiev has been working as a bartender for over 15 years. In 2018 he had the great opportunity
to win the local final of the most prestigious competition for bartenders and to represent Bulgaria at the
global finals, where he ranked our country in the top 20 best in the whole world. A year earlier in 2017 he
combined the two things he likes to do the most – traveling and making cocktails and founded the first ever
caravan cocktail bar „Travel Cocktails“. Over the past 5 years, it has had successful partnerships with brands
such as Bulleit Bourbon, Johnnie Walker, Hennessy and serves dozens of festivals throughout Bulgaria,
mixing signature cocktails prepared with high-quality alcohol and seasonal ingredients.
About the tasting
You will have the chance to taste 3 exquisite whiskies by The Singleton. Just to spark your interest we will
start with The Singleton 15 Y.O., you can only image the next two. The Singleton boasts a refined, smooth
flavour that perfectly complements any dish. We will keep the rest a surprise. More about that whisky here.
The Singleton is a single malt whisky produced in Speyside, Scotland. It is crafted at three prestigious
distilleries – Dufftown, Glendullan, and Glen Ord – each founded in the late 19th century and united by a
common goal: to produce single malts of outstanding taste that are balanced, enjoyable, and easy to drink.
Using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients, The Singleton embodies the centuries-old skill of
Scottish whisky-making.
Every bottle of The Singleton reflects the distinctive characteristics of the Speyside region, resulting from a
careful blend of tradition and innovation. Its unique flavour stems from meticulous ageing in casks and a rich
spectrum of aromas. The Singleton is an immersive sensory experience, drawing you into the rich heritage of
Scottish whisky.
About our special guest performers
Ian Muir Scottish Dance Band.is well known in Scotland and broadcasts regularly for BBC Radio Scotland.
The Band also broadcasts for GMTV’s Hogmany show for several years. Every year it visits a different
location for the annual Scottish Country Dancing trip.
About the cause
The St. Andrew’s Black Tie ball supports a noble cause every year. This year we are excited to announce that we will be working together with Stoyan Kambarev Foundation. Their mission is to encourage and support young artists in the arts, music and film industries by annually awarding a prize that has established itself as the most anticipated and prestigious award of its type in Bulgaria. They provide financial, professional and moral support to allow them to accomplish their work by producing and popularising their projects. The uniqueness of the award lies in the fact that it is not strictly linked to a particular art, but covers a wide selection of talented young artists in different fields. You can learn more about the Foundation here.