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Londoner's Diary: The Londoner makes a date with Tate for Progress 1000 Party

They're in fashion... Vogue Publisher Vanessa Kingori and Vogue Editor Edward Enninful (Getty Images): Getty Images
They're in fashion... Vogue Publisher Vanessa Kingori and Vogue Editor Edward Enninful (Getty Images): Getty Images

The Londoner held court at Tate Modern last night, where The Evening Standard hosted its annual Progress 1000 List, celebrating the city's heroes, communicators, cooks, actors, dancers, thinkers... the list goes on.

As ever, we were amidst the throng with a glass of champagne and a mouthful of chocolate eclair, but found the time to catch up with a glittering array of London's finest including Vogue's Vanessa Kingori and Edward Enninful, DJ Gemma Cairney, MP Diane Abbott, the BBC's Emma Barnett and the British Fashion Council's Caroline Rush.

Heroes make Helen emotional

Comedian Helen Lederer, who won the heart of the nation in the Celebrity Big Brother House, paid tribute to those on the list, especially those who showed their bravery in the wake of this year's terrorist attacks and Grenfell Fire. “So many good and true people,” she said, praising the heroes of the emergency services. "From the man who went back to pay his bar bill, to the fireman who spoke about treating each person as a member of his family. The berry gin tumbler was needed to wash down lump in throat.”

Raising Helen: Helen Lederer (Getty Images)
Raising Helen: Helen Lederer (Getty Images)

Thomasina has Mex Appeal

Wahaca’s Thomasina Miers was one of the many representatives of London's rich culinary scene, and was spotted schmoozing with restaurateur Jeremy King. The beginning of a new food empire? We hope Chris Corbin, King's business partner, isn't the jealous type.

Could Munroe be in Vogue?

Enninful was among the special guests, as was model and activist Munroe Bergdorf, who was resplendent in florals. Could we see her on the cover of Vogue now that Enninful is in charge? “It’s a big ask,” she said. “Vogue should be giving more people a voice.” Fingers crossed.

Flower power: Munroe Bergdorf in Missguided (Getty Images)
Flower power: Munroe Bergdorf in Missguided (Getty Images)

Rachel is a shoo-in for 2018

Cheers to Kay Burley and also Rachel Johnson, one of four of her clan at the party. As Rachel once said: “You are never more than a few feet from a couple of Johnsons.” Sorry not to see Boris at the Progress 1000 party. We hope Rachel will rival him in the politics list next year with a tilt into Lib-Dem politics. Watch this space...

Rachel was backed up by father Stanley and brothers Jo and Leo. Leo shared a tipple with Susie Orbach but he’ll soon be drinking his own brand — the eco-warrior is set to distill his own whisky made with Kilburn’s chestnuts. Hic...

Extra, extra: Rachel Johnson (Getty Images)
Extra, extra: Rachel Johnson (Getty Images)

'Til next year!