It felt a little surreal writing that – ‘The night I rubbed shoulders with celebrities’

Less than two year ago I was made redundant and fell into debt, now I have made a career out of being tight and I’m now being invited to star studded launch parties!

Most of you already know that I started Ashleigh Money Saver originally as a hobby to share bargains I found but I was made redundant due to cut backs in the pharmacy I worked in so I  decided to make a career out of Ashleigh Money Saver instead, now I am so pleased I did!

Not only was I named number 74 in the Telegraph’s top 100 Britons of 2014 and won best new coming North East business, I was personally invited to the star studded launch of The Malmaison’s amazing Chez Mal.

The Malmaison has been a huge part of Newcastle for the past 18 years and the new general manager, Vincent Garrington, is taking it forward for the next generation – and what an amazing job he is doing!

Not only has the hotel just had a refurbishment of all 122 bedrooms and suites, they now have an amazing Brasserie & Craft Beer and Cocktail Bar – Chez Mal.

It is the perfect place for a bite to eat or drink in Newcastle 7 days a week no matter what the occasion. The location is perfect too, overlooking the Millennium Bridge and they will be having midweek promotions on food & drink.

Vince personally invited me to the launch of the very glam Chez Mal, which to be honest left me shocked. I have never been invited to a launch event! I decided to leave the husband at home with the kids and take my Mam so we could have some quality time together.

I had heard there was going to be a number of local celebs there so we were really looking forward to it.

When we arrived there was a red carpet waiting for us and were handed a glass of champagne as we went in. 

The evening entertainment started with Rachel Sweeney signing, I had seen her on Good Morning Britain but I didn’t know she could sing… She was so good and she looked great too.Following Rachel were the resident DJ’s Adam Walker & Chris Shaw who were also very good!

Then I seen the Moffatt family from Gogglebox, I was completely star struck haha! Especially after Scarlett, the daughter had favourited my tweet to her only last week so I decided to go over and tell her this! I got my photo taking with Scarlett and her mam Betty, they were so lovely and everyone wanted to talk to them and also get photos taking. 

I had heard rumours that there was going to be a well known name DJ’ing later on that night so I was looking forward to seeing who it was… Then I seen a little crowd gathering around the DJ booth so I had to go over and have a little nosey…. it was only Mark Wright from TOWIE! I was first in the queue for my photo taking with him and he was lovely and chatted to everyone… He is even better looking in person! (Apologies to my husband if you are reading this) He played all the dance classics from the 90’s which is totally my kind of music – Two can play that game, sure do, dreamer etc you know the kind.

I also seen Sting but I never got a photo opportunity with him 🙁

I had a lovely night meeting local celeb friends, new and old, including Katie Cutler, Pixie Tenenbaum, Liz Jackson, Donna Petch, Peter Grant and PR to the North East stars Claire Barber.

It was such a good night, I had far too much to drink and I am writing this with one lovely hangover but I would do it all again tonight if I could! 

I can see Chez Mal doing really well. It is super stylish, the staff are great and the food is totally out of this world! 

Big shout out to the bar man who danced the whole night and was enjoying himself more than anyone there I think haha, his dance moves were spot on!

So a massive thank you to Vince for my first invitation to an event of its kind, my Mam and I had an amazing night and we can’t wait for the next one!

 All ready to go and time for a quick selfie with the hubby 😉 A cheeky cocktail with my Mam, it would be rude not to as they were so good! Having fun today while making memories for tomorrow 🙂 It’s only Mark Wright ladies and gentlemen! He was gorgeous!

Then I bumped into the moffatts from Gogglebox 🙂 I think the drink had started to take hold as I attempted to take a selfie with the beautiful Katie Cutler 🙂

Another selfie with my Mam, I need to invest in a selfie stick!And there was just enough time for a quick selfie with the talented Donna Petch!