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The ninth edition of the annual event, which was organised in-house by Hearst's UK events team, began with a champagne reception, along with a selection of bowl food including heritage tomato and burrata salad with black olive tuille, basil cress and sherry vinaigrette and a salad of heritage winter carrots, mushroom crumble, onion cream and smoked ricotta.
After guests took their seats, singer Pixie Lott kicked off proceedings with a surprise acoustic performance, followed by a main of fillet of Loch Duart salmon, topped with tomato and brioche crumb, black olive linguini and fennel cream sauce. The vegetarian option was a white onion and fennel risotto with roasted winter squash, Romanesco broccoli and toasted hazelnuts.
The main host, radio and TV presenter Fearne Cotton, then took to the stage to start announcing the winners of the 2014 Ultimate Women of the Year Awards - the nation's real-life women. Highlights included X Factor judge Mel B, who scooped the Ultimate TV Personality award, Davina McCall, who was selected for the Editor's Choice award, and model Abbey Clancy who was named Ultimate Style Icon.
As the sponsor of the event, liquer brand Baileys provided samples of its original and chocolate luxe drink, followed by a dedicated Baileys chocolate dessert bar. This featured handmade chocolate truffles and mini parfait flavoured with Baileys Luxe; Baileys biscotti and orange sprayed gold; a Baileys chocolate fountain served with liqueur-flavoured profiteroles and truffle cake pops; mini Baileys chocolate cheesecake; white chocolate mousse with ginger crumble and chocolate marshmallow tea cakes.
All food was produced by Smart Hospitality on the night.
Other entertainment included live Instagram photobooths from Insta-Printa booths, as well as a goody bag for guests to take home featuring a selection of beauty, food and drink gifts.
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