Tatler community news in June: Binod Chaudhary expands empire with alliance with Marriott International
Each month, we bring you the latest updates and intriguing insights from the inner circles of the Tatler community. Discover who and what is making waves: and stay in the know about everything from impactful community projects and inspiring personal celebrations to groundbreaking new business ventures and cultural happenings. This month, the Social Club Series transforms dining into dancing in partnership with Black Sheep Restaurants' Messina and Peak Pizza. Tatler community member Kay McArdle is honoured with a special award and Binod Chaudhary orchestrates one of India's largest hospitality transactions. Read on to find out more.
The Chaudhary empire expands
Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary has orchestrated one of India's largest hospitality transactions, cementing his position as a global hospitality magnate whilst pioneering a new hotel brand concept. Chaudhary—Nepal's first billionaire and patriarch of the CG Corp Global empire—has sealed a partnership with Marriott International that aims to reshape India's hospitality landscape.
The collaboration centres on the launch of Series by Marriott, a new brand targeting the growing midscale and upscale travel segments. At the heart of this alliance lies the integration of The Fern portfolio, CG Hospitality's eco-sensitive hotel chain, which will contribute up to 84 properties and approximately 6,000 rooms to Marriott's Indian operations—marking one of the largest multi-unit transactions in the country's hospitality sector.
The Fern's brands will benefit from Marriott's sophisticated digital infrastructure and the prestigious Bonvoy loyalty programme, whilst maintaining their distinctive local character and environmental ethos.
The timing is particularly astute, positioning the Chaudhary enterprise at the forefront of India's rapidly expanding middle-class travel market whilst advancing their ambitious Vision 2030 goal of operating 500 Fern properties globally.
Pizza, gelato and beats: Hong Kong’s latest daytime party revolution
Social Club Series hosts their fifth edition on June 21 (Photo: courtesy of Social Club Series)
The global coffee rave phenomenon has officially landed in Hong Kong, and it's serving up something rather more indulgent than your average flat white. Social Club Series is pioneering the city's daytime party scene with their fifth instalment, Crave & Rave, taking place on June 21 inside Black Sheep Restaurant’s Messina gelato shop and Peak Pizza.
Running from 5pm to 8:30pm, the event will offer unlimited pizza and gelato alongside sets from DJs including Smilez, Siangyoo, and Nat Dunn across two stages. One ticket grants access to both venues, transforming the Black Sheep Restaurant group's establishments into unlikely dance floors.
Founded by Isaac Woo of Collab HK, Social Club Series is redefining daytime connections by bringing music to unexpected venues. The movement reflects a broader shift towards conscious socialising—where the high comes from good music, great food and genuine connection. Crave & Rave taps into a burgeoning global trend that's captivating the world. Daytime coffee parties, or "coffee raves," are redefining social experiences worldwide as people seek alternatives to traditional nightlife. Note: This month's Crave & Rave will serve both coffee, as well as cocktails.
Tickets are available on riffspass.com starting June 9
Kay McArdle honoured with MBE for championing legal access in Hong Kong
Tatler extends heartfelt congratulations to community member Kay McArdle, who has been appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in King Charles III's 2025 birthday honours list for her extraordinary contributions to legal access and women's rights in Hong Kong.
The founder and director of Equal Justice, McArdle has dedicated her career to making the legal system accessible to Hong Kong's most vulnerable populations. With an estimated 550,000 disadvantaged people facing legal problems in Hong Kong, her organisation bridges critical knowledge gaps, ensuring that complex legal processes can be understood and navigated by those who need support most.
A qualified lawyer and mediator in both Hong Kong and England & Wales, McArdle has utilised her expertise to empower marginalised communities through legal aid and education. Beyond her work with Equal Justice, she previously served as the first CEO of NGO PathFinders and Board Chair of The Women's Foundation, consistently advocating for systemic change.
The official citation recognises her "services to community legal access and women's rights in Hong Kong" – a testament to her commitment to justice and equality. McArdle's innovative approach to legal accessibility continues to transform thousands of lives, making this royal recognition richly deserved.
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