A Clandestine Visit to The Polo Bar for The Cinema Society Premiere of The King’s Man

The holiday season means lots of things—baking cookies, stringing lights, and spending time with loved ones—but for Andrew Saffir and his Cinema Society loyalists, it means something else altogether; the arrival of at least one big-budget thriller. This year, that honor went to The King’s Man, the Disney-minted period spy action film directed by Matthew Vaughn. Following the world premiere in London, the blockbuster prequel to The Kingsman franchise made its way across the pond for a stateside premiere at The Museum of Modern Art, hosted by some of its leading cast members, including Ralph Fiennes, Harris Dickinson, Rhys Ifans, and Djimon Hounsou, who opted to grace the red carpet in a striking purple, peak lapel tuxedo, fit for a dashing spy. 

Taking queues from the film’s several clandestine locations and stylish equestrian scenes, the post-screening celebration took place at the nearby Polo Bar, which is perhaps known just as well for its decor and delectable fare as it is for its often iron-clad reservations book. “Table for two, sir?” quipped Sophie Sumner to Dale Moss as she commandeered the maître d’ stand. “We have nothing available.” Luckily, Moss found his way through, along with Deborra-Lee Jackman, Pritika Swarup, and Johannes Huebl.

Further hi-jinx ensued as the Ralph Lauren-bedecked eatery set the stage for a memorable evening, full of generous pours of Old Forrester Statesman, plentiful bites in the form of caviar atop fingerling potatoes and Ralph’s corned beef bites, and some attempted thievery of the RL Home sterling silver flatware. Though, unlike the spies in the film, these plans stopped short of execution. Everyone seemed to want to remain on Santa’s nice list.