TRICK OF THE TRADE.  ABLE2 celebrates the New Year with help from a top magician.

The rooms of The Punchbowl pub were ablaze with gasps with disbelief on Saturday evening, and that was even before pundits became aware of the bar prices. The element of surprise congresses around a ready-made VIP area reserved for ABLE2 where we are celebrating our tenth year online, another bash is provisionally planned for April when we reach the big ten 'O' quite literally.

Tonight we have been joined by Julian Charles, co-founder of Mr Ree & Sir Prize, a member of the magic circle since his eighteenth birthday and a very impressive magician.

Of course, we can't let the cat out of the bag, or should we say 'rabbit out of the hat?' and reveal the tricks he performed for us, but let's just say we are still boggled as to where the lemon appeared from!

Although Julian is no stranger to corporate events having casting his magic at prestigious events such as The Olivier Awards and performing in London's West End we think it's safe to say we even surprised him after pulling a trick of our own by making Guy Ritchie appear!

The English screenwriter was having a quiet, sedate meal with his other half, Jacqui Ainsley in his own pub before we invited him over to watch a few tricks. Ritchie was very impressed with Julian's illusions.

“I've got no idea how he does what he does,” he said. “But I liked it a lot.”

If you are having a party or corporate event which needs spicing up we advise you to check out Julian's website below and also give Paul Martin a shout, both magicians will guarantee your event will be a huge success.

It's just a shame neither magician can make the steep prices found at local pubs in Mayfair disappear as well!