Meet the man who turned Richard Branson away from the Roof Gardens

Thu, Jul 12th 2012, 12:38 PM

When Richard Branson turned up at the Roof Gardens 31 years ago, the man on the door turned him away because he was dressed in jeans and scruffy shoes. Later that year Richard Branson bought the club.

The man who turned him away was Alfredo Fernandez. He was on the door again the first time Richard visited the club as its owner – he turned him away again, until somebody whispered in his ear that he was his new boss!

Of course, no grudges were held, and Alfredo has gone on to be one of our most brilliant and loyal employees. He retired last week, and all the staff thanked him for his wonderful service.

In fact, when The Roof Gardens won the Best Live Music Venue at the 2012 London Bar and Club awards, Richard gave the trophy to Alfredo.

Richard said.. "Music is where it all started for Virgin, and we’re proud to still be leading from the front in the industry, from fantastic live events and festivals to online with Virgin Red Room and Virgin Mobile Live. Long may it continue."

By Richard Branson. Founder of Virgin Group


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